Arts, Festivals and Events
East London is where the hip and happening art and artists live and work. You can see their work in the multitude of galleries and buy from clothes designers, furniture, textiles, ceramics and photography. For all the latest visit www.hiddenart.co.uk.
For all events in east London take a look at our newly launched events calendar.
Comment Art
Comment Art is the perfect information source for the small hidden-away spaces of contemporary art in east London.
Comment Art publish the quarterly East London Art Map, a free, comprehensive guide that encourages discovery of east London as an exciting place to live, work and visit. Listing over three hundred art galleries, public art installations, studios and art schools. The map is downloadable from www.commentart.com
East London Art Walks
A great opportunity to view several exhibitions in one outing is our programme of art walks. Each weekend, a qualified art professional guide takes visitors around 6 -10 of the most interesting exhibitions within areas such as Shoreditch and Bethnal Green, and will also talk about the history of art in east London. The walk lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Private walks and group rates are available upon request.
Prebooking is advisable at 020 7739 1743 or by emailing artwalks@commentart.com
Contact:
Meeting points: Saturday 3pm @ Contemporary Art Projects, 20 Rivington Street, EC2A 3DU. Tube: Old Street, Exit 3
Sunday 3pm @ VINEspace, 25a Vyner Street, London E2 9DG. Tube: Bethnal Green
T: 020 7739 1743
E: artwalks@commentart.com
W: www.commentart.com
Trinity Buoy Wharf
Trinity Buoy Wharf is located on the North bank of the River Thames. Primarily used in the 1800’s for manufacturing buoys and docking lightships, it is now becoming a thriving place for the arts and cultural enterprise. Trinity Buoy Wharf also houses London’s only lighthouse, designed in 1863 for Michael Faraday, and inventive studio space made from shipping containers. The site is exceptional and has amazing views of the Thames and London from the lighthouse. It is open to the public all year round and there is rehearsal and performance space available. Nearest station DLR: East India.
For more information please call: 020 7515 7153
East Wintergarden
Bank Street, Canary Wharf, E14 5AB
T: 020 7418 2780/2782
F: 020 7512 9117
Contact: Vicky Parr
E: eastwintergarden@canarywharf.com
W: www.eastwintergarden.com
Opened in October 2003, the East Wintergarden is a spectacular glass covered atrium boasting a light and elegant atmosphere accommodating up to 600 guests seated. This unique and stylish venue has already hosted lectures, business and charity receptions, Christmas parties, banquets, cinema-style film screenings and sporting events.
Featuring a 27-metre high arched glass roof structure, the East Wintergarden has 682 square metres of uninterrupted Italian marble floor and steamed beech wooden wall panelling. In addition, the gallery, suspended above the main floor can accommodate up to 120 guests seated. Whether your event is for 50 or 1000, the East Wintergarden provides the solution with flair, expertise and imagination.
Greenwich
For further information on arts and festivals in Greenwich visit www.greenwich.gov.uk or email tic@greenwich.gov.uk
First Thursdays - Late Night Gallery Openings
First Thursdays – Late Night Gallery openings in east London is an exciting new opportunity for late night viewing of some of east London’s top art galleries and museums.
Launched on Thursday 3rd May 2007, First Thursdays opens up some of the most cutting-edge contemporary art galleries and popular museums across east London until 9pm on the First Thursday of every month.
East London is home to thousands of artists and over 160 galleries. First Thursdays is a late night chance to see and invest in art, creating a new social and cultural experience in one of the most vibrant destinations in London.
First Thursdays will also present special events and free exhibition previews together with free specially crated tours. First Thursdays is organised by Whitechapel and Parasol Unit and other participating galleries include: Ancient & Modern, Barbican Art Gallery, Bloomberg Space, Chisenhale, The Drawing Room, Hauser & Wirth Coppermill, Herald Street, Hotel, Kate MacGarry, Matt’s Gallery, Museum in Docklands, Museum of London, Victoria Miro, and Vilma Gold.
Visit www.FirstThursdays.co.uk to download the interactive map, find out about events, itineraries and tour information, together with details on galleries and museums, and sign up for monthly e-newsletters. To get a free pocket-sized First Thursdays East End Art Map go to our contact page.
Events and Festivals
European Christmas Market - November to December
Potters Fields Park on the Southbank, wedged between Tower Bridge and City Hall, plays host to a European Christmas Market this December. The market consists of traders from different European countries, offering arts & crafts, festive gifts and a wide selection of food and drink.
The authentic Bavarian Beer House invites you to sample some regional specialities - try smoked meats and sausages. Taste Schnitzel, Flammkuchen, continental lager or French, Italian and other European wine specialities in the wine and dine area. Manger des Crepes and indulge yourself on traditional Lebkuchen and “Glühwein - mulled wine”. Treat yourself to festive sweets and enjoy the smell of chestnuts roasting.
The event features classical and contemporary festive entertainment from brass and classical ensembles to acoustic artists. Whilst the parents can enjoy the food and drink on site, there are classic entertainments for the youngsters, with kidies rides. 10am - 8pm.
Potters Field Park, SE1
Spitalfields Festival - every December
Every year the Spitalfields Winter Festival helps to brighten up the cold East London winter with a programme of musical events and carol singing, just east of the City. Its home - Nicholas Hawksmoor's resplendent Christ Church Spitalfields - was re-opened in all its original glory in 2004. As well as a working church, it hosts both the Winter Festival and its summer counterpart, the Spitalfields Festival, every June.
Spitalfields Festival unfolds this December with ten days of music in the heart of east London, under the directorship of Diana Burrell. The festival offers both thought-provoking concerts for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of the season and more traditional family events for those wanting to join the festivities.
All concerts £5 or less and many events are free.
Variety of venues in Spitalfields including Christ Church, E1
www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk
Bankside Frost Fair - every December
The annual Bankside Frost Fair is a FREE winter festival that celebrates the history of the area at a time when Londoners took to the ice as the River Thames froze hundreds of years ago. This year we celebrate 400 years since Bankside's first great medieval Frost Fair of 1607–08. The 2007 Bankside Frost Fair will see the return of husky dogs, ice sculptures, a winter market with over 70 quality arts and crafts stalls, a variety of music and entertainment, street theatre, adult and children's participatory workshops, a drinks marquee serving mulled wine and ale and festive food to keep you warm. Highlights include a lantern parade on the Friday and a Traditional Thames Cutters race on the River Thames on Saturday. The Bankside Frost Fair is a great day out for everyone whether you're part of an office Christmas party, having a romantic river stroll, or spending time with friends and family.
From 12pm on 14th December to 6pm on 16th December 2007
Outside Tate Modern/ Shakespeare's Globe, Bankside Riverwalk, London, SE1
www.visitbankside.comMaritime Greenwich Family Fun Day - December
Christmas Family Fun Day at Maritime Greenwich is a great day out for all ages, the exciting festive programme at London’s Christmas Village includes a variety of craft workshops at the Old Royal Naval College and Greenwich Market plus a Winter Wonderland day at the National Maritime Museum’s Queens House. The real outdoor ice rink will be open throughout the day from 10am while in the evening there will be carols by candlelight at St Alfege Church.
- Festive Fun arrives at the Painted Hall in the Old Royal Naval College with Christmas craft workshops for children to create traditional decorations and Christmas cards. All ages will also enjoy the 18th century dance performances by Danse Royale at 1.30, 2.30 and 3.30pm and mince pies and mulled wine will be available all day. www.oldroyalnavalcollege.org.
- A free children’s Christmas card making workshop will take place in the Greenwich Arts and Crafts Market from 11am until 5pm. www.greenwichmarket.net.
- Over at the Queen’s House, part of the National Maritime Museum, there will be a special Winter Wonderland day with seasonal workshops and performances between 11am and 4pm. www.nmm.ac.uk.
- To complete the day there’s a Service of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight starting at 6.30pm followed by mince pies and mulled wine in the church hall at St Alfege Church. www.st-alfege.org.
Maritime Greenwich also has its own currency, Mince Pounds, during the festive season. Every time visitors spend £10 in a local shop or market displaying a Mince Pound sign, they will receive one Mince Pound, which can be put towards either tickets to the Dick Whittington pantomime, skating at the ice rink or a visit to the new Peter Harrison Planetarium.
Ice Skating at the Tower of London, Greenwich and Canary Wharf - every Winter
Each Winter, the Tower of London hosts a magnificent ice rink in the moat beneath the north wall. Enjoy a seasonal skate with a spectacular backdrop and combine it with a visit to this historic monument.
HM Tower of London, London, EC3N
The Canary Wharf Ice Rink is each year set in Canada Square Park amongst the famous towers in Canary Wharf. Bring the family or your date to skate the night away. You can also book skating lessons to ensure you look your best on the ice.
Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf, London, E14
Families are also invited to get their skates on at the riverside open air ice rink in the grounds of Old Royal Naval College open from 10am until 10pm. This year the CaféIce, serving hot chocolate, mulled wine and mince pies, will be re-sited in the colonnades giving skaters uninterrupted views across the Thames to Canary Wharf in one direction and Queen’s House and the Royal Observatory in the other.
The one-hour sessions will be priced at £9.50 for adults, £7 for children under 16; £8 for concessions and £28 for a family ticket (one adult and three children or two adults and two children). Discounts for Greenwich card holders.
Greenwich Ice Rink at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9LW
Chinese New Year in East London - every January/February
Welcome in the year of the next zodiac animal in east London, with plenty of fun family as well as quirky events going on in Canary Wharf, Lewisham, Greenwich and the Museum of London and Museum in Docklands. Expect films, dancing, firecrackers and more!
Alternative Fashion Week, Spitalfields Market - every March
London's Swatch Alternative Fashion Week brings out the lost original and creative collections and is THE event for new designers to be discovered. Come to see the latest in cutting edge fashion! As well as shopping in the exclusive fashion market, visitors can watch the fashion show each day for free.
Spitalfields Traders Market and Crispin Place, Brushfield Street
www.alternativearts.co.uk
East End Film Festival - every April
The East End Film Festival embraces east London's unique diversity with eight extraordinary days of films and fun, overflowing with a host of international features, shorts, workshops, special events and parties: featuring fashion, music, visual arts, performance, comedy and heritage. The week long festival is a fantastic celebration of local, national and international films reflecting the dynamic creativity and cultural diversity of east London and will appeal to audiences across the capital.
Films show at venues across East London: Rich Mix, Bethnal Green; Genesis, Mile End; Rio, Dalston; Cineworld, West India Quay.
Flora London Marathon - every April
The 26.2 miles from Blackheath to The Mall is a journey through one of the greatest capital cities in the world. For most runners it is the spectators and entertainers around the London Marathon course that help to keep them on the move. Crowds of around 1.5 million local residents and visitors line the streets, offering shouts of encouragement and congratulations to over 46,000 runners. Pubs on the route link up with charities to provide their own entertainment for spectators and runners alike. The festival atmosphere is added to by an array of bands and street entertainers - the Race offers something for everyone, young and old, running or not running - it is a 26.2 mile long street party!
Brick Lane Baishaki Mela - every May
Established as the premier Bengali celebration outside of Bangladesh, the Baishaki Mela brings together the very best of Bengali arts, music and culture to Brick Lane ‘Banglatown’ and attracts over 80,000 visitors each year.
Each year there is a spectacular line-up for locals, families and visitors who are invited to come and enjoy a full programme of festive celebrations. Brick Lane is pedestrianised throughout the day and transformed into a bustling market place with over 45 curry houses spilling out on to the pavement offering curry alfresco alongside 100’s of stalls giving a taste of Bangladesh through diverse merchandise such as handicrafts and traditional Bangladeshi fashion. In addition, exhibitions, poetry, street performance, drama, stilt walkers, face painting, Henna painting (mehendi) and much more offer something for everyone.
Made in Deptford Festival - every May
This hugely successful festival gives Deptford people a chance 
to showcase their many talents and brings together all that is best and diverse about Deptford. Already enjoying its recent Best UK High Street for Shopping accolade, the 'Made in Deptford' festival provides further reason to choose Deptford as a place to extend the experience of London beyond W1. The creative themes of art, food, dance and heritage offer locals and visitors alike the chance to discover the hidden depths and diversity of Deptford. Local participation is at the absolute heart of the project, helping to raise the profile of existing businesses, activities and organisations within the area.
For further information visit www.madeindeptford.com
Lewisham Walking Festival - every May
Step out, have fun and get fit - each year for 2 weeks in May, the streets and parks of Lewisham come alive with hundreds of people walking around the borough during the annual Walking Festival. The Lewisham Walking Forum organises free guided walks, publicity and events to encourage people to discover the borough's remarkable sights and interesting places, from Downham to Deptford, Blackheath to Bellingham, and all points in between.
Paradise Gardens - every May
See Victoria Park magically transformed into a modern day pleasure garden for a weekend packed full of events and entertainment in the heart of the East End! Each May the Paradise Gardens Festival explodes into life boasting off the wall street theatre and awesome outdoor spectacle, open air music stages, the best in urban dance performance, Circus Performances, Specialist Food from around the world, Craft Markets, Spectacular Fireworks, and much much more...
Victoria Park, Grove Road, London E3
www.paradisegardens.org.uk
Brockley Max Festival - every June
Each year, the Brockley Max festival offers music, film, theatre and poetry events throughout the week, along with art workshops and exhibitions, plus the ever-popular children’s day “Art in the Park”. The festival is a community event, run by local residents on a non-profit basis. Most of the events are free.
As with New Cross, Brockley is home to a young, vibrant and creative population. It has a particularly strong artist community, many having studied at Goldsmiths and Camberwell arts schools and attracted by the imposing Victorian properties as inspiring spaces to live and work.
Motorexpo at Canary Wharf - every June
The UK's premier motor show, builds on the success of its heritage and every year, Canary Wharf provides the ideal setting for over 40 of the world's leading motor manufacturers to exhibit over 200 cars & motorbikes around Canary Wharf. Come and see the show for free!
Greenwich Alive Festival - every June
Greenwich Alive is a multi-arts programme of events that celebrates the contemporary and classical mix of Greenwich. Includes concerts, plays, films, talks, dance, art exhibitions and special events.
Various venues in Greenwich, SE10
Greenwich and Docklands International Festival - every June
Every June, Greenwich and Docklands International Festival offers residents and visitors a spectacular weekend of ravishing outdoor performance across Greenwich and east London.
Events are always free, expressing east London’s unique cultural vitality in dynamic new ways and promising an unforgettable birthday party. Each festival provides a whirlwind of opportunity to see the best of international outdoor performance as well as pioneering new work created by UK artists.
www.festival.org
Spitalfields Festival - every June
Every June, Spitalfields Festival brings alive a host of east London venues with classical music, cutting-edge contemporary sounds, jazz, samba and Bangladeshi music. Whether you experience a concert in the evocative atmosphere of Wilton’s Music Hall, the splendour of Christ Church or the more intimate surroundings of Shoreditch Church; whether you stumble across an event in Spitalfields Market or the London Chest Hospital; you are sure to find something to move, entertain or inspire you.
In the heart of east London, Spitalfields is an area of constant change, with a wealth of history and diversity, and surprises around every corner; where 18th century architecture meets 21st century living; where east meets west. Spitalfields Festival is one of a kind: more than a music festival, more than a community programme.
All concerts £5 or less and many events are free.
Variety of venues in Spitalfields including Christ Church, E1
www.spitalfieldsfestival.org.uk
More Movies at The Scoop - every June
Discover London’s riverside open-air amphitheatre each summer, and enjoy free film screenings late into the evening.
No need to book, no tickets required, just turn up and take a seat by 9.15pm.
The Scoop, More London, SE1
Canary Wharf Summer Series - every summer
The Canary Wharf Summer Series sponsored by Credit Suisse comes alive with a jam packed programme of top notch viewing which will have you glued to the screen in Canada Square Park every Summer with each year’s annual sports calendar, BBC entertainment and interactive games all on the huge Canada Square Park screen there is something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the highlights of a Canary Wharf summer is the BP Summer Big Screen series which sees performances beamed live from the stage at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden to a large screen in Canada Square Park.
Canada Square Park, Canary Wharf E14
The City of London Festival - every June and July
Since its inauguration in 1962, it has provided a regular summer feast of music and the arts within not only the Square Mile’s unique and remarkable collection of buildings – both ancient and modern – but also the squares, gardens and other open spaces – both familiar and lesser known. Each year the festival offers a wide-ranging and eclectic programme: music of various kinds, drama and poetry, installations and exhibitions of visual arts, film screenings, architecture walks and talks.
The Square Mile, London
The Tower Music Festival - every June and July
A truly magnificent outdoor musical event which sees top billing artists from the world of pop, soul and jazz play against the famous and familiar backdrop of the Tower of London. The audience has the opportunity of picnicking on the lawns of the Moat, before enjoying a spectacular evening of music on this prominent London landmark.
With Tower Music Festival tickets you’ll be able to see some fantastic bands and musicians as they take the stage at one of the summer’s hottest festivals.
The Tower of London, Tower Hill
www.towermusicfestival.co.uk
London City Airport Fun Day - every July
Each year, London City Airport host a fun and free event for local residents and visitors, including culinary stalls, games and rides and plenty of activities that are fun for all the family!
London City Airport, Royal Docks, London, E16 2PB
More Music at The Scoop - every July
Each July get closer to some of your favourite musicians at one of the Scoop’s friendly free concerts during More Music. With a variety of music from gospel to Latin, rock to pop, big band to R&B, and jazz to funk, there will be something to tempt all tastes and the odd well-known name appearing on the line-up. Bring some friends and a picnic and enjoy some spine-tingling music for free in the relaxed riverside atmosphere.
No need to book, no tickets required, just turn up and enjoy the music.Timings - Lunchtime 12.30pm - 2pm. Evening 6.30pm - 9.30pm.
The Scoop, More London, SE1
www.morelondon.com/scoop
Hackney Spice Festival - every July
For two hot weeks the Hackney Empire and it's four venues, plus the Town Hall Square throws itself open to the cut and trust of the vibrant local life. The festival features a bubbling pot of talent, creativity and innovation. The Spice Festival features some of Hackney's greatest acts and shows and with over 60 events over the two weeks there is something for everyone.
Hackney Empire, 291 Mare Street , London, E8 1EJ and surrounding venues
Discover Another Side of London - every August
Discover what all the fuss is about at this spectacular, family-fun event, run by TourEast London and supported by the London Development Agency.
Each year, there are a series of free fun events including free prize draws, face painting, storytelling, tasting sessions, arts and crafts workshops, quizzes and plenty of giveaways. We also offer a range of free tours including Greenwich and east London tours, art tours in Hoxton and Shoreditch and free movie tours, to tempt visitors and locals to explore and experience east London for themselves. 
Finally, the event offers visitors and local residents the chance to talk to the TourEast London team who have insiders' knowledge on what’s hot and what’s not each summer.
For further information contact: info@visiteastlondon.co.uk
Shoreditch Festival - every August
Organised by the Shoreditch Trust, this Festival celebrates a packed programme throughout two weeks in August. Parks, gardens, streets, historical buildings and extraordinary venues open up in Shoreditch to showcase the work of contemporary artists, performers and entertainers with a mix of small and large events including live music, theatre, dance, visual arts, performance and plenty of children's events.
Shoreditch Park, Shoreditch High Street and surrounding areas
More Theatre at The Scoop - every August
The More London Free Festival finishes with six weeks of free theatre. As with the Free Film Festival in June and the Free Music Festival in July, there is no need to book. Space is allocated on a first come first served basis. Please remember that many of the events reach capacity so early arrival is recommended.
The Scoop, More London, SE1
www.morelondon.com/scoop
Brick Lane Food and Music Festival - every September
Each September, London’s most famous Lane hosts the most happening event on east London’s calendar. More than 60,000 visitors descend upon London’s Brick Lane for the highly acclaimed global mix of music, food, history and culture that make up the Brick Lane Festival. Hailed as one of the biggest and most exciting cross cultural street parties, the Brick Lane festival is not to be missed! The Brick Lane Festival also marks the first day of Banglatown's International Curry Week, with chefs flying in from the sub-continent.
Brick Lane/Hanbury Street and Allen Gardens, London E1
Visit www.lbthartsandevents.info
Oyster & Seafood Fair - every September
September isn't just the start of the native oyster season in the UK - it's also time for London's annual Oyster and Seafood Fair in Hay's Galleria - the ultimate event for foodies who love their fish.
Arrive at Hay’s Galleria with an appetite and sample an overwhelming variety of fresh fish supplied by some of the country’s finest fishmongers and cooked in front of you by a team of top chefs. Feast on fresh fish of all kinds, from oysters washed down with a glass of Guinness or Pimms, to delicacies from further afield. The fair also offers the opportunity to learn how to prepare the ultimate fish dish at home, with demonstrations by experts from the National Federation of Fishmongers and The Seafish Industry Authority. For non-foodies there is street entertainment, shopping, and live music.
Event Location: Hay's Galleria, Tooley Street, London SE1
Contact Details: Tel 020 7940 7770
The Great River Race - every September
More than 275 traditional rowed and paddled craft powered by 2,000 out-and-out-racers and recreational boaters take part in the annual 22-mile Thames ‘marathon’ from Richmond to Greenwich.
The Race was inspired by a 1987 event when the Watermen’s Company rowed its shallop barge from Hampton Court to the Tower of London’s Traitor’s Gate. Since its inception the following year, The Great River Race has grown to become the biggest and most prestigious event of its kind in Europe.
Location: Along the River Thames
Canary Wharf Film Festival - every September
The Canary Wharf Film Festival (CWFF) is an arts event celebrating commerce and creativity. Based in the heart of London’s new financial heart, the Festival offers a sophisticated and complimentary programme of feature-length and short films, documentary and animation.
Canary Wharf is renowned for world-class business practice and commercial prestige. One of the aims in this film festival for the area is to cultivate new relationships with creative organisations, helping to foster a cultural dimension to the area and it’s identity.
Cineworld, West India Quay, London E14
www.cwff.org.uk
Deptford Design Festival - every September
This festival presents the cream of Lewisham and Greenwich design with open studios, events, exhibitions and activities every September, showcasing cutting-edge design and Deptford’s impressive portfolio of local talent. Based around the buzzing streets of Creekside, in the heart of SE8, Deptford Design provides an exciting opportunity to see behind the scenes of a diverse mixture of established and new designers. Cockpit Arts opens the doors to designer-makers’ work spaces between 11am and 6pm.
Deptford Design is the perfect time to start exploring the wealth of creativity that Deptford has to offer. As one of London’s most dynamic and diverse areas, Deptford is a designer’s dream.
Various venues in Deptford, SE8
London Open House Weekend - every September
Across London 600 contemporary and historical architecturally significant (and often private) buildings open their doors each year to the public, offering direct experience of London's built environment in a celebration of design excellence through tours.
A great opportunity to check out the huge range of open houses in east London.
The Mayor's Thames Festival - every September
Since its launch in 1997, the Thames Festival has grown to become the capital’s largest free, open-air arts festival, with over 470,000 people attending last year. Throughout the festival, the river at the heart of London is studded with events including the best in street arts, pyrotechnics, illuminations, art installations, river events, street theatre, massed choirs, circus and music. It culminates on Sunday night with a spectacular Night Carnival combining masquerade, dance, music and fantastic costumes. Don't miss the fireworks between Waterloo and Blackfriars Bridges.
Event Location: The riverside between Tower Bridge and Westminster Bridge
Green Chain Walking Festival - every September
Highlights of each year's programmes include a 21-mile walk from Crystal Palace to Erith to celebrate the 30th birthday of the Green Chain, walks through Sydenham Hill Woods to highlight the extension of the Green Chain through Lewisham into Southwark, an evening stroll around Crossness Nature Reserve in Thamesmead, and guided tours around Chislehurst and Plumstead Commons.
The Green Chain runs from Crystal Palace in the west to Erith in the east, and from the Thames Barrier south to Chislehurst. It has 40 miles of signposted footpaths linking 300 open spaces, including meadows, parks and ancient woodlands. It covers the south east boroughs of Bexley, Bromley, Lewisham and Greenwich.
Spitalfields Show & Green Fair - each September
This festival is a FREE open air event which celebrates cultural diversity and the Spitalfields Green Quarter . The festival features the annual Horticultural Show displaying fruit, flowers and vegetables, home-made produce and handicrafts plus a whole range of stalls run by groups and organisations with Fair Trade goods, healthy food, healing therapies and projects raising environmental awareness.
Allen Gardens Buxton Street E1 (off Brick Lane)
and Spitalfields City Farm Weaver Street E1
Canary Wharf Jazz Festival - each September
Since 2000 Canary Wharf has consistently featured jazz as part of its successful 'After Hours' series. The Canary Wharf Jazz Festival is solely dedicated to this innovative musical genre, featuring the most cutting edge UK jazz today. This festival aims to provide a platform for the most promising up and coming jazz musicians - the rising stars who will be regulars on the jazz scene for years to come.
Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf E14
Spitalfields Live Festival - every September
Two fun-filled days in the heart of Spitalfields!
• Music and dance performances
• Live fashion shows featuring the best of Spitalfields fashion boutiques
• Fashion markets with carefully selected stalls of ethical, vintage and contemporary fashion plus up and coming designers
• Free kid’s entertainment
• A traditional Italian autumn market
• Delicious hot street food and quality food produce from a host of market traders to eat or take home
• Stunning art installations in Bishops Square and Market Street
Crispin Place (fully covered) and Bishops Square off Brushfield Street, E1
Visit www.spitalfields.co.uk for full festival programme details
Riverfront Jazz Festival - every September
Each September the ten-day Riverfront Jazz Festival offers every style of jazz played in a selection of local venues. Established in 1985, Riverfront Jazz has become one of the most popular and enduring events in the Greenwich calendar.
Car Free Day - every September
Greenwich's annual Car Free Day will be setting the streets alive with activity again. From 1pm till 5pm you will be able to take a car-free walk through the Town Centre and see Greenwich at its best. You will also find energising performances, stalls and displays around every corner.
Catch street dance, samba, jive and ballet performances throughout the afternoon, and get your groove on in our have-a-go dance area where you can try out Cuban, Soca and Hip Hop moves.
www.greenwich.gov.uk
Bonfire Night in East London - every November
A selection of London Fireworks Displays take place throughout east London each November to mark the occasion in traditional style.
The Blackheath fireworks display is one of the most anticipated London fireworks displays each year, bringing colour and light to the skies of Lewisham in a truly dazzling display of fireworks. Visitors to Blackheath can expect something special in one of London’s most famous fireworks display events.
Blackheath Common, Blackheath, SE3
www.lewisham.gov.uk/NewsAndEvents
The Victoria Park fireworks display promises something special each year, featuring a presentation of unique pyrotechnic brilliance. Visitors to Victoria Park can enjoy a truly unique firework even with food for sale as well as a funfair park, so even if the big bangs aren't your bag there is always plenty to keep you entertained.
Victoria Park, Grove Road entrance, E3