Roots, Rhythms & Revelations

Quote of the Week - “Storms make oaks grow deeper roots.” - George Herbert

Good Afternoon, London. Our city continues to evolve and yet it still finds ways to stay connected to its people, heritage and environment. Take up the invitation to dress in your cultural heritage and head over to Wood Green. They’re hosting a cultural fashion expo. Then, stroll through the leafy steets and parks in Tower Hamlets as they celebrate the coveted Tree City of the World title. Head to Herne Hill to enjoy its pick and mix, free film festival. And, don’t miss out on the Cross the Tracks Festival where you can enjoy a cocktail of jazz, funk and soul featuring the likes of Ezra Collective, Jordan Rakei and Mercury Prize winner, Michael Kiwanuka.

Snatched highlights from this edition:

1. London Tech Week Leads World Innovation

2. Enjoy Saatchi’s Literary Wonderland at the Rare Book Fair

3. Live Music - Nubya Garcia, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce & lots more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

Tower Hamlets Wins Global Award for Urban Forestry

You might not expect one of London’s most densely built up boroughs, famous for high-rises, bustling markets, and the shadow of Canary Wharf, to be crowned a global leader in urban forestry. But for the fourth year running, Tower Hamlets has clinched the coveted Tree City of the World title. This recognition from the Food and Agriculture Organisation and Arbor Day Foundation celebrates the borough’s commitment to tree planting, which is about far more than just beautifying streets.

With some of London’s worst air quality and children facing up to 5% less lung capacity than the national average, Tower Hamlets’ drive to plant over 4,000 new trees since 2022 including 909 on public highways, directly targets public health and environmental resilience. The council has surpassed its own targets, planting 1,451 trees in two years and more than 13,700 since 2019, thanks to partnerships with charities, residents, and local sponsors. Community involvement is key, with 129 sponsors funding nearly 400 street trees and local families helping plant saplings and hedgerows.

All twelve council run parks in Tower Hamlets have retained their prestigious Green Flag awards, with Victoria Park also holding Green Heritage Site Accreditation. This is a testament to the borough’s dedication to creating and maintaining high-quality green spaces. These achievements highlight a strong commitment to urban greening, but Tower Hamlets’ own research makes it clear that planting trees, while essential, is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to addressing air pollution and health inequality.

Tower Hamlets stands as a microcosm of London’s broader environmental ambitions. It’s, a city striving to plant its way out of crisis, yet mindful of the limits of what trees alone can achieve. The real challenge lies ahead, ensuring these urban forests are nurtured and expanded in ways that truly impact pollution and social disparity. Each new sapling planted is a hopeful step, but lasting change will require deeper, more comprehensive solutions across the city.

CITY PALETTE

Rare Book Fair Blooms into a Literary Wonderland

If you’ve ever dreamed of holding history in your hands, Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair is your golden ticket. Next week, the Saatchi Gallery transforms into a bibliophile’s paradise. Here, you can browse everything from first editions by literary giants to botanical masterpieces and manuscripts that have shaped the world. Seasoned collectors or those of you who just love the thrill of discovering a forgotten classic, this isn’t your average book fair. This is more of a living museum of stories, ideas, and cultural treasures, right in the heart of Chelsea.

This year’s theme, Books in Bloom, is perfectly timed to coincide with the Chelsea Flower Show, and you’ll find the gallery bursting with rare floral and botanical works. So, think early herbals, contemporary art books, and even a first edition of Basilius Besler’s legendary Hortus Eystettensis. It could be yours for just a cool £300,000, if you fancy. Join in the talks and events that dive into everything from Mark Catesby’s natural history adventures to the 300 year legacy of the Chelsea Physic Garden Library, with experts sharing the stories behind the pages.

But don’t worry if you’re not an expert. As Stephen Fry puts it, you don’t need to be a scholar, just bring your curiosity and a thirst for the glory of books. The Fair’s welcoming atmosphere means you can chat with over 100 leading dealers, discover ephemera from celebrity readers, and maybe even stumble upon a piece of literary history you never knew existed.

So, why not treat yourself to a day or three of being surrounded by the world’s most beautiful books? It doesn’t matter if you’re there for the rare finds, the fascinating talks, or just to soak up the atmosphere, Firsts is where London’s love affair with books comes to life, one page at a time.

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

Bogotá Beats in Vauxhall and Brings Street Food to Life

Do you want to have a Sunday that bursts with energy and flavour? Then, Sabor Colombia at Vauxhall Food and Beer Garden is calling your name, on May 11. Step into a space that feels like a bustling Colombian plaza, where the scent of sizzling arepas fills the air and the rhythms of salsa, bachata, and reggaeton get everyone moving. London’s usual grey skies don’t stand a chance here. This is a day where colour, music, and joy take over, and you’re right at the heart of it all.

Sabor is a street food market that’s a true celebration of Colombian and Latin culture, designed for everyone in the family. You can tuck into empanadas, arepas, paella, churros, and more, while live bands and DJs keep the party going from early afternoon until late into the evening. There’s a real sense of warmth and community, making it easy to forget you’re still in Zone 1 and not somewhere in Bogotá. It’s also a reminder of how London’s food scene thrives on global flavours and the connections we make over a shared meal.

This event is part of a growing trend of weekly Latin American celebrations in Vauxhall, drawing foodies, dancers, and families who want something different on a Sunday. The best parts are there’s no entry fee, it’s family-friendly, and there’s a kids’ zone with a bouncy castle and arcade games, so everyone can join in the fun. Plus, with the Latino Life Film Club screening Spanish and Portuguese films, Sabor is fast becoming a Sunday staple for Londoners who crave both culture and connection.

Come along if you’re a seasoned dancer, a street food enthusiast, or just looking for a new way to spend time with friends and family. Sabor Colombia is a brilliant way to shake up your weekend. Bring your appetite, your dancing shoes, and your curiosity because you’re not just enjoying great food and music, you’re experiencing a culture. Sometimes, the best way to explore the world is right here in London, one bite and one beat at a time.

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

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Herne Hill Film Festival Lights Up the Community

If you love the idea of cinema under the stars, community spirit, and a festival that feels as local as your favourite coffee shop, the Herne Hill Free Film Festival has you covered. Every May, this neighbourhood celebration transforms parks, pubs, community halls, and even the historic Herne Hill Velodrome into pop-up cinemas. They offer a mix of cult classics, new releases, and thought-provoking shorts, and they’re all free. Whether you’re a film buff or just looking for a fun night out, you’ll find something to surprise and delight you at every turn.

What makes this Festival so special is the sheer variety of films on offer. You could be voting for the People’s Film Choice at the Velodrome, will it be Stand By Me, Galaxy Quest, or Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind? Or, you could be catching a late night screening of Shaun of the Dead at Brockwell Lido, with your favourite tipple, in hand. There are family friendly options like The Wild Robot at Station Hall, adrenaline-fuelled thrillers like Love Lies Bleeding, and even a night dedicated to cycling-themed shorts at the Velodrome. The Festival isn’t just about watching films, it’s about celebrating the creativity and diversity of London’s communities. With events like My Kind of Black, a showcase of short films by young Black Londoners, complete with a Q&A session to dive deeper into the stories and voices on screen.

You’ll also find plenty of opportunities to get involved, whether it’s joining the lively film-themed pub quiz at Off The Cuff Bar, taking part in the 48 Hour Film Challenge where you and your team make a short film in a single weekend. Or, attending filmmaker introductions at the Short Film Night. There’s a real sense of grassroots energy here because films are shown in unexpected places, and audiences are encouraged to mingle, discuss, and even help shape the programme through their votes and feedback.

So, if you’re searching for a festival that’s as much about community as it is about cinema, Herne Hill Free Film Festival is your ticket. Bring a blanket, your curiosity, and get ready to experience film in a way that’s relaxed, welcoming, and full of local flavour. In a city bursting with big screen experiences, this Festival proves that sometimes the best nights out are the ones right on your doorstep.

Find out more here - https://freefilmfestivals.org

LONDON BUZZ

Cultural Style Week Expo - Wear Your Roots and Shine

Picture yourself strolling through Wood Green’s Mall on a Saturday and suddenly finding yourself in a kaleidoscope of global style. Think Vietnamese embroidery, Caribbean carnival feathers, and London’s own Pearly Kings & Queens, all sharing the same runway. Well, you can witness this on Saturday because the Cultural Style Week London Expo isn’t just a fashion show, it’s a living, breathing celebration of heritage, identity, and the power of self-expression.

In our city, trends change with the seasons, however, this event turns the table. It’s not about what’s new, but what’s true to you. The Expo invites you to move beyond the high street and embrace the stories woven into every stitch, whether you’re wearing your grandmother’s sari or a contemporary twist on traditional African prints. You’ll find over 60 trade stalls, live music, dance, and fashion shows featuring both emerging and established designers. The Expo is a vibrant reminder that London’s diversity isn’t just something to talk about, it’s something to wear, celebrate, and share.

Cultural Style Week is more than a one day extravaganza, it’s part of a growing international movement encouraging people everywhere to wear their heritage. Last year’s Expo drew over 2,000 attendees, and 2025 promises even more, with its packed schedule. You’ll find children’s and adults’ fashion shows, a Diaspora’s Bloom showcase of African and Caribbean style, and performances from across the globe. The Mall Wood Green’s central location is home to over 100 shops and a buzzing market hall. So, it’s the perfect site for this cultural crossroads.

But there’s a quiet tension running through this event because we live in a world of fast fashion with disappearing trends. So can Londoners rediscover the joy of dressing for meaning, not just for style? As you wander the stalls, watch the runway, or maybe even join in, you’ll see a pattern emerging, one where fashion isn’t just about looking good, but about belonging, storytelling, and pride. So, on May 17, don’t just be a spectator. Wear your heritage, celebrate your roots, and let London see the real you. Because the city’s most powerful fashion statement might just be the one that tells your story.

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

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Brockwell Park - May 25

There’s something magical about Bank Holiday Sundays in London, but nothing quite matches the energy of Brockwell Park when the Cross The Tracks Festival rolls in. If you’re craving a blissful cocktail of jazz, funk, and soul, this is where you want to be on May 25. You’ll be grooving in the sunshine as Mercury Prize winner Michael Kiwanuka headlines alongside a fantastic lineup that includes Jordan Rakei, Ezra Collective, Cymande, Sinead Harnett, and Anderson Paak’s Free Nationals. Beyond the cool musical vibe you’ll find street food from every corner of the globe, a craft beer fair, artisan markets, and even workshops and talks if you fancy a break from dancing.

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

Dingwalls - May 9

Every so often, you catch an artist on the rise just as their star is exploding and that’s exactly what you get when Abdul Hannan takes over Dingwalls. Abdul’s journey is anything but typical because by day, he’s a software engineer and by night, he’s one of Pakistan’s most streamed singer-songwriters, captivating audiences with his blend of heartfelt Urdu lyrics and contemporary melodies. You’ll hear the songs that made him a chart phenomenon, Bikhra, Iraaday, and Faaslay. They all have dominated the Top 10 charts in Pakistan and racked up millions of streams worldwide.

Book tickets here - https://dingwalls.com

Hootananny Brixton - May 14

There’s nothing quite like the electric buzz of Hootananny when an artist like La Dame Blanche takes the stage. You’re in for a night where Afro-Cuban roots collide with hip-hop, trap, and reggae, all delivered with the fiery charisma that’s made La Dame Blanche an international sensation. Expect explosive rhythms, flute solos that soar, and a performance that’s as much about raw energy as it is about genre-bending creativity. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself swept into a dancefloor frenzy that’s impossible to resist.

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

Koko - May 15

If you want to mark a true musical milestone, Stevie Wonder’s 75th Birthday Party is the ultimate celebration for fans of the legendary icon. This one-off tribute is really a full homage to Stevland Hardaway Morris, featuring rare archive films, DJ sets, and a live performance from The Wonder of Stevie, the UK’s finest Stevie Wonder celebration band. You’ll be treated to an electrifying setlist packed with hits like Superstition, Isn’t She Lovely, Sir Duke, I Wish, and, of course Happy Birthday. All of this is brought to life by a lineup of great soul and jazz musicians, including Noel McCalla, Derek Nash and Winston Rollins.

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

Moon Lake - May 9

There’s a night of intimate, soul-stirring music waiting for you at Moon Lake. Sophia Bromberg is the GRAMMY nominated singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who’s ready to unleash her blend of modern pop, neo-soul, and R&B with an authenticity that’s hard to fake. You might remember her from Team Ariana on Season 21 of The Voice, where her whistle tones and vocal artistry wowed both the judges and the audience. Since then, Sophia’s songwriting has only grown more powerful, her track Champions of Change landed a GRAMMY nomination for Best Song for Social Change. You’ll be wowed by her showcase of colorful lyricism and musical range.

Book tickets here - https://www.realsounds.uk/moonlake

Omeara London - May 17

If you’re looking for a concert that flips your expectations and gets you moving, Beyoncé on Brass is your ticket to a night where Queen Bey’s biggest hits meet the infectious energy of a live brass band. Imagine Crazy in Love and Formation reimagined with blaring trumpets, grooving trombones, and the kind of swagger only London’s finest brass collective the Old Dirty Brasstards-can deliver. Enjoy the bold, joyful, and totally unpretentious celebration where you’ll also be part of a dancefloor packed with fans, belting out every chorus as the band tears through two massive sets of Beyoncé anthems.

Book tickets here - https://omearalondon.com

Pizza Express Jazz Club - May 17

You’re about to experience an electrifying night of genre-blurring jazz, when Marcus Joseph takes the stage. Hailing from Leicester and deeply rooted in his Caribbean heritage, Marcus is a dynamic alto saxophonist and spoken word artist celebrated for fusing jazz, reggae, hip-hop, and contemporary grooves into a sound that’s both uplifting and transformative. You can expect a powerhouse performance packed with infectious rhythms, positive vibes, and interactive moments that invite you to join in.

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

Southbank Centre - May 16 and June 19

Ready for a night that pulses with energy and celebrates the very heart of Punjabi music? Then BAM! Jaz Dhami x Sumeet Chopra are ready to entertain you at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. This isn’t just a concert, it’s a full tribute to Bhangra’s timeless appeal, blending the genre’s infectious rhythms and melodies with a slick, contemporary production. With the powerhouse vocals of chart-topper Jaz Dhami and the creative vision of acclaimed composer Sumeet Chopra, you’ll be treated to evergreen classics and fresh takes that honour the legends while pushing the sound forward.

When Nubya Garcia steps onto the stage on June 19, you’re in for a night that redefines what jazz can be. Nubya, the London-born saxophonist and Mercury Prize nominee, is known for weaving together jazz, classical, dub, and R&B into sweeping, adventurous soundscapes. They are as soulful as they are boundary-pushing. This show is extra special because she’s teaming up with the acclaimed Nu Civilisation Orchestra to perform Stan Getz’s iconic Focus, blending lush string arrangements with her own improvisational fire in a rare Third Stream collaboration. You’ll enjoy moments that are intimate and electrifying.

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

The Half Moon - May 12

Looking for your next musical obsession? Then you may find what you’re after at New Moon at The Half Moon. This long running showcase is all about championing an eclectic lineup of rising talent. Subconscious Club bring their infectious blend of classic rock, funk, and indie swagger. Think Arctic Monkeys riffs mashed with funky sax solos. Brighton’s Evangeline Eastwood channels the powerhouse vocals of Janis Joplin and Etta James with a soulful, emotionally charged set. Emerging pianist and songwriter Sigrid Eva adds a layer of poetic storytelling and impressionistic piano, sharing tracks from her debut album As It Once Was.

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

229 London - May 15

Jean Carne lovers, here’s your chance to see this true legend in action. From her early 1970s collaborations with Doug Carn on the iconic Black Jazz label, through her era-defining work with Norman Connors and Philadelphia International Records, Jean’s delivered timeless classics like Don’t Let It Go To Your Head and Was That All It Was. Her five-octave range still dazzles audiences and she has inspired generations of singers from Chaka Khan to Natalie Cole. Plus, she’s been sampled by everyone from Brand Nubian to Madlib. At 74, Jean’s stage presence is still magnetic, blending jazz, gospel, and Philly soul in a way that’s both sophisticated and deeply moving. Don’t miss her.

Book tickets here - https://229.london

BUSINESS SCENE

London Tech Week Leads Global Innovation

London Tech Week is back and bigger than ever, doubling its footprint at Olympia and setting the stage for the city’s most ambitious gathering of founders, investors, and tech leaders from over 90 countries. As you weave through buzzing halls packed with thousands of attendees, you’ll catch live AI demos, see startup founders swapping ideas with each other and with investors. This is where the future of tech isn’t just discussed, but built in real time.

This year’s Festival is a powerhouse event if you’re serious about innovation. There are six content stages covering everything from AI ethics to quantum computing, alongside immersive workshops and dedicated networking zones. Startups have the chance to pitch directly to investors, while global heavyweights like Red Bull F1’s Christian Horner, BT Group’s Allison Kirkby, and Deliveroo’s Will Shu headline a speaker lineup that’s industry diverse as it is influential.

What sets London Tech Week apart is its citywide fringe events that light up London’s tech hubs. And curated sessions connect startups with venture capitalists, corporate partners, and policymakers who are hungry for the next big thing. This is a place where strategies are set, deals are made, and the Europe’s most promising founders and investors converge to push boundaries and forge global partnerships.

However, as global competition in AI and deep tech heats up, can London hold onto its crown as the world’s launchpad for innovation? This is open to question because the pattern emerging is clear, the future belongs to those who show up, connect, and collaborate. At London Tech Week, you’re not just witnessing the next wave of tech, you’re part of it.

Find out more here - https://londontechweek.com

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK 

English Word:
Henbane
Pronunciation: /hen.bein/
Definition:  A poisonous plant in the nightshade family with a strong, unpleasant smell, sticky leaves, and yellowish white flowers.
Cultural Note: Its presence in old herbals and apothecaries’ cabinets is a reminder of a time when the boundaries between medicine, magic, and danger were strangely blurred.

Colombian Word:
Chévere
Pronunciation: /ˈtʃe.βe.ɾe/
Definition:  Cool, great, or awesome. Used to express approval, delight, or that something is enjoyable or impressive.
Cultural Note: It’s more than just a compliment, it’s a way to instantly connect, show enthusiasm, and share positivity in everyday conversations.

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