Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online 3pm-9pm daily
BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL
FESTIVAL PATRONS
Her Grace The Duchess of Bedford
UCL President & Provost Dr Michael Spence AC
FESTIVAL TRUSTEES
Maurice Biriotti OBE (Chair) Kate Anderson
Stella Bruzzi Andrew Choi
Tim Coker Claire Hughes
Anna Paschali Nick Potter
Rosalind Raine Abigail Tan
FESTIVAL TEAM
Festival Director Rosemary Richards
Artistic Associates Bill Gee, Orit Azaz & Junna Begum
Festival Manager Catríona Strojwas
Senior Programme Manager John-Paul Muir
Associate Producer Ellie Cooper
Marketing & Communications Manager Gillian Allmark
Festival Press and PR Mobius Industries
Social Media Producer Indera Tamara
Finance Mark Sands
2025: The Paths We Tread
As we approach the festival’s 20th anniversary in 2026, we have had a busy time planning two years of festival activity –a 3-day festival in 2025, and a month-long celebratory festival through October 2026.
For 2025 we have brought together a lively programme with a focus on New Wave talent, showcasing artists, musicians and theatre-makers emerging into their professional careers – some of the leading new creative talent around!
Alongside our New Wave events we have an intriguing selection of heritage-related music and art events focussed on the street songs of past centuries in the St Giles, Seven Dials and Bloomsbury areas, in a project which has been generously supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
We also have curated partner events from regulars such as Conway Hall, the Foundling Museum and Swedenborg House.
The creative inspiration behind the 2025 events is The Paths We Tread. This theme was inspired by our heritage research and stories about the history of our local streets and places, which has linked us to characters of the past. This has provided a very broad range of interpretations for the wider programme where artists are following their own personal and cultural ‘paths’ and creative exploration.
Before you browse I would like to say a massive thank you to our funders and sponsors. The festival is a charity completely dependent on donations from local institutions and businesses, alongside occasional grants. Without this generous support we could not exist. We hope to see many of you at the 2025 festival.
Hoping you find a host of events and exhibitions to interest you and have a great festival weekend.
Rosemary Richards Festival Director
bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
@bloomsburyfestival
FREE AND TICKETED EVENTS
Some festival events are FREE to the audience. Some free events have a suggested voluntary donation.
FREE - Just turn up events do not require tickets, but please arrive in good time, as capacity is limited. These events will be stewarded.
Please check website for any final updates on day of event.
CONCESSIONS
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the programme, occasionally changes may occur that are beyond our control.
The programme is correct at time of printingcheck bloomsburyfestival.org.uk for updates.
INFORMATION POINTS
From mid-September brochures will be available from our festival hubs.
Greater London Properties, Judd Street
Mon - Sat 8.45am - 5.30pm, Sun 10am - 4pm
Holborn Library, 32-38 Theobalds Rd
Mon – Thurs 10am - 7pm, Fri 10am - 5pm, Sat 11am - 5pm (Sun closed)
Concessionary rates are shown in brackets where applicable. These apply to under 16s, over 65s, full time students, unemployed and people with disabilities (unless otherwise stated).
RADIO AND PODCAST EVENTS
Bloomsbury Radio at Bloomsbury Institute broadcasts news, interviews and information about our festival events. Listen online at bil.ac.uk/bloomsburyradio
You can catch up with interviews and programmes about the 2024 and 2025 festivals, and previous festivals, on our podcast site - search for Spotify Bloomsbury Festival.
BOX OFFICE:
bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
Advanced booking until 1 hour before the event.
Please note that the festival’s online box office system charges a small financial transaction fee to the booker in addition to the ticket price.
Booking Enquiries:
boxoffice@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
General Enquiries: admin@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
ACCESS
Information is available from venue websites or from admin@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
THE WEATHER
Our outdoor events will continue whatever the weather, unless safety is compromised.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK
Look out for feedback forms at Festival events or fill in our online survey afterwards – we’d love to know what you think.
1. Brunswick Square Gardens WC1N 1AX
2. Capital City College, King’s Cross Centre (formerly Westminster Kingsway College)
211 Grays Inn Road, WC1X 8RA
3. Central Saint Giles Piazza
1 St Giles High St, WC2H 8AG
4. Charles Dickens Museum
48 - 49 Doughty Street, WC1N 2LX
5. City Lit (FESTIVAL HUB)
1-10 Keeley Street, WC2B 4BA
6. Conway Hall (FESTIVAL HUB)
25 Red Lion Square, WC1R 4RL
7. Foundling Museum
40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ
8. Greater London Properties
65 Judd St, WC1H 9RF
9. The Harrison Pub
28 Harrison St, WC1H 8JF
10. Holborn Library (FESTIVAL HUB)
32-38 Theobalds Road, WC1X 8PA
11. Holy Cross Church (FESTIVAL HUB)
98 Cromer Street, WC1H 8JU
12. Jamboree
6 St Chad’s Place, WC1X 9HH
13. London House, Goodenough College
Mecklenburgh Square, WC1N 2AB
14. London Welsh Centre
157-163 Grays Inn Road, WC1X 8UE
15. The Music Room
49 Great Ormond Street, WC1N 3HZ
16. The Place
17 Duke’s Rd, WC1H 9PY
17. Russell Square Gardens WC1B
18. SOAS, DLT Lecture Theatre
10 Thornhaugh St, WC1B 5DQ
19. St George the Martyr Church
44 Queen Square, WC1N 3AH
20. St Giles-in-the-Fields (Church and Vestry Room)
60 St Giles High St, WC2H 8LG
21. Swedenborg House
20-21 Bloomsbury Way, WC1A 2TH
Pin positions are approximate - please check exact venue locations on a detailed map.
FESTIVAL HUBS
4 festival hubs will feature multi-artform events across the weekend:
City Lit (5)
Hosts New Wave Art Prize winning exhibition, music recitals, and New Wave theatre
Conway Hall (6)
Features heritage events, music, writing workshop talks and New Wave theatre
Holborn Library (10)
Exhibitions in Library foyer and Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre (2nd floor). Plus Saturday family book focus
Holy Cross Church (11)
Free festival drop in events across the weekend – featuring New Wave art exhibitions and concerts, plus talks. Refreshments available during opening hours
Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online 3pm-9pm daily ● boxoffice@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL NEW WAVE ART PRIZE WINNER: BETH MCALESTER
Recent paintings by Northern Irish artist and Slade School of Fine Art UCL graduate Beth McAlester. This exhibtion questions how a generation gifted with peace defines itself apart from a society so heavily informed by past violence.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a panel discussion and music on the afternoon of Saturday 18 October - see website for more info.
A Bloomsbury Festival Production supported by The Bedford Estates and presented by City Lit as part of the New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
City Lit - Gallery
Fri 17 - Wed 29 Oct
Mon - Fri 8am - 10pm, Sat & Sun 9am - 5pm
Free - Just turn up
LamBeg; Oil and soft pastel on canvas, 50cm x 50cm, 2024 by Beth McAlester.
Traditionally associated with Unionist and Protestant communities, The Lambeg drum is most visible during Orange Order parades. In Northern Ireland’s shifting social and political landscape, it represents community and heritage, but is also intertwined with a complex legacy of conflict and contested space. McAlester’s work explores this tension, encouraging viewers to consider how symbols of belonging can also reinforce division.
BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL NEW WAVE
ART EXHIBITION
Featuring emerging artists shortlisted as part of the Festival’s Art Prize 2025:
William Lowry (Slade School of Fine Art, UCL) - intimate sculptural works and etching prints exploring masculinity, myth, and memory.
Amélie Mack (Royal Academy of Music) - an exhibition of artworks inspired by Amélie’s classical music practice with a live painting response to music over the weekend.
Aruthra Gurumurthy (Slade School of Fine Art, UCL) - Paintings and drawings influenced by the artist’s heritage and life in Tamil Nadu, India, exploring how cultural rituals and human connections evolve.
Mary Pye (Slade School of Fine Art, UCL)Quiet, intuitive paintings that invite stillness and subtle wonder, drawing attention to what is sacred in our everyday lives. Layered colour and delicate gestures shape each work into a contemplative space.
Lavanya Bettadapur (University of the Arts London, London College of Fashion) - a series of textile collages and a garment inspired by the human connection to the natural world.
Jennifer Robertson (City Lit) - A Place for Everything I and II are photographic prints created in quiet tribute to the artist’ s mum’s deeply personal, everyday system of organisation.
Scarlet Deans (Slade School of Fine Art, UCL) - A selection of screen prints from the artwork I am writing a short autobiographical text in which I am the unquestionable hero of the story.
A Bloomsbury Festival Production supported by The Bedford Estates as part of the New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
Holy Cross Church is a Festival Hub, with drop in events across the weekend and refreshments available during opening hours.
Holy Cross Church
Fri 17 - Sun 19 Oct
Fri 2pm - 10pm; Sat 10am - 8pm; Sun 1pm - 9pm
Free - Just turn up
A collection of prints from the shortlisted artworks will also be on display at Greater London Properties on Judd Street
BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL NEW WAVE
ART EXHIBITION
Featuring emerging artists shortlisted as part of the Festival’s Art Prize 2025:
Jasmine Hextall (Kingston University) - An exhibition of underwater photography, ceramics and film that highlight humans interference with nature.
A Bloomsbury Festival Production supported by The Bedford Estates and presented by Hollborn Library as part of the New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
Holborn Library Foyer
Fri 17 - Sat 18 Oct (continues until November)
Mon – Thurs 10am - 7pm; Fri 10am - 5pm; Sat 11am - 5pm; Sun closed
Free - Just turn up
RUSSELL SQUARE SCULPTURE COMMISSION 2025MICHAEL CRAIG-MARTIN
Michael Craig-Martin is one of the most influencial artists of his generation. Known for his instantly recognisable images that transform everyday objects into bold, pioneering artworks. With his signature colour pallette and striking graphic lines, he creates works that challenge notions of image, authorship and representation.
Born in Dublin in 1941, Craig-Martin grew up and was educated in the United States, studying Fine Art at Yale University before settling in the UK in 1966. He gained early recognition with his seminal work, An Oak Tree (1973), and has since become one of the most acclaimed British artists working today.
Three sculptures - Umbrella (2024), Headphones (2020) and Bright Idea (2016) - temporarily installed in the heart of Russell Square, invite visitors to slow down, reflect, and experience the everyday with renewed curiosity and imagination.
Curated by Joe Duggan and presented by the Commissioners of Russell Square in collaboration with Bloomsbury Festival, The Bedford Estates, Gagosian, and Camden Council.
Russell Square Gardens
Wed 1 - Tues 28 Oct; 8am - 10pm
Free - Just turn up
LONDON’S UNDERWORLD UNEARTHED: THE SECRET LIFE OF THE ROOKERYJANE PALM-GOLD
Hogarth’s squalid, riotous ‘Gin Lane’ was old St Giles. Back in 1751, London’s most notorious slum was a pit of degradation, poverty and crime that would appal us today. Artist Jane Palm-Gold draws uncanny parallels between that historic parish and the locality we currently know, which has been a troubled West End backwater.
Plus... THE SONG OF ST GILES on Tues 14 Oct at 7pm - see page 13 for details
Camden Local Studies and Archives Centre at Holborn Library
Thurs 16 Oct - December
Mon & Tues 10am - 6pm; Thurs 10am - 7pm; Sat (alternate weeks from Sat 18 Oct) 11am - 5pm
Free - Just turn up
ELECTIVE AFFINITIES
A new exhibition bringing items from the Swedenborg House Collection into correspondence with artworks, films, and audio chosen by invited artists, filmmakers and writers. Swedenborg House
Thurs 18 Sept 2025 - Fri 27 Feb 2026
Mon - Fri 10am - 5pm (closed Sat & Sun)
Free - Just turn up
THE STREETS OF BLOOMSBURY AND ST GILES
An exhibition of contemporary artistic responses to historic artworks and street songs, depicting new interpretations of local life as lived in past centuries in Bloomsbury, St Giles and Seven Dials.
A group of artists have come together, with the support of City Lit and artist Dryden Goodwin, to explore the places that are the subject of artwork and songs reflecting life in the area from the times of Pepys and Dickens to the twentieth century.
Presented by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the Strange Doings in London Heritage project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Brunswick Square Gardens - Railings
Fri 17 - Sun 19 Oct; Free - Just turn up
QUICKEN (ST GILES)DRYDEN GOODWIN
Artist Dryden Goodwin explores drawing as a means to re-animate and revivify the presence of individuals from St Giles’ notorious past. Realised as a series of etched metal plates installed among the throng of contemporary St Giles streets, Goodwin’s studies of heads and faces reference and reinterpret depictions by historic visual artists and ballad-mongers who once chronicled the area.
Presented by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the Strange Doings in London Heritage project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. St Giles High Street (outside St Giles-in-theFields Church)
Fri 17 - Sun 19 Oct; Free - Just turn up
A GRAND CHORUS: THE POWER OF MUSIC
Bringing together scores and librettos, as well as paintings, drawings, photographs, video and audio recordings, and other archival material spanning three centuries, this new exhibition explores the power of music through the lens of Handel’s iconic ‘Hallelujah Chorus’, demonstrating music as a force for empowering individuals and communities.
Foundling Museum
From 2 Oct 2025 - 29 March 2026; Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm; Sun 11am - 5pm (closed Mon)
Museum Admission: £14.50 (£13), under 21s FREE
26 BRIDGES - 26 WRITERS
Online exhibition of work created for the 26 bridges across the River Thames in London. 26 creative pairs (writer & artist) collaborated to produce work that will be shared online in the run-up to the Festival, a bridge per day.
Online at bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
Entries uploaded from 14 Sept - 17 Oct; Full content online from 17 Oct
Please check website for up-to-date opening times of exhibitions.
THE SONG OF ST GILESJANE PALM-GOLD & VIVIEN ELLIS
An illustrated talk featuring the songs and lives of the people of St. Giles, revealing 200 years of history from a vanished quarter of London. With artist Jane Palm-Gold and singer Vivien Ellis.
Camden Archives at Holborn Library
Tues 14 Oct, 7pm
Free - Just turn up
A QUARTER PEAL OF ROOKERY SURPRISE MAJOR - ST GILES SOCIETY OF BELLRINGERS
A performance of 1,280 changes upon the bells of St Giles in a new ‘method’ for Bloomsbury Festival, to be named Rookery Surprise Major. The St Giles Rookery was a notorious area of poverty and slums in the 18th and 19th centuries, to the north of the present day church.
St Giles-in-the-Fields Church Bells
Wed 15 Oct, 7pm
FREE - Just turn up
A celebration of singing to mark the launch of the 2025 Festival:
SONGS AND BALLADSSINGING SHOWCASE
Join singers from Bloomsbury and beyond for a joyful and powerful sharing of songs showcasing the history of the streets of Bloomsbury and St Giles, and the global cultures of communities who live here now.
This uplifting evening features new ballads composed and performed by local choirs, traditional songs from South Asia, South America and Europe, and locally produced eighteenth and nineteenth century ballads researched by musician Vivien Ellis and a group of volunteers.
These historic songs tell authentic stories of life on the streets of St Giles, giving a unique insight into the lives of the rich and poor, healthcare through the ages, crime and punishment, and the lives of entertainers of past centuries.
Presented by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the Strange Doings in London Heritage project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Conway Hall - Main Hall
Thurs 16 Oct, 7.30pm
FREE - Just turn up
Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online 3pm-9pm daily ● boxoffice@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
BALLAD WALKS
Led by singer and researcher Vivien Ellis with Camden Guides, these walks will last for approximately 90 mins with a short gathering at the end to discuss the walk and ballads.
Ballad Walk of St Giles & Seven Dials
Discover dramatic stories of 17th to 19th century St Giles-in-the-Fields and the trades and printing industry of Seven Dials.
Through song and ballads this walk brings firsthand experience of street life in the area during the times of Pepys and Dickens.
Starts at Central St Giles Piazza
11am (plus 11am Sat 18 & Sun 19 Oct); Tickets: £5
Ballad Walk of Dickens
The William Miller Collection of sheet music at the Charles Dickens Museum is a treasure trove of songs inspired by Dickens, his characters and stories. Singer and researcher Vivien Ellis takes songs from this remarkable collection to bring the world of Dickens to life in the streets he knew.
Starts at Charles Dickens Museum
2.30pm (plus 2.30pm Sat 18 & Sun 19 Oct); Tickets: £5
Presented by Bloomsbury Festival as part of the Strange Doings in London Heritage project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
THE MIDNIGHT STAGE: A LIVE DICKENSIAN PERFORMANCE
Lose yourself in the London that Dickens knew — glittering and grim, thrilling and tender — and experience a one-of-a-kind performance that blurs the lines between literature, theatre, and history. With actor Dominic Rawson.
Charles Dickens Museum
4pm & 6pm (plus 4pm & 6pm Sat 18 Oct)
Tickets: £22 (£18)
THE BLOOMSBURY FESTIVAL 2024 FILM
BY CAROLINE COYER
Caroline Coyer presents her short film about the 2024 Bloomsbury Festival. The film is a portrayal of artists and spotlights global perspectives and fresh creative voices through the 2024 festival.
Conway Hall - Brockway Room
5pm; Tickets: £3
DVANDA - NEW LIGHT DUO
New Wave Concert
New Light Duo performs works for cello and harp by Isang Yun and Jeffrey Ryan, a programme based on “Dvanda” (meaning “pair” in Sanskrit), and the idea of The Paths We Tread
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
Holy Cross Church
6pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
UP IN THE MANGO TREES BY BRITNY
VIRGINIA
New Wave Theatre
Tas’xi - a young disabled woman living on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia - is encouraged to run for the prestigious title of Carnival Queen. With the help of her fierce MaMae jovial chaperon Michael and secure faith, Tas’xi takes the stage, but not without many hurdles along the way.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
Conway Hall - Main Hall
6.30pm (plus 12pm Sat 18 Oct); Tickets: £12 (£10)
CANCELLING PATJI BY NAMOO CHAE LEE
- KASSNA KOLLEKTIV
New Wave Theatre
Cancelling Patji explores cancel culture, restorative justice, and intergenerational memory through Korean folklore and ritual. A rich, immersive experience that invites audiences into a space of reckoning and ritual.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
City Lit - John Lyons Theatre
7pm (plus 7pm Sat 18 Oct); Tickets: £15 (£12)
SEE IT. SAY IT. SORTED. THE MUSICAL!CROSSROAD PRODUCTION
New Wave Theatre
One bag. Five strangers. A station full of secrets. A new original musical about what happens when we finally stop and listen. Written by Lewis Long and Eve Edwards and orchestrated by Harry O’Donovan.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
Capital City College, King’s Cross Centre Theatre
7.30pm (plus 7.30pm Sat 18 Oct); Tickets: £8 (£6)
BETWEEN THE NOTES: WHERE GENRES MEET - VERSA WINDS
New Wave Concert
A vibrant recital exploring the musical journeys and identities of four classically trained saxophonists forging their own way through a diverse musical landscape. This programme showcases the remarkable versatility of the saxophone quartet.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
Holy Cross Church
8pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
JAMBOREE PRESENTS: USHTI BABA
A Friday night of riotous folk at Jamboree with Ushti Baba, fusing hypnotic transEuropean melodies with modern dance rhythms. Expect heavy beatbox roots, wild fiddles and more!
Jamboree
9pm; £15 (door) / £12 (£8)
CROSSING THE ALPS WITH AN ELEPHANT: THE PATHS OF WILLIAM BROCKEDON
A family event about the amazing life of William Brockedon, explorer, artist and pharmacological inventor. Come and bounce your way across the Alps, sketch a page and make some marvellous medicine. Short talks on the hour and half-hour, alongside the opening day of the Big Bookfair Bonanza (see website for more details).
St George the Martyr
10am - 1pm; FREE, drop-in
AUTUMN WELSH MARKET
A vibrant day celebrating Welsh culture, creativity, and community. With over 40 artisan stalls, explore a curated selection of handcrafted jewellery, textiles, ceramics, and delicious Welsh food and drink; there’s something for everyone. Well behaved dogs welcome.
London Welsh Centre
10am - 5.30pm; FREE, drop-in
WILLIAM MORRIS: THE PATHS HE TROD IN BLOOMSBURY
An illustrated lecture by Alec Forshaw about the long involvement of William Morris in Bloomsbury, from his arrival on leaving Oxford University through a period covering over forty years of his prolific life.
Conway Hall - Library
11am; FREE - Just turn up
JAMBOREE PRESENTS: A LIFE DRAWING CLASS WITH NORTH LONDON LIFE DRAWING
Led by professional artist Piero Pierini, who is passionate about helping individuals to express their own artistic ‘voice’. Beginners are welcome as well as experienced artists. Board, paper and chalk is provided!
Jamboree
11am; Tickets: £15 at the door
BALLAD WALK OF ST GILES & SEVEN DIALS
(see page 14 for details)
Starts at Central St Giles Piazza
11am (plus 11am Fri 17 & Sun 19 Oct); Tickets: £5
THREE PATHS - JOEL MUNDAY (VIOLIN)
New Wave Concert
This unaccompanied violin recital journeys from Bach’s introspection to Ysaÿe’s modern homage and Paganini’s virtuosic flair - three voices, three eras, one instrument laid bare.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
Holy Cross Church
11.30am; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
MEET MAISIE CHAN
Two family sessions with award-winning author Maisie Chan. Whether you are already a fan of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths and Keep Dancing Lizzie Chu, or new to Maisie’s books, you are in for a special treat.
11.30am Tiger Warrior series (6-9 years)
2pm Nate Yu’s Blast from the Past (8-12 years)
Holborn Library
11.30am & 2pm; FREE - Just turn up
UP IN THE MANGO TREES
BY BRITNY VIRGINIA
New Wave Theatre
(see page 15 for details)
Conway Hall - Main Hall
12pm (plus 6.30pm Fri 17 Oct); Tickets: £12 (£10)
VIOLA SONGS: CONNECTING CLASSICAL
AND FOLK MUSIC FROM BRITAIN AND NEW ZEALAND - ZEPHYR WILLS (VIOLA)
New Wave Concert
A recital exploring the intersections between classical viola music and folksong from Britain and New Zealand, featuring works by traditional and contemporary composers.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
The Music Room
1pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
JAMBOREE PRESENTS: AFTERNOON SHOW - FLOTSAM FOLK SESSIONS
A Saturday afternoon Workshop and Jam Session at Jamboree featuring roots music, folk and trad from all corners of the world! Bring your instruments (or voice!) to play along, or simply come and enjoy the music
Jamboree
1.30pm; FREE - Just turn up
WORDSTOCK - 26 WRITERS
An afternoon of creative writing, guests and inspiration from 26. A true celebration of ‘why words matter’ with the opportunity to get involved in one of our legendary projects.
Conway Hall - Library
2pm; Tickets: £15 (£12)
BALLAD WALK OF DICKENS
(see page 14 for details)
Starts at Charles Dickens Museum
2.30pm (plus 2.30pm Fri 17 & Sun 19 Oct); Tickets: £5
Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online 3pm-9pm daily ● boxoffice@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
JONATHAN RICHARDSON, GEORGIAN GENTLEMAN - FRIENDS OF ST GEORGE’S GARDENS
Jonathan Richardson, 1694-1771, buried in St George’s Gardens, led a gentlemanly life, collecting artworks and writing about them with his father of the same name. Two actors will tell their story.
Holy Cross Church
3pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
THE MIDNIGHT STAGE: A LIVE DICKENSIAN PERFORMANCE
(see page 15 for details)
Charles Dickens Museum 4pm & 6pm (plus 4pm & 6pm Fri 17 Oct)
Tickets: £22 (£18)
TUNING DIMENSIONS: A POLYPHONIC EXPLORATION OF MEDITERRANEAN HERITAGE - ILENIA CIPOLLARI GANUCCI & GUESTS
New Wave Concert
Experience the power of polyphonic singing as singers unite to bring Mediterranean traditions to life.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
Holy Cross Church
6pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
CANCELLING PATJI BY NAMOO CHAE LEE - KASSNA KOLLEKTIV
New Wave Theatre
(see page 15 for details)
City Lit - John Lyons Theatre
7pm (plus 7pm Fri 18 Oct); Tickets: £15 (£12)
AN EVENING WITH KANMAYA & TOUSSAINT
Join artists and choreographers Ella Mesma and Akeim Toussaint Buck for a vibrant evening inspired by their new dance theatre show, Okan. Expect performances, workshops and conversations unfolding across different spaces.
The Place
7pm; Tickets: £16 (£12) / Early Bird £14 (£10)
THE THIRD-I: THE TAPI PROJECT MEETS THE THIRD ORCHESTRA - SOAS CONCERT SERIES
A groundbreaking initiative that unites the radical Indian indie band The Tapi Project (based in Surat, India) with the acclaimed Third Orchestra. Together they will create an innovative and immersive cultural experience that transcends geographical and artistic boundaries.
SOAS - DLT Lecture Theatre
7pm; Tickets: £10 (£5)
SONG AND DANCE CLUBTHE CAPABILITY CONSORT
The Capability Consort recreate an evening of song and dance with music associated with Charles Dickens. Enjoy a lively night of music, with period instruments, dance and costume. We invite you to return to centuries past in Bloomsbury, learn some of the dances and join in.
Conway Hall - Main Hall
7pm; Tickets: £20 (£15)
COMEDY FREAKS SATURDAY SHOW
The wildest comedy show in London, featuring diverse lineups of some of the best comedians on the circuit, juicy drink deals, pub food and a DJ.
The Harrison
7.30pm; Tickets: £8.50
SEE IT. SAY IT. SORTED. THE MUSICAL!CROSSROAD PRODUCTION
New Wave Theatre
(see page 15 for details)
Capital City College, King’s Cross Centre Theatre
7.30pm (plus 7.30pm Fri 17 Oct); Tickets: £8 (£6)
ECHOES OF A JOURNEYBENJI LOCK (PIANO)
New Wave Concert
Inspired by Aboriginal Songlines, this programme shows music as more than art - a way to navigate and connect through stories, guiding listeners on a timeless journey of sound and spirit.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
City Lit - Recital Room
7.30pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
THE FACE OF THE MOONGOODENSEMBLE
Drawing on their resident creatives from across the globe, orchestra, singers, and soloists are united in an emotionally charged selection of works, a series of golden threads that the listener may be enticed to follow, at their desire.
Great Hall, London House, Goodenough College 8pm; £12 (£10)
JAMBOREE PRESENTS: STRANGE CARGO
Strange Cargo put their African background into a British experience, influenced by a range of Zimbabwean artists such as The Bhundu Boys, and also by the likes of The Stone Roses and Happy Mondays.
Jamboree 9pm; £15 (door) / £12 (£8)
A WALK BACK IN TIMETHE TREES AND TALES OF BRUNSWICK SQUARE GARDENS
A guided walk back in time highlighting the special trees and ‘tales’ associated with Brunswick Square since the 1790’s. Led by Ricci de Freitas and Susan Jellis (Friends of Brunswick Square).
Starts at Brunswick Square Gardens
10.30am & 2pm
FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
BALLAD WALK OF ST GILES & SEVEN DIALS
(see page 14 for details)
Starts at Central St Giles Piazza
11am (plus 11am Fri 17 & Sat 18 Oct); Tickets: £5
JAMBOREE PRESENTS: A LUNCH GIG WITH EWAN BLEACH & THE FLEETING PARADISE ORCHESTRA
Ewan Bleach and his big band play arrangements of popular songs and original blues and jazz numbers from the 10-piece ‘territory’ bands of late 20s and early 30s America, and some original compositions and arrangements by Ewan himself.
Jamboree
12.15pm; £15 (door) / £11 (£8)
DESIRE PATHS - LIZZIE KNATT (RECORDER)
New Wave Concert
Solo recorder concert exploring journeys taken when interpreting music of the past, and reimagining it. With music from the Baroque to the present day, including new works by emerging composers.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
The Music Room
1pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
AN AFTERNOON WITH THE LODORE TRIO
The Lodore Trio (Lodore Ensemble) were brought together by a mutual desire to build on their joint, eclectic musical experiences to create chamber music performances with an international and personal flavour.
The trio are Heather Birt (viola), Margaret Ozanne Roberts (piano) and Pamela Pecko Smith (flute).
Foundling Museum
2pm; FREE with Museum Admission ticket
HUMANIST BLOOMSBURY: DOERS, DREAMERS, PLACE MAKERS
Beginning at Conway Hall – the UK’s only surviving Ethical Society and its largest humanist research resource – join us for a walking tour to discover some of Bloomsbury’s non-religious radicals and reformers.
Starts at Conway Hall
2pm; Tickets £10 (£5)
BALLAD WALK OF DICKENS
(see page 14 for details)
Starts at Charles Dickens Museum
2.30pm (plus 2.30pm Fri 17 & Sat 18 Oct); Tickets: £5
TO FLEE AND TO CHASE: FUGUES FROM
MOZART TO REGER - 147 DUO
New Wave Concert
The 147 Duo performs two-piano works by Mozart, F. Hensel, and Reger. The programme features Mozart’s C minor Fugue, and Reger’s monumental Variations and Fugue on a Theme by Mozart.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
City Lit - Recital Room
3pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
JAMBOREE PRESENTS: AFTERNOON SHOW - SWING WITH THE PROSPECTIVE COLLECTIVE
An afternoon of swing music with The Prospective Collective, a fine band of London-based jazz musicians that perform a beautiful repertoire of old jazzy classics.
Jamboree
3pm; FREE - Just turn up
Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online 3pm-9pm daily ● boxoffice@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
8-BIT DREAM BY BEN GRANTMACREADY THEATRE YOUNG ACTORS
COMPANY, DIRECTED BY TIM COKER
New Wave Theatre
Eight teenagers invite you to a brand-new, timetravelling, absurdist comedy about, well, life! Join Offie-nominated Square Pegs for another 45 minutes of fast-paced, fun-filled story-telling.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
Capital City College, King’s Cross Centre Theatre
4pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
FACILITY 111: A GOVERNMENT EXPERIMENT BY INGE-VERA LIPSIUS
New Wave Theatre
A surreal new audio play, written and performed live by the American-Dutch director IngeVera Lipsius. Taking place in darkness, it asks you to visualise images in two different, but interconnected cities—one made of glass, another of sand.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
City Lit - John Lyons Theatre
5pm; Tickets: £12 (£10)
J.A.M. STRING COLLECTIVE
New Wave Concert
The contemporary jazz string trio present music from their upcoming debut album, featuring music for ‘improvising string trio & loop pedals’ on themes of the Climate Crisis.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent.
City Lit - Recital Room
5pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
WINTERREISE - WITH MARK PADMORE & NOAM GREENBERG
Tenor Mark Padmore & pianist Noam Greenberg present a special concert of Schubert’s Winterreise in support of A Land for All, an organisation working for a peaceful and equitable future for all in Israel-Palestine.
Conway Hall - Main Hall
6.30pm; Tickets: £6 - £14 (in advance)
DÙTHCHAS- LUCY WALSH (FLUTE)
New Wave Concert
Reflecting upon the journey of a Scottish emigrant during the Highland Clearances, Lucy explores solo flute works featuring composers Electra Perivolaris, Salvatore Sciarrino, and Steve Reich.
Part of Bloomsbury Festival’s New Wave programme, a platform for emerging talent. Holy Cross Church
7pm; FREE - Just turn up, donations welcome
JAMBOREE PRESENTS: LOKKHI
TERRA
The critically-acclaimed Lokkhi Terra take us on a musical journey from the melas of Bangladesh to the streets of Habana, via the districts of Lagos and on to a bustling club in London!
Jamboree
8.30pm; £15 (door) / £12 (£8)
The University of London is proud to support the Bloomsbury Festival 2025
Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online 3pm-9pm daily ● boxoffice@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
PRINCIPAL FUNDERS
GOLD TIER SPONSORS
SILVER TIER SPONSORS GRANT FUNDERS
LOCAL BUSINESS SPONSERS
Tickets/Info: bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTERS
P.A.C.E. BUILDING SERVICES
BUSINESS CLUB MEMBERS
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MAJOR PARTNERS
Listen at Bloomsbury Radio online 3pm-9pm daily ● boxoffice@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
PRE-FESTIVAL EVENTS
(pages 12 - 13)
The Song of St Giles Tues 14 Oct, 7pm - 8.15pm
A Quarter Peal of Rookery Surprise Major Wed 15 Oct, 7pm - 8pm
Songs and Ballads - Singing Showcase Thurs 16 Oct, 7.30pm - 9pm
EXHIBITIONS THROUGHOUT
THE FESTIVAL (pages 8 - 11)
Bloomsbury Festival New Wave Art Prize
Winner: Beth McAlester 17 - 29 Oct
Bloomsbury Festival New Wave Art Prize
Exhibition (Holy Cross Church) 17 - 19 Oct
Bloomsbury Festival New Wave Art Prize Exhibition (Holborn Library) 17 Oct - Nov
Russell Square Sculpture Commission
2025 - Michael Craig-Martin 1 - 28 Oct
FRIDAY 17 OCTOBER (pages 14 - 15)
Ballad Walk of St Giles & Seven Dials 11am - 12.30pm
Ballad Walk of Dickens 2.30pm - 4pm
The Midnight Stage: A Live Dickensian Performance 4pm - 5pm & 6pm - 7pm
The Bloomsbury Festival 2024 Film 5pm - 6pm
Dvanda - New Light Duo 6pm - 6.50pm
KEY TO EVENT TYPES
Exhibitions Music
Talks & Literature Family Events
Performance & Film Walks Workshops
London’s Underworld Unearthed: The Secret Life of the Rookery
Jane Palm-Gold 16 Oct - Dec
Elective Affinities 18 Sept - 27 Feb
The Streets of Bloomsbury and St Giles 17 - 19 Oct
Quicken (St Giles)
Dryden Goodwin 17 - 19 Oct
A Grand Chorus: The Power of Music 2 Oct - 29 Mar
26 Bridges - 26 Writers Online from 14 Sept
Celebrating 20 Years
Find out more at bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
Up in the Mango Trees 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Cancelling Patji 7pm - 8pm
See It. Say It. Sorted. The Musical! 7.30pm - 8.45pm
Between the Notes - Versa Winds 8pm - 9pm
Ushti Baba 9pm - midnight
SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER
(pages 18 - 21)
Crossing the Alps with an Elephant 10am - 1pm
Autumn Welsh Market 10am - 5.30pm
William Morris: The Paths he Trod in Bloomsbury 11am - 11.40am
Life Drawing Class with North London Life Drawing 11am - 1pm
Ballad Walk of St Giles & Seven Dials 11am - 12.30pm
Three Paths - Joel Munday 11.30am - 12.30pm
Meet Maisie Chan
11.30am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 3pm
Up in the Mango Trees 12pm - 2pm
Viola Songs - Zephyr Wills 1pm - 2pm
Flotsam Folk Sessions 1.30pm - 5.30pm
Wordstock - 26 Writers 2pm - 6pm
Ballad Walk of Dickens 2.30pm - 4pm
Jonathan Richardson, Georgian Gentleman 3pm - 3.50pm
The Midnight Stage: A Live Dickensian Performance 4pm - 5pm & 6pm - 7pm
Tuning Dimensions: A Polyphonic Exploration of Mediterranean Heritage 6pm - 6.30pm
Cancelling Patji 7pm - 8pm
An Evening with Okan 7pm - 10pm
The Third-I: The Tapi Project Meets
The Third Orchestra 7pm - 9.15pm
Song and Dance Club 7pm - 9.30pm
Comedy Freaks Saturday Show
7.30pm - 9.30pm
See It. Say It. Sorted.
The Musical! 7.30pm - 8.45pm
Echoes of a Journey
Benji Lock 7.30pm - 8.15pm
The Face of the Moon
Goodensemble 8pm - 10pm
Strange Cargo 9pm - midnight
SUNDAY 19 OCTOBER (pages 22 - 25)
A Walk Back in Time 10.30am - 11.30am & 2pm - 3pm
Ballad Walk of St Giles & Seven Dials 11am - 12.30pm
Ewan Bleach & The Fleeting
Paradise Orchestra 12.15pm - 2.15pm
Desire Paths - Lizzie Knatt 1pm - 2pm
An Afternoon with the Lodore Trio 2pm - 3.15pm
Humanist Bloomsbury: Doers, Dreamers, Placemakers 2pm - 4pm
Ballad Walk of Dickens 2.30pm - 4pm
To Flee and to Chase - 147 Duo 3pm - 3.50pm
Swing with the Prospective Collective 3pm - 5pm
Please visit bloomsburyfestival.org.uk for up to date information Information correct at time of printing
All event finish times are approximate
8-Bit Dream 4pm - 4.45pm
Facility 111: A Government Experiment 5pm - 5.45pm
J.A.M. String Collective 5pm - 5.50pm
Winterreise with Mark Padmore & Noam Greenberg 6.30pm - 8.30pm
Dùthchas - Lucy Walsh 7pm - 7.50pm
Lokkhi Terra 8.30pm - 11.30pm
DAILY FESTIVAL COVERAGE FROM
BLOOMSBURY INSTITUTE’S
BLOOMSBURY RADIO
3pm to 9pm from Wednesday 15 to Sunday 19 October 2025.
Behind the scenes access, exclusive live interviews plus live reports from the streets of Bloomsbury.
Tune in at:
bil.ac.uk/bloomsburyradio or via bloomsburyfestival.org.uk
News and coverage of events across the festival through the festival.
Bloomsbury Radio trains students and members of the local community to broadcast this unique festival coverage.
Festival podcasts and interviews available year-round on Bloomsbury Festival Spotify site.
www.bloomsburyfestival.org.uk | admin@bloomsburyfestival.org.uk