A Summer of Rhythm and Discovery

Quote of the Week - “In the beginning there was rhythm.” - Hans Von Bulow

Good Afternoon, London. In this edition of The London Palette, explore the rhythm of discovery and transformation. From the wildflowers reclaiming a Victorian railway to the jazz-tinged air above Greenwich’s riverbanks, every corner invites you to step into something new. You could be wandering a hidden path to panoramic views. To savouring global flavours at a summer festival. Or, you’re feeling the thrill of a bold leap in business. Whichever takes your fancy, this is your invitation to where music, nature, and innovation meet. They are places where every moment feels like an adventure waiting to unfold.

Snatched highlights from this edition:

1. Waltham Forest Celebrates Quiet Heroes

2. Chill Out Along Parkland’s Nature Reserve

3. Fintech Industry Sparks Tech Hiring Boom

4. Live Music - Incl., Brixton Community Gospel Choir

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

Celebrating the Pride of Waltham Forest Awards

In a city as vast and varied as London, it’s easy for the quiet heroes of local life to go unnoticed, but not in Waltham Forest. This September 16, the borough’s annual Pride of Waltham Forest Awards will once again turn the spotlight on the people and projects that make this corner of the capital shine. The awards are a vibrant celebration of community spirit, resilience, and innovation.

At the heart of the awards is a simple but powerful idea. To recognise those who go above and beyond for their neighbours, their streets, and their borough. There are nine categories including, Young Trailblazer, Enterprise for All, Health and Wellbeing Champion, Greener Futures, Safer Neighbourhoods, Community Champion of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Cultural Connections, and Carer of the Year. The recognition casts a wide net, ensuring that every kind of contribution gets its moment in the sun. Nominations, which close on July 11, come from residents, making this a truly grassroots celebration of the people who make Waltham Forest tick.

The ceremony is more than just a night of applause and accolades. It’s a gathering that brings together people from all walks of life, young and old, long-time residents and newcomers, volunteers and professionals. Past winners have included everyone from tireless street cleaners and inspiring young people to community groups and social enterprises that have transformed underused spaces into thriving hubs. The energy in the room is infectious, a reminder that even in challenging times, Waltham Forest is a place where people look out for one another and work together to make things better.

Looking ahead, the Pride of Waltham Forest Awards are a blueprint for how local government can nurture and celebrate the best of its community. By shining a light on local heroes, the council not only says thank you, but also inspires others to get involved. In a borough that’s growing and changing, the awards are a reminder that the real strength of Waltham Forest lies in its people. It’s about their kindness, their creativity, and their determination to make a difference. Whether you’re a nominee, a winner, or simply someone who cares about where you live, the awards are a chance to feel proud of your community and hopeful for its future.

So mark your calendar for September 16 and if you haven’t already, consider nominating someone who’s made a difference in your corner of Waltham Forest. After all, every community is only as strong as the people who care enough to make it better.

Find out more here - https://www.walthamforest.gov.uk

CITY PALETTE

Summer in the City - The Riverside Playground Beckons

If you’re searching for the ultimate summer playground, look no further than the banks of the Thames at London Bridge. Summer by the River transforms the riverside into a sun-soaked haven of culture, community, and pure escapism. Forget the flight delays and the endless search for a beach towel. London’s largest free arts and entertainment festival is your passport to weeks of live performances, outdoor movies, and al fresco revelry, running right through to the end of August.

What sets this festival apart? It’s the sheer variety and accessibility. The programme is a vibrant mosaic because one evening you’re front row for a raucous rock gig or a Shakespearean drama. The next you’re belting out your best duet at a competitive karaoke battle. The Scoop Amphitheatre, Hay’s Galleria, and The Pier become your open-air stages, with everything from 1980s Mixtape nights to contemporary dance workshops. The best part? There are no tickets or barriers. Just show up, claim your spot, and let the creative energy sweep you in.

Of course, no riverside festival would be complete without a toast to summer. This year, the two-storey Glasshouse with its panoramic terrace is the new social hub, serving up cocktails and city views that stretch from Tower Bridge to the Shard. For those craving a slice of Italian summer, The Pier with Aperol Spritz brings a touch of the Mediterranean to SE1. This is ideal for a relaxed date night or a catch-up with friends as the city glows at golden hour.

As the sun sets, Tuesdays are reserved for outdoor cinema. Think blockbusters and family favourites like Despicable Me 4, Wicked, and Moana 2, all screened for free at The Scoop. It’s the kind of communal experience that reminds you why London summers are legendary. They are spontaneous, joyful, and open to all. It doesn’t matter if you’re a culture vulture, a foodie, or just in need of a riverside recharge, Summer by the River is your invitation to savour the city at its most vibrant.

Find out more here - https://www.londonbridgecity.co.uk

Jazz on the Plate - Greenwich’s Jazz and Food Festival

Some festivals are about music, others about food, but on July 26, Greenwich Peninsula dares you to lose yourself in both. Here, the air vibrates with improvisational jazz riffs while the scent of global street food drifts between riverside art installations and bustling pop-up bars. This isn’t just another date for your summer calendar, it’s a living, breathing celebration where every sense is invited to the party.

The festival’s magic lies in its fearless mix of sound and flavour. Expect boundary-pushing sets from London’s jazz innovators like Steamdown’s genre-defying grooves and Shunaji’s hip hop-jazz fusion. All alongside vinyl DJs spinning rare finds and brass bands popping up where you least expect. It’s a sonic playground, but the vinyl market and HiFi lounge ensure there’s space for quiet discovery, too.

Foodies, get ready because the Peninsula’s culinary lineup is as bold as its music. From Caribbean jerk and Spanish tapas to Japanese street snacks and New Orleans-inspired plates, each stall offers a passport to a new taste destination. The Bureau Restaurant’s jambalaya hot dogs and cherry rum punch channel the spirit of the Big Easy. While natural wines and oysters make for the perfect riverside pairing.

But it is the community that truly sets Rhythm and Taste apart. You have the chance to dance with strangers, enjoy crate-digging for your next favourite record, or simply soak in the riverside buzz. This festival is a reminder that London’s greatest moments happen when music, food, and people collide. Arrive with an appetite for discovery, then leave with a story only this city could write.

Find out more here - https://www.greenwichpeninsula.co.uk

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Step Off the Grid into the Secret Railway to Nature

You slip away from the city’s noise at Finsbury Park, stepping onto a path where wildflowers outnumber commuters and the only traffic is a fox darting across your route. Parkland Walk, London’s longest linear nature reserve, invites you to trade tarmac for tree tunnels as you follow a disused Victorian railway line all the way to Alexandra Palace.

As you wander, curiosity takes over as every graffiti-splashed bridge and mossy platform hints at stories from the past. The soundscape shifts from birdsong to the distant hum of the capital. You’ll spot the Spriggan sculpture peeking from beneath an arch, a whimsical guardian of this green corridor. The walk is alive with butterflies, bats, and the occasional muntjac deer, making it a rare wildlife haven in North London’s urban sprawl.

Desire builds with each mile, especially as you rise towards Muswell Hill and catch glimpses of the skyline through the trees. The route is well-signposted, mostly raised above the bustle, and offers a seamless escape for walkers, runners, and cyclists alike. When you reach Alexandra Palace, reward yourself with a drink at London’s largest beer garden and take in panoramic views that stretch from Canary Wharf to the City.

So, next time you crave a micro-adventure, lace up your trainers and discover the Parkland Walk for yourself. Whether you’re seeking a mindful solo stroll, a family outing, or a leafy shortcut between two of North London’s most vibrant parks, this hidden railway turned nature reserve proves that in London, the best journeys are sometimes the ones you take on foot.

Find out more here - https://www.parkland-walk.org.uk

LONDON BUZZ

Serpentine Pavillion Joins Summer, Art and Structure

This year, Kensington Gardens unveils a pavilion that feels less like a building and more like a fleeting moment captured in wood and light. A place where the lines between nature, art, and community blur into something quietly extraordinary. Designed by Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum, the Serpentine Pavilion 2025, A Capsule in Time, stands as a kinetic sculpture. Its four translucent timber arches encircling a living ginkgo tree, invites you to pause and reconsider what it means to gather in public spaces.

The structure’s playful geometry and shifting shadows evoke the Shamiyana tents of South Asia, by filtering soft daylight and creating an ever changing interior landscape. A kinetic element allows one capsule to move and expand the pavilion. This transforms it for performances, workshops, and spontaneous encounters. It’s a design that celebrates impermanence, here for just one summer, yet destined to linger in your memory.

But the Pavilion is not just an architectural marvel, it’s a stage for an engaging and eclectic summer programming. You can expect everything from live music and poetry to hands-on family workshops and artist talks, all designed to spark new connections. Highlights include a conversation between Marina and Serpentine’s Artistic Director. You’ll also enjoy hands-on workshops, and the annual Park Nights series. This is where artists and performers transform the space with site-specific works.

What truly sets this year’s Serpentine Pavilion apart is its invitation to reflect on change, resilience, and the power of communal experience. This is a living experiment. You can be drawn by the architecture, the creative events, or you just want to bask in the dappled light beneath the ginko’s golden leaves. Sometimes, the most memorable moments often arise when we gather, pause and let art shape the conversation.

Find out more here - https://www.serpentinegalleries.org

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Amazing Grace - July 19

Stained glass glimmers above the crowd as Amazing Grace, a 19th-century church turned music haven, pulses with new energy for Take Me To Church. This immersive night kicks off with an acoustic opener, then hands the reins to a live band whose setlist blurs gospel, soul, and modern classics, all beneath soaring arches and flickering projections. When the DJ takes over, the pews become a dancefloor, and the spirit of the venue’s past finds a playful echo in every beat. Here, music, history, and community collide, reminding you that some parties are truly sacred.

Book tickets here - https://amazinggraceldn.com

BST Hyde Park - July 12

On Saturday, imagine the sky above Hyde Park as a vast, shimmering stage. It belongs to Stevie Wonder, and you’re invited to step right into a living, breathing love letter to music. You join thousands beneath the open sky, where every note of Stevie’s set with classics like Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered, becomes a shared heartbeat. With Ezra Collective, Thee Sacred Souls, and Corinne Bailey Rae warming up the Great Oak Stage, you’ll hum in anticipation. As Stevie’s voice wraps around you, time melts away. This is more than a concert, it’s a communal celebration of joy and resilience. Grab a drink, find your spot, and let the magic of a true legend sweep you up in Hyde Park’s golden afternoon.

Book tickets here - https://www.bst-hydepark.com/events

East Side Jazz Club - July 15

There’s a room where every note is both a relic and a revelation. Cover to Cover’s tribute to Kind of Blue at East Side Jazz Club isn’t just a concert. It’s a living homage to the album that redefined jazz, turning modal improvisation into pure atmosphere. The ensemble channels the spirit of Miles Davis’ legendary sessions, letting each melody unfurl with the spontaneity and depth that made the original a touchstone for generations. Here, timeless compositions like So What and All Blues become fresh dialogues between musicians and listeners, proving that great music never ages, it simply evolves. You can expect an evening where history and innovation meet, and every chord feels like a conversation with the past.

Book tickets here - https://www.eastsidejazzclub.co.uk

Eventim Apollo - July 11

You’ve heard the stories, you know the songs, but nothing prepares you for the moment Smokey Robinson steps into the spotlight, marking the 50th anniversary of A Quiet Storm in his first London show in a decade. As his legendary voice wraps around classics like Tracks of My Tears and Cruisin, you’re reminded why his legacy shaped Motown and soul itself. Smokey is joined by special guests Kiki Dee and Carmelo Luggeri who add their own sparkle. This is more than a concert, it’s a night where history, romance, and pure musical magic come alive, just for you.

Book tickets here - https://www.eventimapollo.com

Pizza Express Live Holborn - July 20

There’s a special electricity when voices raised in harmony fill a room built for close connection. On July 20, the Brixton Community Gospel Choir brings their signature blend of soulful energy and community spirit to the stage. Founded in 2018, this ensemble isn’t just about polished performances, it’s about making everyone in the audience feel like part of the choir. You can look forward to hearing gospel classics reimagined, uplifting pop arrangements, and spontaneous moments that blur the line between stage and seats. Whether you’re a gospel devotee or just craving a jolt of joy, this evening promises music that’s heartfelt, infectious, and impossible not to sing along to.

Book tickets here - https://www.pizzaexpresslive.com

The Phoenix Jazz Club - July 19

The Phoenix Arts Club transforms into a slice of the French Quarter as Dom Pipkin, renowned for his work with Paloma Faith, brings the spirit of New Orleans to London’s heart. Drawing inspiration from legends like Professor Longhair and James Booker, Dom’s piano storytelling is equal parts history lesson and joyous celebration. Expect rollicking rhythms, soulful blues, and infectious boogie-woogie, all delivered with the flair that’s earned Dom praise from Jamie Cullum. In this intimate setting, every note feels like a postcard from Bourbon Street, inviting you to lose yourself in the timeless groove.

Book tickets here - https://thephoenixjazzclub.com

Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club - July 19

Sometimes, the best nights in London happen when the city’s heartbeat syncs up with the pulse of live music. And on July 19, the intimate Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club becomes your front row seat to exactly that magic. As you settle in, Noel McCalla’s soulful, seasoned voice takes centre stage, backed by a quartet that blends deep grooves with a touch of funk, turning standards and originals into something fresh and irresistible. You’re not just listening, you’re swept into a night where every note feels like a conversation between old friends. And the rhythm invites you to lean in closer. Those of you who are jazz purists or just craving a night of warmth and spontaneity, this is where London’s musical soul comes out to play. There’s no pretense, just pure, groove-infused connection.

Book tickets here - https://www.toulouselautrec.co.uk

28-50 By Night - July 11

James Hudson’s velvet voice is about to turn 28-50 By Night into a time machine for the Great American Songbook. Settle in as the lights dim over polished tables and glasses glint with anticipation. James is a jazz favourite known for sold-out nights at Ronnie Scott’s and The Ritz. He’s ready to wrap you in classics by Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and Ella Fitzgerald. His charismatic delivery and effortless swing make every note feel like a secret shared just with you. Surrounded by fellow music lovers and the hum of a world-class wine bar, you’re reminded why nights like this are true magic. Enjoy this celebration of timeless style and soul.

Book tickets here - https://2850bynight.co.uk

Union Chapel - July 13

Prepare for a rare encounter with Padmabhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty. He’s one of India’s true musical treasures, and he takes the stage with a trio of masterful accompanists. Padmabhushan’s soulful and commanding voice weaves through khayal and thumri, and invites you into the centre of Hindustani classical tradition. You’re not just at a concert, you’re part of a shared journey, where every note bridges past and present together. This evening is an experience you’ll carry long after the last echo fades.

Book tickets here - https://unionchapel.org.uk

Vortex Jazz Club - July 12

Imagine the essence of John Coltrane’s most exploratory quartet distilled into just two voices, Nathaniel Facey’s alto saxophone and Shaney Forbes’ drums. They’re both revered members of Empirical, and are leading a fearless reimagining of Interstellar Space. This is more than a nostalgic tribute, it’s an electrifying dialogue, where every phrase and rhythm becomes a new galaxy of sound. Their chemistry, forged on the UK’s most adventurous stages, turns John’s boundary-pushing suite into a living, breathing conversation between tradition and tomorrow. So the familiar feels thrillingly unknown. As part of De Beauvoir Jazz Festival’s vibrant July lineup, this performance invites you to experience jazz at its most daring and direct. The only limit is imagination.

Book tickets here - https://www.vortexjazz.co.uk

BUSINESS SCENE

Fintech’s Bold Leap - The New Face of Finance

If you thought capital’s financial pulse was all about pinstripes and ledgers, think again. This summer, the city is alive with digital disruption, cyber swagger, and a talent war unlike any before. The old guard is making way for a new generation of innovators, and London is firmly at the centre of this transformation.

Our fintech sector isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving, even as traditional banking faces headwinds. With a projected 72% surge in fintech hiring for 2025, the city is cementing its reputation as a global powerhouse. Industry leaders like Starling and Monzo are leading the charge, adding hundreds of new roles, 471 at Starling and 312 at Monzo. At the same time, demand for risk and compliance specialists is soaring, up by 29%. Financial crime experts are needed 50% more than last year, and fraud-related roles have doubled. All of this reflects heightened regulatory scrutiny and the impact of high-profile cyber incidents such as Marks & Spencer’s £700m cyber attack.

Technology hiring is booming, with engineering, IT management, and cybersecurity roles growing by 39%. Meanwhile, artificial intelligence and digital transformation are reshaping the landscape. Two-thirds of financial institutions are now investing in AI, representing a 98% year-on-year increase. This rapid digital evolution is driving demand for new skills and new ways of thinking. Yet, as fintech thrives, traditional banking vacancies have declined by 11% amid restructuring and regulatory pressures. And overall hiring sentiment remains cautious due to economic volatility and recent tax hikes, including higher employer National Insurance Contributions.

This current fintech hiring boom signals a shift from rapid-fire scaling to more deliberate, strategic expansion, especially in compliance, cybersecurity, and engineering. Fintech firms are maturing, they’re investing in resilient digital infrastructure and proactive risk management. Beyond filling jobs, this is about building a financial ecosystem that can withstand cyber threats, regulatory changes, and global uncertainty.

This means more high quality jobs, greater investment in digital skills, and a capital that remains at the forefront of global finance. The Chancellor of Exchequer’s upcoming Mansion House speech will be closely watched for signals on financial services policy and business confidence. In London, innovation isn’t just happening, it’s hiring. And for anyone curious about the future of work, technology, or the city itself, the fintech hiring boom is a reminder that the next chapter is already being written by the people, technologies, and ideas shaping finance for the digital age.

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK 

English Word:
Entomology
Pronunciation: /ɛn.təˈmɒl.ə.dʒi/
Definition:  The scientific study of insects, including their biology, classification, behavior, ecology, and impact on humans and the environment.
Cultural Note: Entomology plays a vital role in agriculture, medicine, and environmental science, helping us understand and manage pests, support pollination, and conserve biodiversity.

Kenyan Word:
Harambee
Pronunciation: /hɑːrɑːmbeɪ/
Definition:  A term of Swahili origin meaning “all pull together,” used to describe community self-help events or collective fundraising efforts.
Cultural Note: The word was adopted as the official motto of Kenya at independence, symbolising unity and collective responsibility. It reflects the spirit of cooperation and mutual aid that is central to many Kenyan communities.

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