St Martin in the Fields Afternoon Concerts

My wife and I went to two concerts at St. Martin-in-the-Fields in 2002. Wonderful music and outstanding acoustics! The church has been refurbished since then. I'd go back in a heartbeat!

I have barely listened to anything but classical music and opera since attending a concert of Vivaldi's Four Seasons and Bach's Brandenburg Concerti at St. Martin's in 1998. It truly was a life-changing event! The dress, as I recall, was less formal than for a larger symphony concert. Anything but shorts and flip-flops are probably appropriate.

I am going to Piggy-back on this post.

St. Martin's is also on our plan for London. Although we are doing our own version of the Blitz, hitting just a few high points for the 48 hours we have in London, St. Martin's location puts it in line for some off the feet time, a concert, and a church, all in one stop. Along with possibly having lunch.

My question, how early should one arrive for decent seating? I do not want to arrive and find out we should have been there 15 minutes earlier. Also, how long do these afternoon concerts usually last? Can you leave discretely if necessary during the concert? Are day packs ok, or do you have to pay to check them?

And, before anyone comments about such a short time in London, yes it is short, but we have narrowed our must sees, organized by district, ensured we back track as little as possible, and besides, we don't want to spend everything in London, which could easily be done with with London Prices and a week dollar.

Thanks in advance for your input.
Kevin

I was wearing my normal travel clothes, dockers, button up shirt, light rain/wind jacket and walking shoes. As I recall not only was I adequately dressed but I was surprised how many people were much more casual than I.

Here's a quote from www.st-martin-in-the-fields.org:

"Doors open at 12.30pm for a 1.00pm start. Lunchtimes normally take place on Monday, Tuesday and Friday. All our lunchtime concerts are free of charge – a suggested donation of £3.50 goes towards the work of St Martin’s."

The food in the Cafe in the Crypt is delicious and reasonably priced.

And you can follow the concert with tea and scones on the crypt. There is a museum-type shop in the crypt which sells some unusual and attractive items. And once in this Trafalgar area, there are museums and theatres (even Buckingham Palace) in walking distance of the church.