CITY SAFARI - London & Partners

5 CITY OF LONDON FESTIVALThis major three-week festival kicksoff on 26 Jun and encompassesmusic, dance, talks, tours, film andart events suitable for every age.With an emphasis on classicaland contemporary music concerts,this year’s happenings celebrateAustralasian culture. Highlightsinclude performance from worldrenownedAustralian guitarist JohnWilliams, and Dusk Chorus – asoundscape of Australian birdsongin The Guildhall’s yard. Other eventsand attractions include an OceanicArt exhibition at the nearby OctoberGallery and street pianos in 30locations. Free and ticketed events(☎ 08451 207 502. colf.org).6 HOLLOWAY ARTS FESTIVALMusic, dance, comedy, theatre andpoetry events celebrate the creativeessence of this north London enclavefrom 8-17 Jun. Expect up-andcomingbands, talks with famousnovelists, local history, poetry andstand-up comedy. Holloway’s MaytonStreet welcomes a colourful parade,crafts and sign language workshopson 11 Jun, while the flagship event,Big Day Out (12 Jun), features livemusic, art classes, film screeningsand performers in Whittington Park.Free and ticketed events( hollowayartsfestival.co.uk).7 CREATE 11Expect an artistic twist to thisfestival as it showcases local,creative talent in the Olympic HostBoroughs of east and south eastLondon – where more than 12,000London artists live andwork. Design, film, musicand theatre events willtake place 24 Jun-25 Jul,with a range of outdoorspaces and iconic venuestaking part – includingthe Hackney Empire,Wilton’s Music Hall andthe Barbican Centre.Headline eventsinclude Portavilion’sfabulous floating cinemaand Blaze, a programmeof international music.Free and ticketed events.Create 11, p. 57.refugee communities in the UK, withmusic, dance and spoken word. Heldon 19 Jun across three stages inand around Bernie Spain Gardens onthe South Bank, children’s activitiesalso feature. Highlights includea performance by Sierra Leone’sRefugee All Stars and award-winningnovelist Partrick Neate. Free (☎ 0207021 1686. coinstreet.org).9 PRIDE FESTIVAL FORTNIGHTIn the run-up to the fabulous PrideParade in July, two weeks of uniqueevents take place to raise awarenessof the lesbian, gay, bisexual andtransgender communities in Londonand across the world. From 18 Jun,various locations across London willhost an array of entertainments, frommusic, theatre and dance to comedy,art, sports and fashion. Free andticketed events ( pridelondon.org/festivalfortnight).!0 GREENWICH + DOCKLANDSINTERNATIONAL FESTIVALThis spectacular festival recreatesthe theatrical aspects of the ancientGreenwich Fair, which was closeddown 150 years ago, due to ‘unrulybehaviour’. This time around youcan expect street theatre andoutdoor dance shows. From 24 Junfor eight days, various locationsin Greenwich welcome incredibletheatre productions including alife-sized Punch and Judy show, anoutdoor aquarium, circus acts andmore, while the nearby Docklandscome to life with a lively programmeof contemporary dance. All eventsare free ( festival.org).Greenwich + DocklandsInternational FestivalCity of London FestivalCREATE 118 CELEBRATINGSANCTUARYThis one-day event is partof the wider Coin StreetFestival and celebrates thecreative contributions ofHolloway Arts FestivalJune 2011 | LONDON PLANNER | visitlondon.com |23