What’s on this June: Festivals, Art, Theatre, Markets
WHAT’S ON THIS JUNE: FESTIVALS, THEATRE, MARKETS AND MORE…
MEET YOUR LITERARY HEROES AT TWO BOOK FESTIVALS, IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ART AT KEW GARDENS, ENJOY NIGHTS AT THE THEATRE, AND WEEKENDS AT LOCAL MARKETS.
HIDDEN WORLDS AT KEW
A summer series of immersive experiences is coming to Kew Gardens (pictured, top) including large scale art installations by Paul Cocksedge and Vaughn Bell. Explore the secret world of plants from a new perspective, allowing art and music to guide your senses and see the world of plants and their hidden details in a new light. 1 May – 19 September. More info.
BROWNTON ABBEY: TALK SHOW, BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE
An international performance collective celebrating disabled, queer people of colour, Brownton Abbey’s events investigate and reclaim traditions of ritual and spirituality from within these marginalised, intersectional communities. From June 18 – 20, join their Afro-Futurist Space-Church for digital screenings premiering new commissions together with the ‘Talk Show’ element between each work: conversations between performers and Brownton Abbey creator, Tarik Elmoutawakil. The programme will be broadcast at 7.30pm on 18 June, or stream until midnight on 20 June. More info.
BRING INTO BEING
Curated by Mariam Zulfiqar, this contemporary art programme at Chiswick House & Gardens aims to transform this 18th century English Heritage site into a cultural hotspot, exploring 21st century social, personal and environmental challenges through art, music and science. 27 May – 31 October. More info.
ART AT THE FOUNTAIN GALLERY
Kingston-based artist Nataliya Zozulya explores the psychology of life in the modern megapolis with her captivating portraits. The exhibition will also feature graphics from German artist Viktoria Veil and ceramic sculpture inspired by nature from Ben Nicolas. Fountain Gallery, Hampton Court. 8 – 20 June.
HORRIBLE HISTORIES LIVE ON STAGE!
From the fun children’s books and television series – you can now learn more about the terrible, torturing Tudors on stage at this outdoor viewing of Horrible Histories at Hampton Court Palace this summer. Enjoy a bit of history with all the gory details left in. 29 May – 5 June. More info.
WAITING IN THE WINGS
Rare Fortune Productions present a collection of short plays at OSO Arts Centre on the theme of ‘waiting’ written over the last lockdown. Ranging from the serious to the comic, these plays offer poignant messages to reflect on as we wait for a return to normal life. 4 – 6 June. More info.
SHOP FOR LOCAL GIFTS
Dapper and Suave’s summer market is coming to Dorking Halls this June, showcasing unique and creative local businesses. From art, ceramics and jewellery, to fashion, food and drink, this is the perfect opportunity to find stunning gifts. Book a free ticket in advance to ensure entry to the event on the day. 13 June. More info.
ARTISAN FESTIVAL, HAMPTON COURT PALACE
Spend an afternoon in the spacious Palace Gardens perusing artisan stalls, taking part in village fete games, and enjoying fabulous food and drink. This promises a fun day out for all the family with the historic backdrop of Henry VIII’s famous home. 18 – 20 June. More info.
THE DARK ROOM
This text-based interactive comedy gameshow sees the audience trying to beat John Robertson at his own game. A fun, high-energy show with lots of audience participation, and a chance for prizes, if you are brave enough. There are two showings at OSO Arts Centre, with an earlier viewing for families and a later show for adults. 20 June (4.30pm families; 8pm adults). More info.
SALT: DISPERSED, BATTERSEA ARTS CENTRE
A premiere of Selina Thompson’s film adaptation of her award winning 2017 show Salt. An intimate film about Black British identity and colonialism, following two artists retracing the old transatlantic slave triangle in February 2016. The film explores their questions and grief as they cross the Atlantic. Available to stream at home through the Battersea Arts Centre website. 22 – 27 June. More info.
ADMIRE SOME ART
After a year of virtual exhibitions, fulfil your artistic senses in person with a visit to the Landmark Arts Centre’s beautiful Grade II listed building for the Richmond Art Society’s Summer Exhibition. Featuring work by 125 exhibiting artists in a variety of media, this is sure to inspire. 25 – 27 June. More info.
WANDSWORTH ARTS FRINGE
Promising much to tantalise the senses, from circus to comedy, dance, music and theatre. Highlights include The Beatbox Collective; London Mozart Players’ performance for a young audience, and World Heart Beat Academy’s celebration of Latin music. 25 June – 11 July. More info.
WIMBLEDON BOOKFEST SUNRISE FESTIVAL
Sunrise Festival is coming to Wimbledon with a fantastic line-up. Confirmed speakers include Caitlin Moran, Alastair Campbell, Robert Webb, Esther Freud and James O’Brien. 9 – 13 June. More info.
CLAPHAM GRAND IS BACK!
With a packed line-up, this much- loved venue has comedy, music and more. Highlights for June include The Hoosiers (June 4) and Dave Gorman (June 16). More info.
BARNES CHILDREN’S LITERATURE FESTIVAL
Centred around Barnes Green, the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival headlines with the UK’s bestselling authors Sir Michael Morpurgo and Julia Donaldson. The festival has a full outdoor programme with over 60 events, including free family activities, live music, and family-friendly performances by Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. 26 – 27 June. More info.
WOKE AT THE ROSE
This award-winning production is a new story about the 20th Century African American experience, following two women’s fight for civil rights. One is notorious Black Panther Assata Shakur; the other, a present-day university student enrolling as the Ferguson riots begin. 28 – 30 June. More info.
COMING UP IN JULY
BOOK NOW FOR… FESTIVAL OF SPEED PRESENTED BY MASTERCARD (8 – 11 JULY)
Immerse yourself in this fabulous celebration of motorsport and car culture, held in the beautiful parkland surrounding Goodwood House
This year’s theme of ‘The Maestros – Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders’ is Goodwood’s salute to those in the automotive world, not just drivers and riders, but teams and manufacturers, too.
With F1 Drivers Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris already announced as attending, as well as a celebration of the late and great Sir Stirling Moss due to take place, you can experience the full breadth of the history of motorsport.
Tickets from £44, Goodwood.com
