As the weather gets warmer, SouthWestFest is heating up, too! SouthWestFest is SW1’s largest festival, bringing together over 10,000 people who live, work and study in the area. With over 50 free and low-cost events throughout the month of June, there is something on to suit every age, taste and budget. Tickets are on sale now and Proms tickets are discounted for advance purchases.
Coming up are workshops in everything from public speaking to a spooky writing session at the Morpeth Arms called, Ghosts, POMs and Panopticons. Learn about the history of the Millbank Penitentiary, transportation, labyrinths under your feet and daring feats of the spies across the river, while tucked up in the cozy snug with a drink, maybe some delicious food and professional writer, teacher and psychogeographer, Lucy Furlong (www.lucyfurlong.com). If you’re keen to keep your creative juices flowing, try the writing wander with And So She Thinks on 25 th June.
The main festival week kicks off this weekend with the amazing Pimlico Proms on Friday, 17 th of June from 6-10pm. Enjoy an evening of fine music and entertainment in the beautiful St. George’s Square. Bring a picnic, sip some bubbly, sit back and soak in the amazing talent of the Kew Wind Orchestra, professional choirs and more. It’s a perfect way to wind down after a day at work, a fun picnic opportunity for families and a great way to meet people from across SW1. Tickets are on sale now and are discounted if you purchase in advance at The Cave, Pantaloons or online at www.southwestfest.org.uk/tickets.
Saturday the 18th is our annual Gala Day, which begins with the Heroes and Heroines themed parade (come along as your favourite hero or heroine and join in!) followed by a day of fun in St. George’s Square with fun fair rides, face painting, Vauxhall City Farm animals, live music and performances. Browse the arts and crafts stalls, find out about courses available through Westminster Adult Education Services, snack on delicious food from candy floss to pad Thai and enjoy a day with the whole family.
The ever popular Comedy Night returns on Thursday, 23 rd of June. At only £7.20/5.40 it’s a steal! Where else can you see top comedians for such a low price? It’s perfect for a night out with friends. Come laugh, have a drink and enjoy the ambiance of The Marquis of Westminster. Their scotch eggs have been featured in Time Out and that’s only the start of their delicious menu! Every year, attendees rate this as one of their favourite events. Tickets can be purchased at The Cave, Pantaloons or online at www.southwestfest.org.uk/tickets.
There’s lots more on, too. From poetry, fiction and script writing workshops, writing for business and public speaking to how to eat better & waste less, a choir taster session and our ever popular Royal Tea Dance. All events are in the brochures, available across SW1, and on the updated website, www.southwestfest.org.uk. Connect with the festival and get involved as a participant or volunteer (or both!) on Facebook www.facebook.com/SouthWestFest/ and Twitter @swfest.
Hope to see you out there!
