Rebel City - Unscripted Adventures

Quote of the Week - “There’s a rebel lying deep in my soul” - Clint Eastwood

Good Afternoon, London. There’s a rebel in our midst and in this edition of The London Palette, I shine a light on where you can join forces. Saatchi Gallery turns into a radical display where petals become protesters. Civic pride bursts through festival norms with an eclectic display of activities, including horseback stunts, at the Lambeth Country Show. And, Hammersmith creates a ‘limin’ paradise when the Taste of the Caribbean comes to Ravenscourt Park. No passport needed to sip on chilled rum punch and to eat Jamaican ‘rundown.’ They’re enough to bring out the spirit of the Word of the Week. Enjoy!

Snatched highlights from this edition:

1. A Mind Oasis is Coming to Town

2. World Press Photos Grab Your Attention

3. From Suits to Sportswear at London’s Sports Fest

4. Live Music - Tributes to Carole King, Rod Stewart & lots more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

Brockwell’s Wild Side is Free and Totally Lambeth

Do you see vintage motorbikes scaling the Wall of Death, just steps from the meditative hush of a vegetable sculpture contest? Can you hear the soundtrack of reggae legends Aswad and Johnny Osbourne as families wander from science zones to horseback stunts? This isn’t a fantasy, you’ve arrived at the Lambeth Country Show. This year, the Show is set to transform Brockwell Park into London’s most eclectic free festival for its 51st year on June 7 and 8.This signature event matters becaus In a city where free often comes with a catch, the Lambeth Country Show is a vibrant testament to community spirit, orchestrated by Lambeth Council. The Show is a cherished institution. As Councillor Donatus Anyanwu puts it, “It’s a true celebration of our borough’s incredible diversity, creativity and community spirit.” Where else do afro-punk pioneers Steam Down and neo-soul duo Children of Zeus share a bill with sheep shearing, horticultural displays, and Diggerland for the kids?

The magic is in the mix between city life and countryside, tradition and innovation. One moment you’re exploring the Eco Village, learning about Greenpeace UK’s activism or Repowering London’s community energy. Then, next, you’re captivated by Les Amis d’Onno Equine’s sword fights on horseback or the intricate blooms of the Flower Show, run with the Lambeth Horticultural Society. All of it is meticulously planned, yet it feels wonderfully organic. A true celebration that draws over 100,000 people each year.

But the Show is more than a fantastic day out, it quietly redefines what a council-led community event can be. By partnering with Brockwell Live, the council keeps this vast spectacle free and accessible, nurturing a sense of shared ownership and belonging. There’s civic pride everywhere: from local talent on the Village Green to community groups sharing passions. The push towards sustainability of having minimum food standards for traders, food waste donated to local charities, and ambitious environmental targets, all signals a deeper responsibility.

As we gear up for the best free community festival, it spotlights a pattern. When local authorities invest in celebrating diversity, they don’t just entertain, they strengthen the social fabric. For another vibrant weekend, Brockwell Park becomes more than a park. It’s Lambeth’s living, joyful canvas, orchestrated by a council that knows how to throw a party for everyone.

CITY PALETTE

When the World Looks Back at Unfiltered Truths

Before you even see the first photograph, there’s a hush, an unspoken anticipation that you’re about to witness the world’s stories told without filters or borders. This year, the World Press Photo Exhibition lands at MPB Gallery in Here East, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. From now until August 25, Londoners are invited into a global conversation where every image is a headline, a heartbreak, or a hope.

This imagery stands out because our lives are saturated with curated feeds and viral clips. But, the enduring power of photojournalism cuts through the noise. This Exhibition, fresh from a tour that drew nearly 4 million visitors across 89 cities, isn’t just a parade of prize-winning images, it’s a visual reckoning with the events that shape us. Selected from over 59,000 entries by photographers in 141 countries, these photographs are judged not just on their artistry, but on their ability to bear witness and demand empathy.

While our screens are awash with perfection, World Press Photo offers the opposite. It shifts our gaze to an unfiltered reality. You will encounter everything from scenes of conflict and climate crisis to moments of resilience and joy. As Exhibition Director Woody Anderson says, “Bringing this exhibition back to London for a second year is a huge moment for us. Its return in 2024 proved just how much people love and value it.” The show’s new home at Here East places it at the heart of East London’s creative resurgence. Its presence alongside the V&A Storehouse and Sadler’s Wells East, cements the area as a cultural powerhouse.

As you move through the gallery, you’re reminded that great photography isn’t just about documenting the world, the images change how we see it, and how we see each other. If you’re hungry for an authentic, thought-provoking experience, this is more than an exhibition. It’s a call to look closer, think deeper, and connect with the stories that shape our time.

Book tickets here - https://www.worldpressphoto.org

Saatchi’s Floral Rebellion Where Petals Become Protest

What if a walk through a gallery felt like wandering through a wild, enchanted garden? Think of one where flowers are more than just decoration, but a lens on life, politics, and the pulse of London. That’s the promise of FLORA, the Saatchi Gallery’s new blockbuster exhibition, open until September 8. Here, you’ll see how the humble flower is reimagined as a radical force in contemporary art.

The exhibition is staged to help you see beyond the obsession with the fleeting beauty of springtime blooms, or the spectacle of flower shows. Instead, FLORA asks us to look with an inquistive eye. You’ll be treated to over 100 works including paintings, sculptures, photography, and immersive installations, by more than 20 artists, including Yinka Shonibare, Polly Morgan, and Zoe Buckman. Here, petals become protest, bouquets spark debate, and even the most delicate arrangements carry a subversive edge. As curator Holly Roussell puts it, “Flowers are never just flowers. They are political, social, and deeply personal.”

While our green spaces offer escape, FLORA’s artists use botanical imagery to confront issues from climate anxiety to gender, colonialism, and identity. You’ll find neon-lit lilies, flowers made of recycled plastics, and installations that challenge our relationship with nature during this era of climate change. The exhibition is designed to create an immersive experience so Saatchi’s Gallery is transformed into a living landscape that leads you to reflect, not just admire.

The beauty of FLORA is that it pushes the conversation beyond surface beauty. So if you’re curious, culturally engaged and always looking for the story behind the spectacle, FLORA is one for your diary. This show is a reminder that even the most familiar symbols can surprise us. Step inside, and you’ll see how the real power of flowers offers us another lens to see the world and ourselves, in fresh and engaging ways.

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

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Taste of the Caribbean is Your Passport to Sunshine

There’s a corner of West London where, for one day in June, the everyday melts away and Ravenscourt Park transforms into a Caribbean wonderland. On Saturday, June 7, the Taste of the Caribbean Food and Drink Festival lands in Hammersmith, offering a sensory escape that’s equal parts street party, food pilgrimage, and family jamboree.

In a city where Caribbean can mean a takeaway box or a distant Notting Hill memory, this Festival brings the islands’ heart right to your doorstep. With over 50 dishes from jerk chicken and curry goat to vegan plantain, top chefs and street food legends cook feasts. While you eat, the air pulses with live reggae, Motown, and the unmistakable shimmer of steel pans. Celebrity chef demonstrations including Richard Blackwood, eating competitions, and a bustling artisan market mean there’s something for every palate and curiosity.

Sometimes, London’s food festivals can feel either too polished or too niche, but here, the vibe is pure, joyful inclusivity. Kids under 14 get in free, and the park bursts with funfair rides, puppet shows, circus skills, and face painting, making it a rare event that truly welcomes all ages. Meanwhile, tribute acts like The Marley Experience and UB4D keep the grown-ups dancing, and the rum punch flows as freely as the conversation.

As you watch the sun set and hear the last steel drum echoes across the grass, you’ll leave knowing that Taste of the Caribbean is a feast and a reminder of London’s power to transform a local park into a global stage. This is your passport to sunshine, rhythm, and a taste of togetherness. No flight required, just a ticket and a sense of adventure.

Book tickets here - https://tasteofcaribbeanuk.com

LONDON BUZZ

Swap Suits for Sweatbands at City’s Sports Festival

If you’ve spotted a padel court popping up next to St Paul’s or seen a lunchtime basketball game break out in the shadow of the Gherkin, don’t worry, Paris hasn’t lost the Olympics to London. This summer, the London Sports Festival turns the city centre into a living, flexible arena, where the only opening ceremony you need is stepping out of your office and into the action.

Too often, London’s heartbeat has been defined by business and bustle. But the London Sports Festival is rewriting the rules by inviting everyone, from city workers to interested tourists, to swap their commute and jaunts around the city for competition. Tony Matharu, is the Founder of the Central London Alliance, and he says “This isn’t just about sport, it’s about bringing people together, creating memories, and making the city centre a destination for play, not just work.” The Festival’s mission is clear by focusing on making movement and connection as much a part of London life as the morning coffee run.

However, London is a city where public space is precious and time is always tight. But the London Sports Festival is challenging us to reclaim our streets for something more joyful. From football in Guildhall Yard to pickleball in St James’s Park, table tennis at Paternoster Square, and bucketball in Aldgate, the Festival’s pop-up courts and pitches are designed for spontaneous play. It’s really a positive trip down memory lane when the younger you ran around, effortlessly. Last year, Marble Arch’s padel court became the most booked in the world, this is a sign that Londoners are hungry for new ways to connect, compete, and unwind.

As the event runs until late September, it’s setting a new precedent for city life. To become a place where play and community aren’t reserved for weekends or ticketed events, but woven into the daily fabric of London. As someone who craves more than just the daily grind, the London Sports Festival is a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful legacy isn’t a gold medal, it’s a city that dares to play together.

Find out more here - https://www.londonsportsfestival.com

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Cryers Arts Centre - May 30

There’s no mistaking that raspy voice and wild charisma of Rod Stewart. The Rod Stewart Songbook brings the legend’s greatest hits roaring back to life. You’ll be swept up in a live tribute hailed by fans and even Rod’s own family as the closest thing to the real deal, with Pete McCall leading a band through classics like Maggie May, Sailing, and Do Ya Think I’m Sexy. You’ll be treated to singalongs, swagger, and a party atmosphere where every chorus feels like an anthem. If you love Rod, this is your night to dance, reminisce, and lose yourself in pure rock and roll joy.

Book tickets here - https://cryerarts.co.uk

Glaziers Hall - May 31

How often do you get to trade London’s city lights for the golden glow of Rio,without ever leaving the Thames? Glaziers Hall hosts Candlelight: Best of Samba, where you’ll be swept away by the rhythms of Brazil under a sea of flickering candles. You’ll hear classics like Mas que Nada and Aquarela do Brasil performed by Artisti con Brio, all in an intimate, atmospheric setting that transforms samba into pure magic. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just want to soak up the energy, this is your most enchanting ticket to a night of joy and saudade.

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

Pizza Express Holborn - June 5, 6 and 9

Ever wondered what it’s like to witness a true soul survivor light up a London stage? On June 5, you’ll get your answer as Geno Washington and the Yo Yo’s deliver a pulsating set packed with R&B, blues, and soul classics. They can’t wait to share their high-octane energy, powerhouse vocals, and a band they’re a band that thrives on audience connection. So, look out for witty banter, spontaneous stories, and irresistible grooves that’ll have you on your feet from the first note. Geno’s legendary live reputation is no myth. This is raw, joyful music-making that reminds you why some acts are simply built for the stage.

Some voices just refuse to fade and on June 6, you’ll learn why Jaki Graham’s is one of them. As Britain’s queen of soul, Jaki brings decades of chart-topping hits like Set Me Free and Round and Around. Plus, new material that proves her powerhouse vocals are as radiant as ever. Expect an evening of uplifting anthems, heartfelt ballads, and stories from a career that’s weathered every high and low. If you’re reliving the 1980s or discovering her for the first time, this is soul music that feels both classic and very much alive.

There’s something magnetic about an artist who can turn a jazz club into a confessional. You’ll experience that rare intimacy with Tahirah Memory. Her set is a soulful journey through jazz, R&B, and “sadspirational” originals, blending confessions of heartbreak and hope with lush, horn-inspired melodies. Soak up the powerful storytelling, moments of catharsis, and the kind of effortless vocals that make you lean in and really listen. Whether she’s channeling personal loss or inviting you to sing along, Tahirah’s music is all about honest connection, leaving you moved, uplifted, and wanting more.

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

Pizza Express Soho - May 31

Looking for a night out where your craving for melody, groove, and pure joy collide? Head to Soho and you’ll be satisfied by Grammy-winning keyboardist Gregg Karukas. He brings his signature blend of smooth jazz, Brazilian rhythms, and uplifting funk to Pizza Express. Backed by a stellar London band, Gregg will treat you to hits like Rio Drive and tracks from his acclaimed Soul Secrets. They’ve earned him two consecutive number 1 singles and a global fanbase. Enjoy Gregg’s lush improvisation, infectious energy, and a feel good vibe that lingers long after the last note.

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

Ronnie Scott’s - June 4 and 7

Forget everything you think you know about a night at Ronnie Scott’s because on June 4, Vula is about to flip your memory. You’ll be treated to powerhouse vocals and magnetic stage presence from one of the UK’s most iconic soul and gospel singers, whose credits include Basement Jaxx and Quincy Jones. Vula’s setlist will make your heart soar from hearing velvety ballads to electrifying funk, all delivered with her signature warmth and wit. If you want a night that lifts your spirits, this is the kind of show that leaves you buzzing all the way home.

What if the saxophone could turn heartbreak into hope? On June 7, you’ll catch Grammy-winning tenor Wayne Escoffery channeling a year of personal upheaval. He’ll take you from solitude, loss, even a broken finger, into music that’s raw, resilient, and magnetic. Joined by his powerhouse trio, Wayne’s latest album Alone, transforms pain into improvisational brilliance, blending soulful melodies with fearless exploration. As a jazz devotee that’s looking for a night that stirs something deeper, this is storytelling through sound. It proves that even in solitude, music brings us together.

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

Southbank Centre - June 1

What happens if the classic rebel returns to the work that made him a legend? Nigel Kennedy, violin icon and rule-breaker, takes over the Royal Festival Hall. He brings Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons roaring back to life with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, marking the concertos’ 300th anniversary. Nigel will share dazzling improvisations and heartfelt tributes from his My World album, and even a playful twist with In the Summertime, woven into the mix. If you’re a devotee of Four Seasons or classical newbie, this is classical music with swagger, soul, and a dash of joyful anarchy.

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

The Half Moon - May 31 and June 4

Let’s be honest, there’s only one Starman, but on May 31 at The Half Moon, Absolute Bowie comes thrillingly close. You’ll be swept into a theatrical journey through every era of David Bowie, from Ziggy Stardust’s glitter to the slick grooves of Let’s Dance, complete with dazzling costume changes and a band that channels David’s sound and spirit with uncanny precision. Critics call them “unmissable” and “a lovingly crafted Bowie show.” And with a setlist packed with hits and deep cuts, you’ll find yourself singing, dancing, and maybe even believing, just for a night, that David Bowie never really left us.

Some albums don’t just soundtrack an era, they define it. On June 4, Carole King’s Tapestry: An Evening in Laurel Canyon invites you to step into the golden haze of 1970s California, where creativity flowed as freely as the canyon breeze. You’ll hear a live six-piece band bring to life the music of Laurel Canyon legends. Think Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, Neil Young, and The Doors, all before launching into a full performance of Carole’s iconic Tapestry album. Lean back into the timeless anthems of love, hope, and resilience, all delivered with warmth and reverence. Whether you grew up with these songs or are discovering them for the first time, this show is a heartfelt celebration of community, counterculture, and the enduring magic of Carole’s greatest masterpiece.

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

220 London - May 30

Get ready to swap your usual Friday night for a Bollywood blockbuster. The 229 London transforms into a sonic playground as SoulJam’s Bollywood Live Music & DJ Night takes over. They’ll take you on a musical journey, from acoustic renditions of Arijit Singh and Atif Aslam to retro classics by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, all delivered by top London musicians. Close your eyes and listen to soul-stirring vocals, mesmerising instrumentals, and the kind of stage magic that turns nostalgia into a dancefloor. When the live band wraps, the DJ keeps the party going, so wear your dancing shoes, and let the rhythms carry you late into the night.

Book tickets here - https://229.london

BUSINESS SCENE

Can Oxford Street’s 'Mind Oasis' Tame Retail Chaos?

If you thought Oxford Street was all about retail therapy, think again because this autumn, it’s getting actual therapy. Rituals, the luxury wellbeing brand, is opening the UK’s first Mind Oasis, right in the heart of London’s busiest shopping district. This promises to be a sanctuary for the mind amid the chaos of the high street.

This is a welcomed sigh of relief because London’s retail core has become a battleground for attention and wellbeing. Shopping on Oxford Street is like an Olympic sport. You have to make your way through crowds, noise, and sensory overload. Rituals’ Mind Oasis is designed as an antidote, a place to pause, breathe, and reset with science-backed treatments like “brain massages,” “breathing bubbles,” and hydro-massages on warm waterbeds.

Annemarie Forsyth, Rituals’ UK managing director, sums up the state of affairs “Oxford Street is fast-paced and full of life. It’s the perfect place to introduce a space that invites people to pause, breathe, and reconnect”. Wellness is no longer a luxury, it’s a survival strategy for city life. Rituals has already rolled out Mind Spas in Amsterdam, Paris, and Barcelona, but London’s is the first in the UK. And it’s arriving as the brand’s global sales soar 21% to €2.1 billion.

The Oxford Street flagship store will also feature exclusive products, blending retail with immersive wellbeing in a way that’s redefining what luxury looks and feels like. As retail giants like Ikea and John Lewis add experiences from cookery schools to urban gardens to their stores, the high street is morphing from a place to buy things into a place to feel better.

The future of retail in London may rest less on what you can purchase and more on how you feel when you leave. For those of you who who crave both culture and calm, the Mind Oasis is more than a spa. It’s a sign that the city’s most iconic shopping street is finally taking mental wellbeing as seriously as it does fashion. In a world where hustle never sleeps, Oxford Street’s boldest new opening is an invitation to slow down, reset, and discover that the most valuable thing you can take home might just be your peace of mind

Find out more here - https://www.rituals.com

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK 

English Word:
Propitious
Pronunciation: /prəˈpɪʃ.əs/
Definition:  Likely to produce a successful result, favorable or advantageous. Also, graciously or favorably inclined.
Cultural Note: It often suggests conditions that are auspicious or indicative of a good omen, as if circumstances or even divine favor are aligning for success.

Jamaican Word:
Tallawah
Pronunciation: /tælæwɑ/
Definition:  Strong, sturdy, brave, or fearless. Often used to describe someone or something that is small or unassuming but possesses surprising strength, power, or resilience.
Cultural Note: Tallawah embodies a spirit of not underestimating someone based on their size or appearance. A popular Jamaican saying is "Mi likkle but mi tallawah," which translates to "I am small, but I am mighty and fearless.

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