BRINGING OUR COMMUNITY TOGETHER
Welcome to the German YMCA in London
Our vision is of a loving, supportive community in which everyone can develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit.
Inspired by Christian values but inclusive in our reach, for over 160 years we have worked in
Central London to benefit our community and transform people’s lives.
In its central location, close to Lancaster Gate on the north side of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens,
the German YMCA offers a variety of cultural and leisure activities, advice, support and help for the
German-speaking community, their international friends and the local community.
To keep up to date with our news, please sign up to our Newsletter.
Our German language and culture classes for every level are a good way to learn a new language and socialise.
We offer a wide range of music activities and concerts to our members and their friends and families.
In cooperation with our partner organisation, we offer a volunteer programme for young people from Germany and Poland.
Our Programme - October 2026
Thu 01/10
12:30
German YMCA Oktoberfest 2026
Put on your Lederhosen and Dirndl dresses and join us for an afternoon filled with Bavarian cheer, German delicacies, and live entertainment from the Bierkeller Boys. Tickets are £15.
Book now: info@german-ymca.org.uk or 020 4618 3103
Wed 07/10
Peter’s Music Talk - The Pursuit of Sweet Harmony
Composer and musician Rosemary Broadbent explores Ralph Vaughan Williams's Serenade to Music. The talk traces the piece's background, its music, and its Shakespearean text, journeying from 16th-century London to Venice.
14:00
German YMCA Out & About - Jewish London Walk
Join us on a walking tour through the East End's rich Jewish heritage. We'll visit synagogues, landmarks and statues, and explore the streets and stories that shaped this area.
Tickets £5 at info@german-ymca.org.uk or 020 4618 3103
Thu 08/10
14:00
Wed 14/10
14:00
Wed 14/10
19:00
Thu 15/10
14:00
Wed 21/10
14:00
Art Adventures - India: The Beauty of Mehndi
Learn about the traditional art of Indian Mehndi, the practice of decorating skin for festivals and celebrations as a symbol of good fortune. Create your own design on skin or paper to take home. No art experience needed - all materials provided.
Thu 22/10
19:00
Peter’s Music Documentary - Being Beethoven II
Watch the second episode of this series as Beethoven embarks on a new creative path and attempts to find love. But, as is often the case, the composer's life appears to be following a very different trajectory to his art.
Wed 28/10
14:00
German YMCA Concert - Émigré Cabaret
Presented by Norbert Meyn and Christopher Gould, Émigré Cabaret tells the moving and entertaining story of World War II refugees from Nazi Europe and their contribution to music in Britain.
Tickets £5 include a welcome drink at info@german-ymca.org.uk
Peter's Music - Film Afternoon: The Stork Club
A hat-check girl rescues a drowning man who secretly rewards her with money, an apartment and store credit. Her boyfriend's return from abroad leads to misunderstandings about her newfound wealth. A lively blend of romance and mistaken identity starring Betty Hutton.
Peter's Music Live - Masako Kamikawa on the Piano
Join us for an afternoon with Masako Kamikawa, performing works by Bach, Bartók, Liszt and Franck. Born in Japan and based in Hamburg, Masako trained under Peter Feuchtwanger and brings a rich musical sensibility to this varied programme.
Admission free - Donations welcome.
Thu 29/10
14:00
Body, Mind & Spirit - Chair Yoga for Mobility
This chair yoga class, offered by Live Karma Yoga, makes yoga accessible for everyone, using a chair for support while gently improving flexibility, strength, balance, and mobility.
Dates for your Diary
Schubert Song Prize 2026
Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 14:00
Masterclass with Roderick Williams
Lancaster Hall Hotel / Lancaster Hall
German YMCA Out & About
Thursday, 5 November 2026, 14:00
Group Outing to Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace / Kensington Gardens
German YMCA Lantern Walk 2026
Friday, 13 November 2026, 17:00
St. Martin Lantern Walk for Families
Lancaster Hall Hotel / Lobby
German YMCA Concert Series
Thursday, 19 November 2026, 19:00
Beatrice Nicholas / Classical Swing
Lancaster Hall Hotel / Lancaster Hall
Art Adventures
Thursday, 26 November 2026, 14:00
Indian Folk Art / Hand Block Printing
Lancaster Hall Hotel / Brothers Room
German YMCA Christmas Fair 2026
Saturday, 5 December 2026, 13:00
Christmas Fair with Food & Market Stalls
Lancaster Hall Hotel / All Rooms
Our Partner Charities & Causes
