Savour The Flavours & Festivities

Quote of the Week - “Lost in the rhythm, found in the melody.” - Anon

Good Afternoon, London. In this edition of The London Palette, I invite you to plan for summer, even though the Sun doesn’t want to shine! Improve your glow by resetting your inner compass at the Happy Place Wellness extravaganza. Continue the floaty feeling by reading your favourite novel on a book barge, in Regent’s Canal. The English Word of the Week will help you to set the tone. Sample a selection of world cuisine at the city’s latest food hall. Now, it’s time to shake off any excesses at THE Norman Jay’s famous midsummer garden party.

Snatched highlights from this edition:

1. Lewisham Council Goes Festival Mode

2. Read Afloat and Dream Aloud in Kings Cross

3. Play the Innovation Game at London Tech Week

4. Live Music - Jacqui Dankworth, Jon Bon Jovi & lots more!

Let’s dive in.

—Bybreen Samuels

COUNCIL CANVAS

Council Trades Red Tape for Catford Street Festival

The words Council and epic street festival aren’t usually mentioned in the same breath. Yet, Lewisham Council is ditching the usual bureaucracy for a headliner slot at Catford's Big Weekender from June 27 to 29. This isn't mere approval, it's a council-orchestrated, largely free, town centre cultural takeover.

In pricey London, a council curating a free festival with community partners like St Dunstan's College who are sponsors of the Jubilee Ground activities, is a bold move. Lewisham isn't just stamping permits, they're actively transforming areas like the Broadway into vibrant hubs. With local cultural events reportedly boosting the UK economy by hundreds of millions, could this hands-on approach be a smarter use of council resources for community engagement?

The agenda promises something for everyone from free family fun via London Play, arts and crafts, local musicians, and Catford street food to spotlighting local businesses. While town centre events are free, ticketed evening shows on the Jubilee Ground on June 28 and 29, offer exclusivity. Accessibility is key to this event, with most areas wheelchair-friendly and dogs on leads welcome.

More than a party, the Weekender signals Lewisham's commitment to accessible local culture, echoing Mayor Sadiq Khan's Borough of Culture vision to "unite communities, transform young people's lives and boost the local economy." If successful, could Catford's model inspire more councils to directly invest in cultural experiences, revitalising high streets and boosting community pride against digital isolation? Is this a new playbook for local authorities? Only time will tell.

So, over this weekend you’ll have a chance to see a council redefine itself by championing community, culture, and accessible fun in SE6. It’s local governance, but with a festival pulse, an experience not to be missed whether you're a local or a festival-loving Londoner.

Find out more here - https://lewisham.gov.uk

CITY PALETTE

Happy Place Wellness Takes Over Gunnersbury Park

As the spring weather continues to change its mind, It’s time to uplift your spirits by planning a visit to Fearne Cotton’s much-loved Happy Place Festival. Gunnersbury Park is home to this vibrant, joyful camp and into an oasis of well-being on July 12 and 13. If you're looking for a thoughtfully curated experience designed to nourish your mind, body, and soul, this Festival promises a delightful escape from the everyday hustle.

Throughout this holistic experience you’ll be wandering through distinct zones, each offering a unique path to contentment. The Talk Stage will host inspiring conversations and live podcast recordings with well-known personalities sharing their wisdom. You can indulge in hands-on creative workshops, find your centre in yoga and sound healing sessions in dedicated tepees. Or, you can explore the new Nutrition Hub focusing on food, wellness, and hormones. With everything from expressive arts and live music to a dedicated Children's Corner, it’s designed to let you tailor your own journey to happiness.

The line-up for 2025 is already building excitement, with names like Millie Mackintosh, Liz Earle, Vogue Williams, Davina McCall, and Dame Kelly Holmes. They’ll appear alongside uplifting DJ sets from Rob da Bank to keep the atmosphere buoyant. Beyond the enriching talks and sessions, you can browse a shopping village featuring independent, eco-conscious brands, savour delicious and nourishing food without any alcohol, You also have the chance to get books signed by your favourite authors. While many sessions are included with your entry ticket, some intimate workshops are available for advance booking, so you can have a more personalised experience.

Happy Place Festival is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in positivity, learn from inspiring individuals, and connect with like-minded people in the beautiful green expanse of Gunnersbury Park. It’s a perfect antidote to city stress and a chance to invest in your well-being, emerging refreshed and inspired. If you want to dedicate a summer weekend to self-care and joyful discovery, this is a standout event and one for your diary.

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

Books, Boats and Bohemia Guide Words on the Water

In a city brimming with unique experiences, there’s a special kind of magic aboard a 100-year-old Dutch barge moored on Regent's Canal at King’s Cross. Word on the Water is London's beloved floating bookshop. This retail space is a testament to resilience, born from a passion for books by founders Paddy Screech, Jonathan Privett, and Stephane Chaudat, in 2010 . After navigating a challenging nomadic existence, nearly sinking, and relying on public support, the Dianti barge found its permanent, cherished spot at Granary Square in 2015, allowing this literary haven to truly blossom.

Step aboard, and you're instantly enveloped in a cosy, bohemian atmosphere where the gentle sway of the canal meets the quiet rustle of turning pages. Wooden shelves brim with a thoughtfully curated selection of new and secondhand books. From classic literature and contemporary fiction to children's titles and unique art editions. The palpable warmth, often enhanced by a wood-burning stove and the friendly presence of the booksellers and sometimes a resident dog, makes browsing delightful.

Beyond its captivating collection, Word on the Water has firmly established itself as a vibrant cultural hub. The roof of the barge frequently transforms into a stage for live acoustic music, poetry slams, author readings, and book launches, drawing together London's diverse literary and artistic communities. It’s this enchanting blend of a tranquil book-browsing sanctuary and a lively performance venue that imbues Word on the Water with such a special and enduring character.

Despite the sad loss of co-founder Jonathan Privett in 2023, his legacy thrives through surviving founders Paddy and Stephane, with Jonathan's daughter Megan now contributing to its curation. Following a refurbishment and expansion in 2022, the bookbarge continues to offer a truly memorable London experience. A floating treasure chest for book lovers and inquisitive souls alike, ensuring its unique charm sails on for generations to come.

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

UNDISCOVERED GEMS

Summer Finds its Groove at Norman Jay’s Garden Party

Norman Jay’s Midsummer Garden Party isn’t your average summer gathering. It’s a living slice of London’s musical history, curated by one of the city’s most influential DJs. Norman Jay MBE, a pioneer of the UK’s rare groove scene and co-founder of the legendary Good Times Sound System, brings his signature blend of soul, funk, disco, and house to this intimate outdoor celebration. For those of you in the know, it’s a rare chance to dance under open skies with a true tastemaker at the decks.

What makes this party special isn’t just the music, it’s the atmosphere. The Fox & Firkin garden transforms into a vibrant dancefloor where generations mingle, and every track feels like a personal invitation to let loose. Norman’s sets are famously eclectic, moving seamlessly from classic grooves to fresh British soul, and always tuned to the energy of the crowd. You’ll groove to an epic soundtrack that spans decades, but never feels stuck in the past.

Norman’s events have always championed inclusivity and community, and his Midsummer Garden Party is no exception. With accessible ticket prices and a crowd that reflects London’s diversity, the event captures the spirit of the city at its best, open, joyful, and united by music. It’s a welcome antidote to the impersonal mega-festivals, offering instead a space where you can actually feel part of the moment.

If you’re searching for a summer experience that’s equal parts legendary and local, this is the one to mark on your calendar. Norman Jay’s garden party isn’t just an event, it’s a reminder of how music can turn a patch of green into the beating heart of London’s cultural life. Book now because these good times are always in high demand.

Book tickets here - https://foxfirkin.com

LONDON BUZZ

London Tech Week’s $1.2 Trillion Power Play

What happens when you double the size of Europe’s biggest tech festival, throw in over 45,000 visionaries from 90 countries, and centre AI innovation? You get London Tech Week 2025, which runs from June 9 to 13. This citywide spectacle isn’t just showing off London’s digital muscle, it’s setting the global tech agenda. From Olympia’s main stages to fringe events across the city, this is where unicorn founders, investors, and policymakers collide to shape tomorrow’s breakthroughs.

This is seismic because London’s tech sector is now valued at over $1.2 trillion and is home to 171 unicorns and 589,000 jobs, making it Europe’s undisputed tech capital. With £44 billion invested in AI alone since 2023, this event is more than a networking bonanza; it’s a catalyst for economic growth, policy launches, and the deals that will define the next decade. As Carolyn Dawson, co-lead of London Tech Week, puts it: “We must unite, think bigger, and act together to maintain the UK’s position as a leading global innovator and international tech hub.”

You can look forward to a forward-facing agenda with headline speakers like Jensen Huang from NVIDIA, Sir Tim Berners-Lee, and Professor Brian Cox. Together with six stages of content from AI and quantum computing to fintech and healthtech. And, the grand finale of the Rising Stars competition with £3 million up for grabs for the UK’s hottest startups.

The AI Summit at Tobacco Dock will spotlight world-leading innovators. While Learning Labs and a dedicated FinTech Innovation Hub offer hands-on insights for everyone from founders to Fortune 500 execs. Also, make sure to check out fringe events tackling everything from SpaceTech to sustainable mobility. Collectively, they’re making London the ultimate launchpad for global collaboration.

As the world’s tech giants and the next generation of startups converge in London, the city cements its status as the place where strategies are set, investments flow, and the future is built in real time. For London’s economy, the impact is colossal because of its ability to drive jobs, attract talent, and ensure the capital stays at the heart of the digital revolution. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or just tech-curious, London Tech Week is your backstage pass to the next chapter of innovation. See you there!

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

LONDON SOUNDSCAPE

Cart and Horse - June 6

What if you could relive the thunder and glory of Led Zeppelin in the very pub where Iron Maiden played their first gigs? Well you can at the Cart and Horses when it welcomes Led Into Zeppelin, the UK’s ultimate Led Zeppelin tribute. You’ll hear all the soaring vocals, searing guitar solos, and raw energy that defined the originals. From Whole Lotta Love to Kashmir, you’ll be swept into a setlist that channels the spirit and spectacle of rock’s golden age. Grab your ticket and prepare to be transported back in time.

Book tickets here - https://www.cartandhorses.london

Crazy Coqs - June 11

Step into the lush art deco surrounds of Crazy Coqs and let Aria sweep you into an evening where cabaret meets pure vocal artistry. Here, you’re not just an audience member, you’re part of an intimate musical story unfolding just a few feet away. With table service, cocktails, and a space renowned for world-class performances, you’ll find yourself immersed in soaring vocals and heartfelt storytelling. If you’re after a night where every note feels personal, Aria at Crazy Coqs is your perfect Soho escape.

Book tickets here - https://www.brasseriezedel.com/crazy-coqs

Irish Cultural Centre- June 6

Swap your usual Friday night for a journey through Irish music history as The 4 of Us take the stage. Brothers Brendan and Declan Murphy have spent over three decades crafting a sound that fuses contemporary roots with rock, earning them chart-topping albums, timeless hits like Mary, and a loyal fan base on both sides of the Irish Sea. Now, they’re debuting Crescent Nights, a new album shaped by their memories of growing up in Northern Ireland. Expect to hear evocative storytelling, soaring melodies, and songs that spans the heartfelt and the anthemic.

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

Jamboree - June 14

Trade in your ordinary Saturday night for a musical adventure at Jamboree, where The Steven Paris Agreement and Mama Moonshine will ignite the stage. Dive into songs that weave American and English roots with original folk-rock, all delivered by a trio whose influences range from Nina Simone to Son House. Steven, known for his globe-trotting festival gigs and a new album produced by Mick Jones of The Clash, brings raw energy and authenticity. Come early for Middle Eastern bites and stay for a night of bluesy, funk-laced storytelling and communal revelry.

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

02 Arena - June 9 and 10

What happens when Miami Heat meets Jamaican cool under the O2 Arena’s roof? Pitbull’s Party After Dark Tour storms London with special guest Shaggy, reminding you why every hit is a reason to dance. Expect explosive visuals, pyrotechnics, and a hitlist stacked with anthems like Timber, Fireball, and Give Me Everything. Shaggy brings his own arsenal, think Boombastic and It Wasn’t Me, for a double bill of pure party energy. If you crave a show that’s thrilling, this is your ticket to summer’s wildest night out.

Book tickets here - https://www.theo2.co.uk

Pizza Express Soho - June 12 and 15

Jacqui Dankworth is ready to transport you to the sounds of Sondheim, Legrand, and Bernstein, with her reimagined take on their classics. Along with her world-class trio, she’ll weave a spellbinding set combining jazz, soul, folk, and blues, into fresh arrangements. Jacqui will treat you to a night where every note feels personal and every song tells a new story.

If you’re craving a Sunday that swings, Ray Gelato’s return to PizzaExpress Jazz Club on June 15 is your golden ticket. Known as the Godfather of Swing, Ray brings his signature blend of jazz, swing, and R&B to Soho’s iconic venue, where every show is a sell-out celebration of pure musical joy. High-energy sax, velvet vocals, and a band honed on the world’s top stages, awaits you. Whether you’re a jazz devotee or just want to feel the room come alive, this gig is one for your diary.

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

Queens Theatre Hornchurch - June 8

Change your usual Sunday routine for a stadium-sized singalong as The Bon Jovi Experience storms into Hornchurch. Endorsed by Jon Bon Jovi himself, this tribute act nails every detail, from the look and swagger to the impassioned sound that defined a generation. Singing along to classics like Livin’ On a Prayer, You Give Love a Bad Name, and Bed of Roses, all delivered with infectious energy that guaranteed to get you on your feet. Lifelong fans and lovers of a good rock show, enjoy this pure, fist-pumping fun.

Book tickets here - https://queens-theatre.co.uk

The Beaverwood Club - June 12

There’s a U2 stadium show waiting for you in Chislehurst? The Beaverwood Club hosts U2Baby, the UK’s definitive U2 tribute band, renowned for their uncanny sound, look, and stagecraft. These are the musicians who are praised by die-hard fans and even Bono’s inner circle. Their renditions will include, Boy to Songs of Experience, and delivered with spine-tingling authenticity. This promises to be a night where every anthem feels as epic as the real thing.

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

Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club - June 8

Why settle for a quiet Sunday when you could be swept up by the brassy brilliance of a full big band? Join the South London Jazz Orchestra when they transform Toulouse Lautrec Jazz Club into a swinging celebration of jazz and swing classics, from Glenn Miller to Duke Ellington, with surprises in between. Bask in their infectious energy and welcoming welcoming vibe where dancing in the aisles is encouraged. With over 30 shows a year and a passion for community music, SLJO guarantees an afternoon that’s as joyful as it is unforgettable.

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

World Heart Beat Embassy - June 15

Let your ears travel east without leaving London as Sahana Bajpaie brings the evocative sounds of Bengal to World Heart Beat Embassy Gardens for the Planet Harmony Festival. You’ll be swept up by Sahana’s soulful interpretations of Rabindra Sangeet and Bengali folk, blending tradition with a contemporary touch that’s captivated audiences from Santiniketan to Soho. In the intimate, acoustically rich concert hall, every note feels personal, this is more than a concert, it’s a cultural journey. If you’re curious about global music, this evening is your invitation to discover something truly special.

Book tickets here - https://worldheartbeat.org

BUSINESS SCENE

Lunch, Unleashed - Market Place Reinvents City Dining

The Square Mile’s traditional lunch scene is usually a choice between a desk-bound sandwich or a formal, hushed meeting. But, things are changing by Market Place St Paul’s. This sprawling 6,834 sq foot foodie destination opened its doors last week. It begins a new era for how the financial heartland dines and socialises. This is more than another food court, it's a strategically positioned culinary landmark, conceived as the City's ultimate "day-to-night playground." This launch is significant, because it directly addresses a major shift in workplace culture and evolving dining expectations. As Blake Henderson, Managing Director of Market Place Food Halls noted, "The City has been crying out for a dining concept that matches its energy." It aims to create an escape from the hustle and deal-making to tap into the demand for casual, flexible food hall experiences.

Spread across two floors at 150 Cheapside, this is Market Place's largest venue. It features nine global street food vendors, two vibrant bars, pool tables, and a schedule of DJs and live events like comedy nights. The diverse culinary line-up includes everything from Free Wheelin Pizza's wood-fired offerings and OPA's Greek cuisine to Venezuelan arepas from Streat Latin and Thai House's Bangkok-inspired dishes. This curated variety under one roof is a deliberate business strategy to cater to all tastes and occasions. Whether you want a swift power lunch to extended after-work gatherings.

Market Place's City debut is part of the group’s ambitious plans to stretch beyond London. They’re exploring the Middle East and other international opportunities. This highlights the scalability of the food hall model and London's role as a fertile ground for innovative hospitality concepts with international potential. Such vibrant, multi-vendor spaces could well become the new hubs for socialising and networking. They have the potential to overtake more traditional corporate venues and offer a significant platform for the nine independent food traders at St Paul's to reach a high, on the ground City audience.

Ultimately, Market Place St Paul’s represents more than an eclectic collection of food stalls, it’s a perceptive business move that reflects and actively shapes the desires of today’s urban workforce. It’s a confident wager that even within the historic Square Mile, the future of business and indeed pleasure, is set to be more flavourful, flexible, and even more fun.

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

LINGUISTIC TAPESTRY - WORDS OF THE WEEK 

English Word:
Reverie
Pronunciation: /ˈrɛvəri/
Definition:  A state of being pleasantly lost in one’s thoughts; a daydream or dreamy meditation, often accompanied by a sense of peacefulness or creative inspiration.
Cultural Note: Reverie, has roots in French and is often used in English literature and music to evoke a sense of gentle reflection or imaginative wandering.

Arabic Word:
سِبْل (Sibl)
Pronunciation: /sibl/
Definition:  A traditional public water fountain or drinking trough, often found along streets, in marketplaces, or near mosques, built to provide free water to travelers, animals, and the community.
Cultural Note: Sibl is a symbol of charity and hospitality in many Arab cities, especially in the Levant and North Africa.

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