CULTURE
The Islander Festival Summer Fete comes to the Island this July
Enjoy all the fun of the fair at The Islander Summer Fete on Saturday 23 July – book your tickets today!
Last year saw the inaugural Islander Festival take over London City Island during summer 2021. Now, as the days get brighter, and with socialising firmly back on the cards, we are delighted to welcome a second helping in summer 2022!
The Islander Festival 2022 will return for one day only in the form of a traditional summer fête on Saturday 23 July. Although community festivals in Britain date back to mediaeval times, the village fête as we know and love it – with its traditional games and vendors – came to prominence in the country in the 1920s. Although it declined in popularity in the ’70s and ’80s after its heyday in the ’50s, the traditional fête has made a major comeback as people are increasingly keen to show support for their local communities.
London City Island’s take on the traditional fête will reflect these values. Expect a day chock-full of quintessentially British activities, including kids’ face painting and races, balloon modelling and lawn games, as well as live music, exhibitions and fitness classes – all served with a side of tasty street food and drinks. As always, the local community will be at the heart of the festival, which will take place on and around Hopewell Square, as the Festival showcases a range of independent businesses and creative individuals who call London City Island home. Here’s an overview of some of the highlights to look forward to:
- Hum Yoga presents alfresco yoga classes
- Live music performances and DJ sets
- Gymboree presents kids’ music and craft sessions
- Sharky & George entertainers
- Outdoor games
- Soda & Friends cocktail making classes
- Fitness classes and wellness workshops
- Art exhibitions
- Open house at English National Ballet
- A summer barbecue and all day brunch from The Lockdown Room
And so much more to be revealed! Stay tuned for more details coming very soon.
Workshops will run 9am – 5pm and the festival site will be open 11am – 7.30pm. To register your interest, click here. For all the latest information on London City Island events and businesses, please follow @londoncityislandlife
Workshops at The Islander Festival
Find out more about The Islander workshops below and book your place by clicking here.
Strength Classes and Conditioning Classes
Fortitude will be hosting 45 minute sessions across the day, both indoors and outdoors. These strengthening and conditioning classes will include teaching you how to squat and deadlift, with a number of exciting challenges taking place across the day too.
Classes are to be booked, but challenges are open to everyone!
Prices: Free Event
Times: 9AM, 10AM, 11AM, 12PM, 1PM (45 minute sessions every hour)
HUM Yoga Class
Start your day mindfully with an inclusive, beginner-friendly yoga class led by Hum Yoga. This outdoor class will take place at the heart of the festival and celebrate the summer sun by nourishing body and mind. Limited spaces available and guests will need to bring their own mat.
Prices: Free event
Timings: 10AM
Wabi-sabi your life with Ceramic Art
In a world that is riddled with high-stress levels, fast-paced living and unrealistic pursuits of perfection, this ancient Japanese way of life that can be just what we need right now. Wabi-sabi is an ancient aesthetic philosophy rooted in Zen Buddhism, particularly the tea ceremony, in which bowls that were handmade and irregularly shaped were prized by the Zen masters for their deliberate imperfection. So come make something beautifully imperfect with Melloh Wellness.
Prices: £42.00. Ticket price includes all materials, tools and a box of our signature herbal blend.
Times: 10AM, 12PM (90 Minute Workshop)
Architectural Photography Workshop
An introduction to architectural photography: learn both Theory and Practice with London Lighthouse Gallery and Studio! The interactive workshop will end with a review and feedback of images taken during the walk, and Q&A from participants.
Prices: £96.00
Time: 10:30AM – 2:30PM (4 Hours)
The gallery will also host an all day open day – “Meet the artist & Maker Event” from 10AM – 6PM. Join London Lighthouse Gallery for a meet and chat with Ceramic Artist/Maker Marcella Renna and hear all about her process and her transition from Solicitor to Ceramic Artist. You can also see the product range and enjoy the chance to buy at a discount for one day only.
Kids Activities with Sharky and George
Interactive fun and games with children’s party and play experts Sharky & George! The team will run brilliant crowd pleasers for 4-13 year olds such as Sharky’s Footsteps, parachute games, tug-o-war and their fabulous water balloon catapult.
Prices: Free event
Timings: 11AM – 1PM
Mulryan Centre for Dance Tour
Visit the Mulryan Centre for Dance for a rare insight into this state-of-the-art building, home to English National Ballet. Peek through the viewing galleries into the custom-made dance studios and be inspired as you step into the expansive Holloway Production Studio, big as a large theatre stage, with the tour ending with ”Catching Colour”, a short film about art and culture on London City Island!
Prices: Free event (15 -20 Minutes)
Timings: 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM and 3PM (Guests are advised to arrive at the Mulryan Centre for Dance fifteen minutes in advance of the tour’s departure).
Learn to Pattern Make
Learn to pattern make a basic block to fit your measurements with Couchman Bespoke! This 2.5 hour session involves making a bodice fit block on paper and may include a sleeve if time. Ability to complete this depends on the quickness in completing the paper fit block. The fit block will be explained, as well as showing you how to manipulate the bodice for different garment styles. A fit block is made to your base body shape, and age above 12 and all genders are welcome.
Prices: £40.00 Adult | £25.00 Child
Times: 11AM – 1:30PM (2.5 Hours)
Learn to Hand Sew a Hem and Buttons
In this class you will learn how to re-sew a hem, a button and some hand sewing repair skills. This class is for all ages and abilities, and will be a group class. You will be in safe hands learning from, Claire, The Ethical Tailor with 4 years of teaching experience behind her in sewing skills. These classes with Couchman Bespoke also give back when bought, giving to a project helping people with learning difficulties gain cooking skills in the UK.
Prices: £20.00 Adults | £10 Child
Times: 2PM – 3.15PM, 3.45PM – 5PM (1 Hour 15 Minutes)
Gymboree Play & Music Fun
Music, singing, playing instruments and outdoor bubbles with Gymbo the clown! A fun, interactive and engaging workshop for children from 6m to 4 years to enjoy with a participating parent/carer.
Children love to experiment with ways to play musical instruments, accompany a song with rhythm, and act out lyrics through movements using both gross motor and fine motor skills. Children know so much about music and are at the beginning stages of being able to express themselves musically!
Prices: Free Event. 12 tickets available (each ticket is for 1 adult and 1 child; children must be accompanied by an adult)
Timings: 12PM, 1PM, 2PM (30 minute sessions)
“Meet the Maker” Artist Talk and Product Showcase with Marcella Renna
As part of The Islander Festival, London Lighthouse Gallery will be showcasing female creative and business entrepreneur Marcella Renna’s life and work with an exclusive artist talk. You will have the chance to meet Marcella and listen to her story, as she recounts her journey from solicitor to maker and artist.
A wide range of Marcella’s products will be on display, with an exclusive discount on all products for one day only. Each piece is handmade, and hand painted by Marcella.
To find out more about Marcella’s work head over to her website and Instagram.
Prices: Free
Timings: All day, from 11AM
Please note, the first talk will run from 11AM – 11.30AM, however talks will run several times throughout the day. Pop into London Lighthouse Gallery for up-to-date talk timings.
Cocktail Masterclass with Soda & Friends
An interactive insight into the mechanics of mixed drinks, from Highballs to Martinis!
Price: £20.00
Timings: 12PM, 1:30PM, 3PM (60-90 Minutes)
The Evolution of Ent-: QX at arebyte Gallery
arebyte Gallery presents The Evolution of Ent-: QX, an exhibition by artist and quantum physicist Libby Heaney. The exhibition is centered around an immersive experience that probes the many futures of powerful new quantum computing systems.
Prices: Free
Timings: 1PM – 6PM
