London Festival Blog

Greenwich + Docklands International Festival

This year’s Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (24 June – 2 July) broke all previous records with over 200 performances from 46 companies taking place over a nine day period. Events across Greenwich, Woolwich, Mile End and Canary Wharf were attended by more than 75,000 people, here is just a sampling of some of the enthusiastic comments:

“Spectacular. Unlike anything I have ever seen and
completely amazed that it was FREE!!”
“Wow, it was stunning. Enjoyed every second –
great performance, movement, storyline.”
“An absolutely fantastic festival… the disability access was first class (thank you), best I’ve ever seen and so many integrated performances too.”

London Cider Festivals

There are some dedicated cider festivals all over the UK, not always at the best time of year for holding a cider and perry festival, and of course there are many real ale and cider festivals. But the real ale and cider festivals don’t always have any decent real cider at all, or else it all sells out in the first day. But where are the cider festivals in London?

I looked through the UKCider list of cider festivals and events and I couldn’t see any this year taking place within the London area except the Builders Arms back in May.

Cider Festivals - Real Cider and Perry at ukcider

London Mela 2010

It’s the London Mela Festival today, Sunday August 8th so get along to Gunnersbury Park for some great music, dance and culture from the Asian sub continent

The London Mela Festival 2010 takes place at Gunnersbury Park, West London from 1pm – 8.30pm, Sunday 8th August 2010. The festival is free to attend. Nearest tube: Acton Town.

via London Mela 2010 – London Mela at Gunnersbury Park, Mela 2010.

the London Mela Festival

Gravity at Greenwich Docklands International Festival

Opening Night Spectacle at Greenwich Docklands International Festival

GRAVITY
OPENING NIGHT SPECTACLE AND FIREWORKS

Presented in association with Greenwich Dance

Thursday 24 June, 10pm (Gates open 9.30pm) FREE
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich

This dance extravaganza will have you rubbing your eyes in disbelief as Catalan choreographer Toni Mira creates gravity-defying magic in the grounds of the National Maritime Museum.

For one night only, Greenwich’s iconic Queen’s House will be transformed into a giant play house for 10 local dancers, accompanied by original music from composer Jules Maxwell, exquisite imagery from film maker Roswitha Chesher and fireworks. Previously only seen in Spain, Toni Mira’s innovative concept receives its UK premiere at GDIF, in a brand new production created specially for the Festival’s opening night.

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park London Festival

I just found this in my draft posts but I think it’s worth mentioning the Winter Wonderland Festival at London’s Hyde Park for next year.

November 2010 to January 2011, Hyde Park London

http://www.hydeparkwinterwonderland.com/information.html

They have a very good FAQ and here are some of the most important questions about the Winter Wonderland in my opinion:

Winter Wonderland London Festival FAQs

Do I have to pay to get into Winter Wonderland?

No! Winter Wonderland has no admission fee – you simply turn up and pay to go on what ever takes your fancy.

What about children?

At Winter Wonderland we class a child as 12 and under. Please note, some rides & attractions have height and weight restrictions. Children aged 2 and under will not need a ticket for the Circus or Wheel if they do not occupy a seat (ie will sit on an adults lap – just like on a plane!). Should your little one prefer a seat – this will need to be purchased at the child price.

What about the Ice Rink, Big Top shows & Observation Wheel?

You can buy tickets in advance for the Ice Rink, Zippos Christmas Circus and the Palace of Illusion show, to ensure you get the time & date you want – they sell out fast. But please remember tickets are not changeable.

What about ‘Combination Tickets’?

If you buy the Ice Rink, Big Top shows & Giant Wheel tickets together as a Combination Ticket fantastic savings can be made, particularly for family tickets. But book in advance as Combination Tickets aren’t available on the day.

What is a family ticket?

A family at Winter Wonderland constitutes 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children.

Concessions

Concessions for the Ice Rink & Circus are available to those with a valid NUS card or who are registered disabled – proof of both must be presented at the event.

What time does Winter Wonderland operate?

Everything at Winter Wonderland is open 10am to 10pm (every day except Christmas Day) right up to 3rd January 2010 – rain or shine! The only exception is Father Christmas who resides in Santa Land from 12 noon to 6pm every day, but on Christmas Eve he leaves Hyde Park at 4pm as he has to deliver presents to children all over the world.

What facilities do you have for very young babies?

Most of Winter Wonderland is flat and level for buggies, with only gentle inclines – we have even built a level crossing at the Santa Express! There is baby changing at the disabled toilets near the Christmas Roller Coaster and opposite Santa Land.

London Festival of Theatre

The London Festival of Theatre takes place in July each year, so if the London Festival Fringe idea goes ahead for August, then there will have to be some accommodation with the dates I would have thought.

LIFT, the London international Festival of Theatre, is one of Europe’s most adventurous and influential producers of international contemporary theatre, creating extraordinary festivals and programmes of work that transform London into a stage and inspire everyone to participate in the stories of the world.

LIFT’s rich and varied programming of international work in London has had a major influence on the development of British theatre – challenging its conventions, introducing new forms of theatrical expression and bringing fresh perspectives on audience, communities and spaces throughout the city. In anticipating our future we are excited to take LIFT’s legacy forward, connecting the world’s boldest and brightest theatre makers with the people of one of the world’s great capital cities.

Greenwich and Docklands London Festival

The Greenwich and Docklands London Festival (Greenwich+Docklands International Festival) takes place each summer in the two locations. Last year, 2009 it was from June 24th to the fourth of July.

Docklands London Festival

Looking ahead to 2010, plans are now being developed for exciting new commissions, breathtaking London premieres from international companies and a host of spectacular treats for GDIF’s growing and enthusiastic audiences. Following the 2009 Festival’s focus on the theme of Water, next year our featured element will be Earth, with events and performances exploring the environment, together with Greenwich and East London’s global connections. The full programme will be announced in April 2010.