Nothing As Usual

Chelsea's Street Festival Becomes an Innovative Floral Mosaic, Wellness Warriors Take Over Olympia, Department Store Leads Hottest Second-Hand Fashion Trend, There's a Musical Tribute to the Cool Ruler Gregory Isaacs and Azymuth Returns to The Jazz Cafe.

Author

Bybreen Samuels
May 22, 2025

 

©Emma J Shipley

Quote of the Week - “The future will be green or not at all” - Bob Brown

Good Afternoon, London. As the Sun continues to play hide and seek, maybe it’s time to polish up your green credentials. Over the bank holiday, instead of shopping for new clothes, checkout the UK’s first second-hand department store. If you gain inspiration from this, then make sure to book Earthfest in your diary. Think of it as a one-stop shop for all things about sustainable living. And, smell the flowers and see fantastic arrangements, at the flower festival, Chelsea in Bloom. If you approve of what you see, then take note of the Chilean word of the week!

Snatched highlights from this edition:

  1. Sustainability Glows at Eco-Bash

  2. Raise a Glass at South London’s Wine Fair

  3. Dance to Spain’s Rhythm at Flemenco Festival

  4. Live Music - The Real Thing, Avery*Sunshine & lots more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

Chelsea Streets Bloom into a Living Tapestry

©Londonist

Florals for spring? In Chelsea, they’re not just groundbreaking, they’re revolutionary. Some of the iconic streets in Kensington and Chelsea are trading in their usual luxury for a blaze of colour and creativity as Chelsea in Bloom celebrates its 20th anniversary. The theme this year is, Flowers in Fashion. Instead of the manicured gates of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, here are over 120 storefronts, from Ralph Lauren to Temperley London, that are transformed into a parade of petal powered couture. You’ll see handbags sculpted from hydrangeas, Elton John-sized sunglasses made of stems, and a yellow wellie boot under a sea of umbrellas. London has a new extravagant fabric, where flowers are the thread and the streets are the canvas.

Chelsea in Bloom equalises the rare mix of exclusivity and accessibility. While the Flower Show draws the garden elite behind ticketed gates, this Festival spills out into the open, so it democratises beauty, creativity, and some healthy competition. Local businesses compete fiercely for the coveted awards, judged by RHS experts and fashion tastemakers. And, you have the chance to vote for the People’s Champion. The displays riff on iconic fashion moments and legendary designers, blurring the line between haute couture and horticulture. As Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council says “The intersection of creativity, fashion and floristry is a core part of our mission.”

As luxury brands and high fashion dominate the headlines, Chelsea in Bloom quietly subverts the script. This spectacle is free so everyone has the chance to walk the floral runway, not just the well-heeled. The charitable partnerships with the British Fashion Council Foundation and The Confetti Club, which recycles petals for Cancer Research UK, add a layer of purpose to the petals. So it’s clear that high style and social impact can and should bloom together.

Given the Festival’s growth over two decades it highlights a broader social pattern. When public art is woven into the fabric of a neighbourhood, even the most exclusive postcodes become shared spaces of wonder. Chelsea in Bloom is also a loom that weaves together community, commerce, and culture into a living tapestry. As it continues to grow, it sets a precedent for how public art can transform city life, inviting every Londoner to step into the frame. In Chelsea, when flowers and fashion collide, London itself becomes a masterpiece in motion.

CITY PALETTE

The South London Wine Fair Uncorks Summer 2025

There is a place where you’re handed a glass at the edge of Crystal Palace’s legendary Bowl. As you move further into the Park you discover a world where every pour tells a story. But this isn’t just another wine tasting, it’s the South London Wine Fair, back for the third year. And it promises to blend discovery, friendliness, and a dash of South London flair.

All of this matters because London’s wine scene has exploded in recent years, but too often, tastings feel stuffy or exclusive. Instead here, you’re invited to roam freely between over 20 exhibitors, sampling over 100 wines that span the range from natural to classic, local favourites to global icons. This is your rare opportunity to meet importers and winemakers, ask questions, and find new favourites. And the great thing is no sommelier credentials are required.

In 2 hours you can swirl, sniff, and sip your way through a curated selection that reflects the city’s increasingly adventurous palate. With Londoners craving authentic, accessible experiences, this Fair strikes a balance by offering you both education and enjoyment, all in the open air. And, if you’re hungry after your session, your wristband scores you 50% off a cheese, charcuterie, or vegan board at the nearby Crystal Palace Wine Club, making the experience as delicious as it is memorable.

The South London Wine Fair is also a sign of how wine culture in the capital is evolving away from prestige towards more about community and connection. It’s a place where you can expand your palate and your social circle. So, whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this is your invitation to raise a glass to our city’s ever-changing wine scene.

Dance to Spain’s Heartbeat at Flamenco Festival 2025

©Sadlers Wells

As you begin to curate your cultural calendar you have to include Flamenco Festival. It’s one of those events that doesn’t just entertain, it, electrifies. The Festival returns to Sadler’s Wells and venues across the city from May 27 to June 8, and is pulling out all the stops with its huge programme. You can delight in the explosion of Spanish soul, global premieres, and boundary-pushing artistry that’s set to make you shout, Ole.

You’ll have time to savour the dance because it’s a living, breathing art form that channels centuries of history, resilience, and raw emotion. The Festival offers a rare chance to witness top Spanish talent including the legendary Sara Baras, Ballet Flamenco de Andalucía, and Manuel Liñán. Performing alongside them are rising stars like Ángeles Toledano and genre-bending musicians.

Expect everything from the thunderous choreography of Sara Baras’s Vuela’s tribute to Paco de Lucía, to the modern edge of Ángeles Toledano’s Sangre Sucia. Plus a three-part La Guitarra Flamenca series spotlighting the next generation of guitar legends. This Festival doesn’t just preserve Spain’s cultural heritage, it propels it forward and invites you to experience the art form’s future as well as its roots.

The pattern is clear, when London opens its arms to global artistry, the city’s own creative pulse quickens. So if you’re after an experience that’s equal parts passion, artistry, and cultural exchange, grab your tickets and let yourself be swept up in the rhythm.

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

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Mind Body Spirit Wellness Nirvana Hides in Plain Sight

©Your World

Wellness festivals are surging in London, however the Mind Body Spirit Festival between May 23 – 26 isn’t just about yoga mats and herbal teas. It’s a four-day immersion into the capital’s most eclectic, surprising, and soul-nourishing marketplace of ideas. While the city’s big events grab headlines, this Festival quietly attracts thousands of seekers, healers, and the simply curious. It’s a haven for those who want to recharge, reconnect, and rediscover what it means to feel good, inside and out.

In a city where stress is a badge of honour and burnout is like an Olympic sport, the Mind Body Spirit Festival offers a soothing antidote. Here, you’ll find more than 100 workshops, classes, and experiences spanning everything from dynamic yoga flows and sound baths to aura photography and energy healing. The Wellbeing Market is a treasure trove of holistic products, organic skincare, and spiritual guidance. Respected experts invite you to deepen your transformation and not just pose for Instagram.

Whether you’re new to meditation or a seasoned spiritual explorer, there’s a space for you, be it the Alchemy of Sound, the Ceremony Space, or the Wellbeing Studio. The Festival’s popularity shows that Londoners are hungry for real connection, holistic health, and a sense of community that transcends trends. As the wellness scene grows ever glossier, Mind, Body, Spirit stands out by staying true to its roots of empowering people to nourish mind, body, and spirit, one mindful moment at a time.

LONDON BUZZ

Sustainability Gets a Glow-Up at Earthfest’s Eco Bash

©EarthFest

Sustainability festivals used to be niche affairs that combined earnest speeches, recycled tote bags, and a handful of eco-diehards. However in June, Earthfest is rewriting the rulebook. King’s Cross will be buzzing with over 15,000 people, not just for the planet’s sake, but because this is shaping up to be the city’s most joyful, creative, and genuinely fun summer party. Forget guilt trips, Earthfest is about music, art, food, and connection, all with a green twist.

We are bombarded with climate doom and corporate greenwashing, yet real, positive action can feel out of reach. Earthfest’s answer? Make sustainability irresistible. This free weekend event from June 7 - 8, is packed with global icons including Dr. Jane Goodall, Megan McCubbin, Greenpeace, World Wildlife Fund, and the United Nations. They’ll be sharing the stage with grassroots changemakers. Plus, there are plant-based cooking demonstrations, zero-waste fashion shows, immersive art, and wellness pop-ups. With all of this, you’ve got a festival that feels more like Glastonbury for green living than a lecture circuit.

As eco-events become trendier, Earthfest is doubling down on substance and transparency. “We’re here to prove that sustainability is not only urgent, but an exciting opportunity to build a brighter future,” says co-founder Georgina McGivern. Backed by partners like Google, Sony Music, and The Vegan Society, Earthfest is determined to set a new global standard for sustainable events, without losing its grassroots soul.

Earthfest is a snapshot of a city where climate action feels less like a burden and more like a reason to celebrate. This June, the real revolution won’t be in the headlines, it’ll be on the dancefloor, the workshop table, and in the conversations sparked between neighbours in the heart of King’s Cross.

Find out more here - https://earthfest.world

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Boisdale of Canary Wharf - May 29

If you’re ready for a night where every note is a slice of British soul history, The Real Thing’s return to Boisdale is your golden ticket. These Liverpool legends, still led by original members Chris Amoo and Dave Smith, were the first all-black British band to top the UK charts. And, their signature anthems like You To Me Are Everything, Can’t Get By Without You, and Can You Feel the Force? still ignite dance floors and hearts. Expect a set packed with smoochy ballads, funky grooves, and disco burners, all delivered with the passion and polish that’s kept them at the top for over 45 years.

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

Crazy Coqs - May 30

Vocal mastery meets pure creative play when Randolph Matthews and Cleveland Watkiss team up at Crazy Coqs. They’re award-winning vocalists and improvisers and they will entertain you with dazzling jazz, blues, and soul storytelling, This duet is equal parts theatre, jazz, and clever humour, weaving live looping, vocal gymnastics, and your participation. The show will feel as spontaneous as it is sophisticated. They’ll treat you to contemporary twists on soul, blues, and jazz, nostalgic anecdotes, and the kind of musical chemistry that only two true originals can conjure.

Hackney Empire - May 25

Take your seat for The Cool Ruler - The Musical, a vibrant tribute to reggae legend Gregory Isaacs that’s as soulful as it is celebratory. Marking what would have been Gregory’s 75th birthday, this show goes beyond a simple greatest hits set. Terence Wallen’s sensational vocals and a live band guide you through Gregory’s journey from Kingston’s Fletcher Land to international stardom. You’ll relive milestones like his pioneering work with The Concords, the founding of African Museum with Errol Dunkley, and the genre-defining My Only Lover, which is hailed as the first lovers rock record. With over 200 albums and classics like Night Nurse and Rumours, Gregory’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and pure musical magic, all brought to life in a night that promises both nostalgia and discovery.

Morocco Bound - May 31

Here’s a jazz night that promises both reverence and reinvention. Morocco Bound hosts Berlin-based drummer Finn Seemann as he returns to London with his Four in One project, celebrating the singular genius of Thelonious Monk. Teaming up with Toby and Joe Evans, plus bassist Ben Love, Finn unites some of the city’s most exciting young jazz talents for an evening that’s as much about creative risk as it is about paying tribute. You’ll revel in Thelonious’ quirky melodies and angular rhythms that are brought vividly to life, with fresh improvisation and that unmistakable sense of playfulness that makes his music feel both timeless and brand new.

Ronnie Scott’s - June 1

When Lokkhi Terra teams up with Dele Sosimi’s CubAfroBeat, you’re in for more than a concert. It’s a whirlwind journey from Bangladeshi melas to Havana’s streets and Lagos’ Afrobeat pulse, all in the heart of Soho. Hailed by Songlines as “probably the world’s best Afrobeat-Cuban-Bangladeshi group,” Lokkhi Terra are masters at fusing Cuban grooves, Bangladeshi folk, and township jazz, and their collaborations with Afrobeat legend Dele Sosimi crank the energy even higher. Their live shows are part carnival, part spiritual journey, and all about that joyful, multicultural collision that makes London’s music scene so unique. This concert smashes boundaries and shows just how thrilling London’s new accent can sound.

Soul Mama - May 29, 30, 31 and June 1

She’s back and this time, she’s bringing a Grammy. If you missed Avery*Sunshine’s sold-out debut at Soul Mama last year, here’s your second chance to catch a true vocal powerhouse at the top of her game. Fresh off her win for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 2025 Grammys, Avery*Sunshine lights up Stratford for a four-night residency. Her blend of soul, jazz, and R&B is as uplifting as it is thrilling. Don’t miss her.

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

The Bulls Head - May 30

Experience musical fireworks only true legends can spark with Reach For It – The Genius of George Duke. This highly anticipated tribute celebrates the late George Duke, one of jazz-funk’s most inventive minds, whose career spanned from Zappa’s Mothers of Invention to Montreux triumphs and collaborations with Stanley Clarke and Billy Cobham. The band features top talent with Carl Hudson on keys, Tim Cansfield on guitar, and Gina Foster on vocals. They all have credits from Stevie Wonder to Eric Clapton. So you can expect an impeccable blend of funk, jazz, soul, and Brazilian grooves, spiced with jaw-dropping solos and infectious ensemble chemistry.

The Fox and Firkin - June 1

When Glen Washington headlines a night it promises to be uplifting. Glen is often compared to Beres Hammond for his smooth, romantic vocals and has been a mainstay of the reggae scene since the late ‘70s. His live shows are legendary for their warmth and groove. He’ll be joined by Tasha T, the Musical Ambassador whose award-winning career is all about spreading positive messages and bridging communities through reggae. Rounding out the bill is Patrick Junior aka De Minister, a Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, and producer known for his message music which is a blend of love, hope, and unity rooted in Caribbean and Rastafarian traditions.

Book tickets here - https://foxfirkin.com

The Jazz Cafe - May 25

Azymuth’s return to The Jazz Cafe is your chance to catch true jazz-funk legends in action. They’ll be blending samba, soul, and funk into their signature samba doido sound that’s both hypnotic and danceable. From their roots as Rio session musicians to global acclaim with tracks like Jazz Carnival, Azymuth have spent 50 years pushing musical boundaries and keeping crowds moving. Even after more than 20 albums and lineup changes, their cosmic synths, deep basslines, and sun-drenched rhythms remain as infectious as ever. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado or want to feel the pulse of Rio in London, this gig channels the spirit of summer and shows why Azymuth’s legacy endures.

Book tickets here - https://thejazzcafe.com

Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club - May 30

For a night that promises a whirlwind journey through sound and culture, catch the Omar Puente & Ilario Ferrari Duo at Toulouse Lautrec. Omar Puente, the Cuban jazz violinist with a magnetic stage presence and credits alongside Tito Puente and Wynton Marsalis, teams up with Italian pianist and composer Ilario Ferrari. His Mediterranean jazz roots have captivated audiences across Europe. Together, these longtime friends craft a vibrant set that flows from Cuban rhythms to the sunlit melodies of southern Italy, blending Afro-Cuban jazz with Mediterranean flair in a way that’s both timeless and refreshingly modern. Soak up the excellent improvisations, soulful storytelling, and a chemistry that only comes from two artists who genuinely love making music together.

229 London - May 31

Craving a night where soul, funk, and jazz collide? Then, Curtom Orchestra’s Curtis Mayfield tribute, is unmissable. This all-star band featuring members of Incognito, The Brand New Heavies, and Jamiroquai, channels the spirit of Curtis’ Curtom Records, delivering four decades of his most powerful, socially charged classics, from People Get Ready to Don’t Worry, If There’s a Hell Below, We’re All Going to Go. This is more than a greatest hits set, it’s a deep dive into the grooves and messages that made Curtis a voice for change. Lean into the lush arrangements, tight rhythms, and a room full of fans vibing to the soundtracks that shaped generations.

Book tickets here - https://229.london

BUSINESS SCENE

Department Store Leads the Hot Second-Hand Trend

©Kings Cross

What if London’s most exciting new department store didn’t sell anything new at all? This bank holiday weekend, Coal Drops Yard transforms into the UK’s first ever department store for second-hand style. Charity Super.Mkt returns to its roots for a four-day pop-up that’s rewriting the rules of retail. Forget dusty racks and bargain bins, this is curated, high-quality pre-loved fashion from the UK’s top charity retailers, all under one stylish roof.

As fast fashion’s environmental toll grows, more Londoners want to shop sustainably, but still crave the thrill of discovery and a sense of style. Charity Super.Mkt nails the sweet spot. Since its 2022 debut at Coal Drops Yard, it’s saved nearly 400,000 garments from landfill, raised over £4 million for good causes, and prevented more than 1,100 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Co-founder Wayne Hemingway says “When we first gathered the charities together in Coal Drops Yard, not for one minute did we think that the seeds of this massively impactful and much-loved brand were being sown.” Now, you’ll find British Heart Foundation, Fight for Sight, Havens Hospices, and TRAID offering everything from designer gems to high street staples. Plus, there’s a beloved Repair Shop to keep your finds in circulation even longer.

Second-hand shopping is going mainstream, and Charity Super.Mkt is leading the charge. Since its first pop-up, the brand has expanded to seven UK locations, making charity shopping not just accessible but aspirational. The Coal Drops Yard event is a full-circle moment as a standalone, high-profile showcase in an area known for its cutting-edge retail and creative energy. “Having a four-day, standalone event at Coal Drops Yard provides further confirmation that we have succeeded in our mission,” says co-founder Maria Chenoweth.

Looking ahead, this isn’t just a weekend of thrifting, it’s a sign of where London retail is headed. When you shop here, you’re not just scoring a unique look, you’re supporting charities, cutting waste, and helping shape a kinder, more thoughtful future for fashion. As London’s style scene evolves, the real luxury is knowing your wardrobe can look good and do good, both at the same time.

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK 

English Word:
Levity
Pronunciation: /ˈlev.ə.ti/
Definition:  Humor or lightness, especially during serious situations; a lack of appropriate seriousness or earnestness.
Cultural Note: Levity is widely valued for its power to lift spirits, ease tension, and bring people together.

Chilean Word:
Bacán
Pronunciation: /baˈkan/
Definition:  Cool, awesome, or fantastic; used to describe something or someone that is impressive, enjoyable, or admirable.
Cultural Note: Bacán is one of the most common and beloved expressions in Chilean Spanish, used across generations and social groups to convey excitement or approval.

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