celebrating the best of Canary Wharf, Docklands and the new east London people - events - treasure - property - foolishness
inside issue 163
David Lefebvre Sell - Boisdale Of Canary Wharf
Barge East - Third Space - House Of Dreamers
The Music Is Black Festival - Sudoku
Crosswords - Nao Victoria - Vagabond
Glenn Tilbrook - Royal Wharf Fete
Southmere - Woolwich Works
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Image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Crossrail
Welcome to issue 163 of Wharf Life. This paper is all about making plans and getting outside over the coming weeks and months. That might be grabbing a Pinsa at Whole Foods, scheduling festival dates in Stratford or the Royal Docks or simply planning a summer gathering at Boisdale...
CONTEST | Sounds Familiar Music Quiz Teams of four to eight are invited to pit their musical knowledge against other Wharfers. Expect 100 killer tunes. Pre-booking is essential. Jun 19, 20, 6pm, 1pm,£11.25pp, canarywharf.com
FILM | Summer Screens: Film Club Canary Wharf’s free lm screenings are back with seven showings this month for kids and older audiences. Check online for the full programme June 9-28, times vary, free, canarywharf.com
The Music Is Black Festival is all set for four weekends of live performance as East Bank exes its cultural muscles across its Stratford campus in response to V&A East’s exhibition
Tilbrook talks grassroots venues ahead of his Theatreship gig
Of Dreamers is set to open at Excel with 16 installations to explore
on the radar
Canary Wharf is getting a new pub – The Tallyman set to open in September, created by Yummy Pubs, which runs Faber and The Somers Town Co ee House. It will be located in Chancellor Passage in the unit that formerly held the Post O ce and Grateful Kitchen. thetallyman.co.uk
For those who identify as men and like to smell nice and appear wellgroomed, Jubilee Place is set to welcome Horace. The brand sells suncare, fragrances, skincare, haircare and shaving products and o ers advice on looking after one’s skin horace.com need to know
26
Woolwich Works lines up a season of comedy shows and performers
24
How Vagabond Urban Winery in Canada Water is all about making wine and connecting people to the process as the brand expands. Look out for a new bar in Canary Wharf too
doing the deals
get more for less on and around the Wharf
Gat a margherita pizza for £5 at Crate in Wood Wharf from noon-4pm, Monday to Wednesday. Sign up for Crate Perks to unlock the deal at the Water Street venue via its website cratebrewery.com
£15
21
Enjoy tacos, fries and a drink at Electric Shu e in North Colonnade on weekdays until 3pm. Flavours include Crispy Cod, Spicy Chicken and Chipotle Steak electricshu e.com
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Catch historic replica the Nao Victoria as it visits St Katharine Docks
Immigration Solicitors
Tribe London Canary Wharf in Water Street has unveiled its Vinyl Club listening station, where guests and visitors can slip a record on, drop the needle and enjoy some sounds supplied by independent record shop Rough Trade East for free. The hotel brand has also now released a double LP, New Grounds, featuring work by the likes of Brian Eno, Danny Brown and Frankie Valley plus fresh tracks.
It’s hard to overstate just how well this little joint on the lower level of Jubilee Place does its job. O ering maximum exibility, its Large Crunch Box is priced at just £7.55 and comes as a medley of pulses, potatoes, slaw, pickled red cabbage, couscous and leaves. This can be tricked up with up to three dressings at no extra cost, so I opt for olive oil and sriracha mayo for a bit of bite (in “saucy” quantity rather than light or medium).
Then I add in pulled chicken (£2.60) and goats cheese (£2.10) and a dusting
of crispy shallots and toasted seeds (free). The result is a triumph, a richly layered journey of discovery as leaves peel back to reveal piles of cruncy deliciousness. It’s great value. The ingredients taste fresh, the dressings have been applied in lashings rather than drizzles and the chicken is sweet, moist and tender. Starting with the presumption of customisation is an excellent tactic. It means customers get their bowls just how they like them at a quality and price that’s hard to resist.
Jon Massey
how
Whole Foods
Market aims to make its Canary Wharf store the centre of a community
by Jon Massey
Whole Foods Market may be owned by Amazon and have opened its doors in the Wood Wharf unit formerly known as Amazon Fresh, but it’s a very different kind of offering.
Gone are the smart price labels and the till-free shopping experiment, replaced by nearly 3,000 carefully selected product lines with an emphasis on natural and organic groceries. The store also boasts the Wharf’s first at-checkout fridges, tempting shoppers to cold beverages at the point of payment.
Perhaps the biggest contrast here, though, is in the people. Even amid the chaos of opening, there’s good humour and positivity – a feeling that everyone present is genuinely happy to be there.
It’s an ethos embodied by Jade Hoai, the brand’s executive leader of purchasing for its UK stores. Beyond the job title, she might just as well be known as chief enthusiast as she guides me around the new store, pointing out her many favourites on the shelves.
“For me, it started 25 years ago,” she said. “I was working for the US Government’s Department Of Justice in Washington DC – a great job – and I had my afternoons, evenings and weekends free.
“I was already a regular Whole Foods customer and so I decided to take a part-time job as a cashier for the staff discount.
“I just loved the product, the ethos of the company and the people I met here so much. Having a job where I get to help nourish the people on our planet is fulfilling – it’s been a joy to see it grow.
“When I started, we had 180 stores. Now we have 500 in the US – it’s been quite an expansion and I was very lucky to have great mentors and leaders who believed in me. When we had the chance to open a branch in the UK, I had the opportunity to come over for a couple of years.
“Then I got an extension and, 19 years later, I’m here talking about the opening of our Wood Wharf store.”
Now trading on Water Street, the
3,000
Approximate number of products for sale at Whole Foods Market’s newly opened Canary Wharf branch
Whole Foods Market stocks
a wide range of products for Wharfers to discover, including grab-and-go lunches
open for nourishment
Canary Wharf branch is one of a clutch of six launched by the brand in May and June across London.
“Here, we have a 9,000sq ft store that is going to be a centre for the community,” said Jade. “People can pop in, get a snack, a salad or do their full shop.
“We have an amazing choice of products, but we also stock the essentials such as pet food and loo roll. At its heart, the store is like a foodie playground for adults where people can come in and discover something they didn’t know about or had never tried before.
“Our aim, ultimately, is to bring joy – that a visit isn’t a grocery shop or a chore, but something that our customers look forward to, whether that’s browsing our selection or talking to our team members.
“We’ve always wanted to be in Canary Wharf, so when this opportunity presented itself, we jumped at it.
“We think it’s a great community and it’s our customer – the people here are really conscious about what they’re eating and spending their money on and that’s their health and wellbeing.
“I think it’s an understatement to say we’re absolutely delighted to be here.”
Jade’s role in the business is a crucial one in Whole Foods Market’s operation. She oversees merchandising, marketing and supply chains for the business – in essence holding responsibility for what’s going on the shelves, ensuring it gets there and then telling people why it matters.
“My teams have a lot of impact –working with new brands, finding new products, working with existing lines and growing their sales,” she said. “The marketing team does a great job of telling our stories – talking about who we are and what we’re trying to do.
“With the supply chain, we oversee the journey from the farmer who grows the food to the person who puts it in the packaging, then how it arrives at our distribution centres and our stores.
“There are so many people connected to that process and what we try to do is to make sure that they are respected and celebrated.
“We recognise how amazing it is that we can grow food that nourishes ourselves and is also good for our planet.
“One of my favourite products, for example, is our 365 Whole Foods Market Hot Smoked Salmon, which we’re producing. The fish is farmed, but I believe the quality is the best because we’re very strict and conscientious about the welfare of the animals and what goes into the feed they eat.
The store is like a foodie playground for adults where people can come in and discover something they didn’t know about
Jade Hoai, Whole Foods Market
salad with capers, tomatoes and lemon juice – it’s delicious.”
targeting workers on the estate looking for grab-and-go options and hot food at lunchtimes.
this branch is our Pinsa Romana concept. These are Roman pizzastyle slices that are customisable and made to order.
base, toppings and then we’ll cook it and they can enjoy it hot on our terrace. People can also take them away to cook at home.”
locally will interact with the store is also key to its operation.
said Jade. “We want people to come in to talk to us. Our staff are there and will happily sit with customers and discuss the relative merits of pearl barley and wholegrain rice. We really believe in what we’re doing.
within the company. As soon as people start with us they can take a course to understand the history of the brand and its values.
reflect the community in what we stock. We’ve tested and tried every single thing on our shelves. We’re very lucky, because brands find us. Also, every quarter, we have a pitch day that’s open to anyone. People apply, come along and tell us why they think we should stock their products. Some come with a concept, or a package design, others with finished products. In the end, nothing makes it to our customers unless we’ve tried it and we can say that it’s really good.”
Whole Foods Market is located on Water Street in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf. The store is open from 7am-10pm on weekdays. From 8am to 10pm on Saturdays and from 11am-5pm on Sundays. Go to wholefoodsmarket.co.uk for more information
Jade Hoai, Whole Foods Market’s executive leader of purchasing for the UK
250
Maximum capacity for a seated dinner at Boisdale, which also offers hire options on its terrace
how
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is all set to deliver a summer
filled
with fine food, drinks and cocktails
by Jon Massey
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf’s seasonal offering demands attention. The venue recently unveiled three market-leading offers at its Hine Bar And Garden Terrace aimed at attracting Wharfers to the lower of its two floors as the mercury rises.
But its also the eclectic establishment’s flexibility and the sheer depth of its proposition that will be of interest to those arranging get-togethers in the coming weeks. It’s perhaps the only venue in Canary Wharf that can do dinner for two or 250.
a trio of offers
“For 2026, we’ve decided to throw everything at our Hine Bar And Garden Terrace, with all offers available from Tuesdays to Fridays throughout the summer months,” said Tony Havin, the restaurant, live music venue and bar’s general manager.
“We really think we’ve done everything to create a great offering this season. Boisdale is right in the middle of Canary Wharf, but on our terrace guests feel secluded. It’s away from the bustle of the street below – our own secret garden on the first floor.”
With cooking from executive head chef Andrew Donovan and drinks from bar manager Malika Kirchel-Sharper, the
party season
venue aims to tempt drinkers and diners to visit with three core offers this summer. chilled refreshment
“We’ve extended our Happy Hour on drinks from noon-7pm, covering selected drinks from the bar and our range of frozen cocktails,” said Tony. “The idea is that you can come for lunch and then stay into the evening.
“We’re always trying to improve and so we have a new menu of cocktails that I think even top what we were offering last year.
“We’ve done extensive tastings and the flavours are really there. Personally, I like the take on a Pina Colada, but I’m also pleasantly surprised by the Bittersweet Delight, inspired by a Margarita with a dash of Orange Angostura Bitters and a spicy jalapeno.”
buy-one-get-one-free
The frozen cocktail list, which also includes the likes of Tennessee Peach Punch and Banana Split, ranges in price for £14 or £14.50, with customers getting a pair of drinks for that price during Happy Hour. Other drinks on offer during that period include pints of Harbour Singlefin’ Lager for £5 and glasses of Boisdale’s Bekaa Valley red or white for £6.
on to the food
“We always offer seasonal dishes at Boisdale and we’ve got morel mushrooms, asparagus, peas, broad beans and sardines on the menu,” said
For those planning events over the coming months, Boisdale presents a compelling offering, whether it’s a team lunch, after-work drinks or a full company celebration.
“We can host more than 400 people for a standing reception across the whole venue or cater for up to 250 seated,” said Tony.
“We’re very flexible about the size and style of gathering and we’re also happy to hire the venue on Mondays when we’d usually be closed – that includes the Terrace, which is just one of the many spaces we have for groups to host in.
“We can tailor every aspect of an event to a client’s needs and we’ve done all kinds of things over the years including barbecues and hog roasts.”
Andy added: “We have tremendous
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf’s executive head chef Andrew Donovan, left, and general manager Tony Havin, stand ready to welcome guests over the summer
teams here with a lot of experience. That’s testament to the fact we’re always changing, evolving and offering new things.
“I think now, more than ever, people want value and quality and that’s what we’re able to deliver.
“I love cooking for events. In my view a canapé should be something fresh and amazing. There should be just enough so that you get that flavour, but not so much that it’s overwhelming.
“My top choices would be bitesize versions of Prawn Cocktail, Steak Tartare and Ceviche. Then there’s our Smoked Salmon, of course, and our Venison Empanadas, which are made with the same ragu that we offer with gnocchi on our set menu.
“We always try to let the ingredients speak for themselves.”
The venue’s set menu includes a wide range of dishes including Flat Iron Steak with chips
How Barge East has expanded its canalside o ering and is gearing up for a summer on and beside the water - Pages 10-11
Customers can enjoy two frozen cocktails for the price of one
Andrew, who’s been cooking in the restaurant’s kitchens for well over a decade.
“I think now, more than ever, people want value and quality and that’s what we o er. We pride ourselves on using the best ingredients cleverly to hit the right price point.”
The second of Boisdale’s key o erings is its set menu, available noon-3pm. Depending on their schedule and commitments, diners can order one course for £17.50, two for £23.50 or three for £28.50.
haunch of venison with morels and wild garlic mash. All of the trimmings are used to make a ragu for four or ve hours – in there you have carrots, garlic, rosemary, juniper and balsamic vinegar for richness and red wine. We just braise the meat until it’s completely tender.
“Then we take the gnocchi and just toss them in that wonderful sauce.”
land and sea
Last – but, by no means, least –following a successful run last year, is Boisdale’s “Ultimate Surf And Turf” – also available on weekdays from noon-3pm.
Ultimate Surf And Turf is back at Boisdale on weekdays from noon-3pm with prices from £19.95
o ers delivering the
The venue’s Happy Hour includes pints for £5
Options include the likes of Crispy Salt And Pepper Squid and Asparagus With A Crispy Hen’s Egg to start, Scottish Flat-Iron Steak With Chips and Char-Grilled Breast Of Su olk Chicken for mains and A ogato and British Cheeses for dessert.
“My personal choice would be to start with the Grilled Cornish Sardines On Toast, which come with wild garlic and Isle Of Wight tomatoes,” said Andrew.
“Years ago we had whole industries based on oily sh –sardines, herring, kippers – all those great things.
“Now we catch them and sell them to the Europeans who, rightly, adore them.
“After that richness, I’d want something more delicate, so I’d order the Broad Bean, Courgette And Pea Risotto with lovely Su olk goat’s cheese.
“Then, because I’d been so well behaved, I’d have to go with the Boozy Cherries With Dark Chocolate Mousse, which comes with a hazelnut praline. It’s amazing.
“Another favourite is one of the starters on the set menu – Gnocchi With Wild Venison Ragu served with shavings of Parmesan.
“Being a Scottish restaurant, we use a lot of game, and we’ve currently got a dish on the evening show menu – roast
Diners can choose to pay £19.95 for Chargrilled King Prawn Brochette with either a Scottish Wagyu Burger With Cheese or a 200g Scottish Flat-Iron Steak, all served with pickles and lettuce hearts with blue cheese.
Alternatively they can opt to pay £29.95 for Half A Grilled Lobster with the burger or steak, served with a house salad and garlic butter.
“This was an incredibly popular option on our terrace last year and we’ve given it a bit of a twist for 2026,” said Tony.
“We’re expecting our o ers across food, drinks and cocktails to draw in locals and visitors. There’s really no excuse not to come.”
key details
Boisdale Of Canary Wharf is located in Cabot Place and is open Tuesday to Sunday from noon. You can nd full details of all o ers online.
Go to boisdale.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about spaces at Boisdale
Portrait by Jon Massey / Wharf Life - Other images supplied by Boisdale
Years since De Hoop, the agship in the Barge East eet, was built
party by the
Above: Dutch vessel De Hoop is the centrepiece of Barge East with a capacity of up to 120 for a standing reception Below left and centre: The ship o ers ne dining inside and bistro-style tables on its terrace, below right
Images supplied by Skuna / portraits by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
how Barge East in Hackney Wick is offering flexibility and canalside fun via its fleet of east London spaces
by Jon Massey
Venues that offer events organisers true variety are rare. But Barge East in Hackney Wick is a complex of vessels and facilities that presents a wealth of possibilities.
Located at Sweetwater Mooring on the edge of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, it boasts a fine dining floating restaurant, a riverside terrace, a garden, a sister ship that sells drinks and gelato and plenty of space to stretch out alongside the River Lee Navigation canal.
It even offers paddleboard, kayak and canoe hire and that’s before you even mention the connections to DJs, live music and entertainers.
“We’ve got space at Barge East for almost any type of function, from weddings to corporate away-days and festival-style summer parties,” said Stuart ‘Tommo’ Thomson, one of the three founders of the business.
“We’ve got restaurants, with outdoor menus and terrace menus, with Parisian bistro-style, and our street food menus with amazing burgers.
We’ve got food across different price points, and all of it is sustainably sourced, using responsible suppliers.
“There’s our 125-year-old Dutch barge and the Milk Float, a more modern wide beam vessel with a beautiful sun deck that overlooks the London Stadium.”
In addition to adding this new ship to the fleet, Barge East is also now operating the Moo Canoes hire business, allowing people to explore east London’s waterways via stand up paddleboard, canoe or kayak.
“We can offer all sorts of
activities and events at Barge East for groups of any size. We can organise garden games, entertainers and live music outside and we’re happy to signpost Bola Beach Tennis next to us and work alongside them in collaboration.
“Companies are welcome to use Barge East for a whole day or use us as a base to explore the area. There’s so much going on around the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and Hackney Wick.
“We’ve even introduced a litter-picking day every month where groups go out on the boats, help clear the waterways and then swap the bag of rubbish they’ve collected for a beer.”
Barge East is located a short walk from Hackney Wick station and can also be easily accessed from Stratford.
The boat itself can handle standing receptions for up to 80, while its Terrace and Gardens can take up to 150 and 300 respectively. The Milk Float is suitable for standing parties of up to 80 and all of the venue’s spaces can be booked in combination. Barge East offers a wide range of party packages starting at £15 per head.
Executive chef Kayla Dimmick oversees all the food on-site including dishes created with ingredients from the venue’s edible garden.
Those seeking a deal can visit Barge East’s Terrace on weekdays from noon-4pm to indulge in its £10 lunch offer and enjoy a Chicken Burger or Mushroom Burger with a drink for a tenner.
key details
Barge East, the Milk Float and Moo Canoes are located at Sweetwater mooring. Full details of all the spaces available and opening hours can be found online.
Go to bargeeast.com for more information
Stuart ‘Tommo’ Thomson is co-founder of
Barge East and also operates Skuna, which hires a variety of vessels out at West India Quay in Canary Wharf
Barge East executive chef Kayla Dimmick and her team in the kitchen
£1,500
Opening bid for the 12-month group membership at Third Space, which is worth £3,400
All of the money from the winning bid goes directly to fund
Scan this code for more details or to place a bid for the prize
how readers can support local charity NASSA by biddingfor a Third
Space group membership
by Jon Massey
Luxury health and tness brand Third Space has generously donated a 12-month group membership to help raise funds for Newhambased charity the National All Star Skills Academy (NASSA).
Worth £3,400, the prize is now live on auction site A Noble Gift. It includes access to clubs across London and unlimited classes.
This includes its extensive facilities at Canary Wharf and Wood Wharf.
A Noble Gift allows charities to sell prizes by auction that are donated to them with the aim of maximising the funds raised.
All of the money generated from the winning bid goes directly to the charity.
NASSA was founded by Natasha Hart MBE in 2005 to o er competitive basketball coaching to young people in east London – a safe haven to play sport away from the lure of anti-social behaviour, alcohol, drugs and crime.
Its Carry A Basketball Not A Blade campaign, founded by Natasha’s son, Anthony Okereafor, in response to the death of two of his friends in knife attacks, works in partnership with the Met to steer children and youths away from gang culture and carrying weapons.
Since its launch in 2008, it has reached more than 100,000 young people, an essential part of the battle against knife crime. It’s working.
The most recent gures from the Newham Safety Partnership showed that both injuries from blades and violence against young people had fallen locally.
NASSA relies on grants, donations and volunteers to fund and run its activities. By bidding for this prize, you’ll be contributing to that vital work.
key details
Bids for the Third Space Group Membership can only be made via A Noble Gift. The Opening bid is £1,500. Full terms and conditions for the prize can be found online. Go to anoblegift.com for more information
Third Space operates clubs across London including two in the Canary Wharf area
NASSA’s work
Discounted cost to book a selfguided tour of the Nao Victoria ahead of her arrival in London €9.20
The Nao Victoria is a 26-metre replica of a
Scan this code to nd out more about the
sailing into
how visitors to St Katharine Docks will be able to step on board the Nao Victoria and discover a remarkable story
by Jon Massey
Fans of replica historic ships can look forward to the end of the month when the Nao Victoria is set to arrive in London. She’s a full-size copy of a 16th century vessel that was one fifth of a Spanish fleet that left Seville on August 10, 1519, carrying 245 men. Known as the Spice Army, or the Armada de Especería, commanded by Hernando de Magallanes and financed by the
Spanish crown, the ships opened a new Westbound route that reached the Moluccas in present-day Indonesia.
Over three years, the expedition saw the Victoria crossing three oceans, reaching Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina to finally discover the Strait Of Magellan. In 1522, she arrived back in Seville, achieving the first circumnaviga tion of the world.
The replica vessel was launched in 1992 and is one of a three-ship fleet built by the Nao Foundation which specialises in research, promotion and developing greater
awareness of such craft’s heritage and contribution to maritime history. She is due to arrive in London, weather permitting on June 29 and will be on show to visitors the following day.
key details
Nao Victoria will be moored at St Katharine Docks from June 30 until July 12. Self-guided tours are discounted for bookings before June 29 and cost €9.20 for adults and €4.60 for children aged 5-10. Go to skdocks.co.uk or fundacionnaovictoria.org for details
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
STAGE | The Signalman
Enjoy an evening of Victorian illusions and ghost stories with occult magician David Alnwick, partly inspired by the works of Charles Dickens. Jun 29-Jul1, times vary, from £12.50, wiltons.org.uk
Where?
The George Tavern Whitechapel
GIG | Glass Eel + Mabel Clarke + Ropeburn
The solo project of London-based artist Alice Western delivers sharp folk with support from an alt country singer and a post-rock quintet. Jun 23, 7.30pm, £9.50, thegeorgetavern.london Where? Wilton’s Music Hall Wapping Where? Half Moon Theatre Limehouse
KIDS |Hopeful Monsters
This is the story of evolution told entirely with hands. Watch as ngers and palms morph from simple organisms to complex beasts. Suitable for ages 5+. Jun 19-20, times vary, £9, halfmoon.org.uk
Taiwanese alternative rockers Sunset Rollercoaster are gearing up for an appearance at Troxy in Limehouse on June 9, building on the success of Quit Quietly. Doors at 6pm, tickets from £42.85 troxy.co.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the band, who have built a global following with patient gigging
16th century ship
Nao Victoria
how Glenn Tilbrook is back gigging on the Isle Of Dogs with a show at Theatreship to help support venues
by Jon Massey
Back in the day, access to venues and pubs was key for me in learning how to do what I do,” said Glenn Tilbrook, co-founder of Squeeze, who is set to play a gig in support of Theatreship on the Isle Of Dogs later this month.
“I wasn’t taught by anybody. I started out playing with Jools Holland in pubs in east and south-east London as well.
“We did that for a couple of years and it taught us a lot about communicating with people –there’s no real substitute for that experience. That’s where we got our training – how we got ourselves together to move on and climb the ladder.
“It’s why you need these spaces to do that work in – they’re so important, not just for musicians, but for people to come and access performances – for it not to be all about money.”
Glenn is set to perform alongside his son Leon at the venue as part of the Music Venue Trust’s Everywhere At Once festival, which will see more than 1,200 gigs take place from June 26-28 nationwide.
Thousands of artists are set to participate with the likes of Fatboy Slim, Becky Hill, Tinie Tempah, The Divine Comedy, Rizzle Kicks and many more all performing.
Glenn, who has fond memories of performing early in his career at The Waterman’s Arms – just down the Isle Of Dogs from Theatreship – is scheduled to perform on the Sunday evening.
“I’ll be playing with Leon, who has joined Squeeze,” said Glenn. “He’s 23 now and a great musician. We’ll be playing a selection of his songs and mine – we’ve just finished a short tour, so we’re well-versed in performing together and we’re sounding great.
I
first went to Theatreship about two months ago and I was so impressed by what they’ve done with the space – the atmosphere is great and it has a lovely bar at the back.
“I think it’s important for people to recognise what venues like this bring to an area. They’re quirky, but they work so well.
“Theatreship is clearly a place people will come and be surprised by what you can do on a ship. Squeeze have played on boats
– we did a cruise gig last year, which was interesting.
“We were only on board for one day between Florida and The ahamas, where we got off. It was a small stage, but it seemed like there were thousands of people in the audience.”
Born in Woolwich, Glenn grew up in Docklands, forming Squeeze after meeting Chris Difford via an advert posted in a shop window.
Jools Holland also joined.
The band first found fame in the 1970s with albums such as Cool For Cats and Argybargy, with Glenn and Chris continuing their partnership to this day.
“Squeeze is having a bit of a moment in the sunshine and we’re relishing that,” said Glenn.
“We’ve got an album called Trixies out at the moment, which is a set of songs that Chris and I wrote when I was 16 and he was 19 in 1974.
“At the same time we did an album of new songs that will be coming out next year. I’m keen to prove that our chops are still intact and we’re still growing.
“The old songs really sound like they were written in 1974, and the influences in the songs were in the three years leading up to 1974.
“When you’re 16, you don’t have a lot of history, so we were listening to contemporary music at the time and that’s what we were absorbing. Now I’ve had a lifetime of going to see lots of different acts and I’m thrilled by it even now.
“I love the journey – it’s never-ending, it’s fantastic. This year we’re on tour in America and we have a lot of huge shows including one at The O2 Arena in Greenwich.
“Who would have thought that at this stage in our career more people would be coming to see us than ever? It feels really great and we’re a really tight, professional band – we sound fantastic.
“The reaction we get from audiences now is unlike anything we ever had, even from the beginning of our career. We were really exciting when we started out and we’re really exciting now, at the other end of my life.
“It’s wonderful to play locally. I have my studio just yards from the Thames in Charlton. I’ve always been around Greenwich, it’s where I grew up and I love it.
“I remember that there was a tradition among the people who worked in the dock and on the ships to sound the ship’s horn at
Days the Everywhere At Once festival is set to run over from June 26-28 nationwide
and depth
Glenn Tilbrook is set to play Theatreship with his son Leon in June as part of the Everywhere At Once festival
midnight on New Year’s Eve, and it was a really thrilling noise.
“I also love what’s happened to Canary Wharf, which I can remember before anything was built, and I’m amazed at it – it’s a brilliant place. It was a big vision to develop that, and it’s ongoing –a really exciting place to be.
“What’s important is that it isn’t just on a monetary level. What places like Theatreship do is so good for people’s souls. I don’t think it’s too much to say that.
“It’s a place that brings people together, it’s so enriching.”
Inigo Lapwood, Theatreship director said: “We’re so thrilled to be working with MVT for their Everywhere At Once festival.
“At the moment we’re sadly all too accustomed to hearing about grassroots music venues when they’re under threat of closing. We’ve lost almost a third of them nationwide over the last three years alone. The trust has worked tirelessly to try to stem that tide.
“At Theatreship we’ve been hugely grateful for that work –they’ve been instrumental in our own ongoing battles to stay afloat.
“Everywhere At Once is a great counterpoint to this narrative of loss – a nationwide celebration of the spaces that remain.
“We really appreciate this timely reminder that we’re not alone, that the K is filled with passionate grassroots music venues showcasing incredible work, and that brilliant, inventive artists like Glenn can be found in them. Since opening Theatreship, we’ve been consistently amazed by the sheer depth of musical talent in London. From the upper
Squeeze are also set to play The O2 Arena in November
These spaces are so important, not just for musicians but for people to come and access performances – for it not to be all about money
Glenn Tilbrook, Squeeze
decks of the ship you can see The O2 where Glenn will be playing later this year, but we’re absolutely certain that he won’t be the only artist currently performing on the grassroots music circuit who’ll be headlining stadium gigs in short order.”
key details
Glenn And Leon Tilbrook are set to play Theatreship on June 28 at 7pm. Tickets cost £33. The Everywhere At Once festival runs from June 26-28 with more than 1,200 gigs at 500-plus venues. Squeeze (with support from Billy Bragg) are set to play The O2 Arena on November 26 at 6.30pm. Tickets start at £47. Squeeze is donating £1 to support the trust from every ticket sold. Go to theatreship.co.uk, everywherefest.com or theo2.co.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about the festival
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Creative Writing Workshop
Suitable for beginners and experienced writers alike, this session is for anyone who wants to put a story, play, lyrics or poetry down on paper. Jun 24, 6pm, free, poplarunion.com
The Space Isle Of Dogs
STAGE | An Intervention Mike Bartlett’s exploration of con ict and friendship gets a fresh revival at The Space under director Dom Stephens starring Tom Zachar and Neila Stephens. Jun 23-27, 7pm, £16, space.org.uk
Where? The Space Isle Of Dogs
COMEDY | Sam Nicoresti Shenanigans In (The) Space returns with Edinburgh award-winner Sam Nicoresti topping the bill. Other acts are Tim Renkow and MC James Dowdeswell. Jun 19, 7.30pm, £18, space.org.uk
The Adult Literacy Trust provides help to learners in London including sessions in Tower Hamlets and Newham. It’s currently recruiting volunteers to work as reading coaches with training starting in September alt.org.uk
Scan this code to nd out more about the charity and read our interview with volunteer Declan Cashin, pictured
Images supplied by Music Venue Trust
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
Where?
The Pen Theatre South Bermondsey
COMEDY | Every Single Sound In The World Clown and director Natalie Paruzzo takes on the mantle of an alien seeking to sample all the noises on Earth. She can’t go home until she’s got them all. Jun 25, 7.30pm, £7.21, thepentheatre.com
Where? Corner Corner Canada Water
TRY | Intro To Kombucha
Learn the basics of making this fermented drink complete with all the tricks to make your own and achieve consistent results. Led by The Fermentarium. Jun 22, 7pm-8.30pm, £35, cornercorner.com
STAGE | Next Up Festival
Where?
The Albany Deptford
Enjoy eight days of musical performance at the Deptford venue from bands and solo artists studying at Trinity Laban. Expect new sounds at this showcase. Jun 15-20, 5pm, £5, thealbany.org.uk
be quick
Comedians Mark Silcox, above, and Adam Larter are set to preview their Edinburgh shows at The Pen Theatre on June 12. One’s obsessed with gold, the other with the 1990s. Tickets cost £7.21, show starts 7.30pm thepentheatre.com
Scan this code to nd out more about the comics’ o erings or to secure tickets to see them
6,000
Square footage of Vagabond’s Urban Winery at Canada Water, which includes extensive cellar space
the wines
Image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
All other images by Saltwick Media
Christobell Giles, managing director of Vagabond
The Urban Winery at Canada Water is both bar and production facility
how Vagabond Urban Winery at Canada Water has brought the means of production to the people of London
by Jon Massey
The labels on the bottles of wine Vagabond makes itself come decorated with ink sketches of a fox. As to why, Christobell Giles said the species was a good fit for the brand – curious, adventurous and able to thrive in unexpected places.
“It’s also an animal that’s come from the countryside into the city and flourished, which is similar to what we’re doing with our new urban winery in Canada Water – taking grapes grown in the UK and turning them into wonderful wines in London,” she said.
The facility is the brand’s second winemaking site in the capital, but it’s on a bigger scale than the Battersea Power Station operation and, along with a forthcoming return to Canary Wharf, feels part of a newly energised expansion.
Originally conceived as a wine shop in 2010, the business evolved into a series of bar and tasting venues with self-serve machines enabling guests to sample an extensive range of bottles in small measures or by the glass.
The pandemic wasn’t kind to the operation, however, and the company collapsed into administration in 2024, battling debts built up over Covid and rising costs. Rather than close though, wine retailer Majestic purchased the business. It appointed Christobell – who’d joined Vagabond in 2023 as operations director – to the role of managing director to oversee the chain’s growth.
“I have to pinch myself sometimes,” she said. “I studied law at Birmingham University, specialising in French law. I did a year in Bordeaux – I didn’t even like wine before I went, but the students there said they would get me into
Our general rule for sourcing grapes is that they are grown within two hours of London
it and it was amazing. You could jump on a train for €5 and take the free tram around the vineyards – a day out in one of the best wine regions in the world. That’s where it started for me.”
Bitten by the hospitality bug, she joined Mitchells And Butlers and spent 20 years in the sector working with brands such as Megan’s and Wagamama.
“I loved operations – being out and about and seeing people,” she said. “It was a constant change of scenery and always new problems to deal with.
“At its heart, Vagabond has always been about connecting people to wine. Just as offering food was a natural evolution of what it was doing to start with, the next step was asking whether we should be bringing the production closer to our customers so they can see how what they are drinking is made.
“London has been a wine trading centre for centuries, so allowing people to touch the process, to see it in the city, felt natural.
“Vagabond started making wine in 2017 but, in the last couple of years, we found we were running out of what we were bottling and selling.
“That’s why we started looking for a new site. José Quintana, our winemaker, and I had this vision of a beautiful, bright, airy space with big windows – somewhere with a warehouse feel that was still at the heart of a community.
“We imagined people coming down from their flats and buying bottles of wine to take away, or maybe coming to enjoy a rosé made in London on the benches outside.
“This was before we even started looking – we were making the space up in our heads. We were working with British Land at Broadgate in Liverpool Street and were invited to take a look at Canada Water.
“When we saw the space in the Dock Shed building, it was everything. It had high ceilings, we could put a mezzanine in where people could sit and see the wine being made. There was space for a big wine tasting table and plenty of room for all the equipment – it was exactly what we wanted.”
Launched in December, the 6,000sq ft venue is hitting its stride, realising the potential of its 100-tonne cellar, extensive winemaking facilities and its
new opening Canary Wharf Vagabond closed its Cabot Square bar in 2024, but the brand is set to return to Canary Wharf with a new branch in Water Street later this year.
The new opening will be located in the unit recently vacated
by Mildred’s and will feature two oors of wine machines and plenty of outdoor seating.
Wharfers will be able to purchase and enjoy wines made just one Tube stop away when the venue is fully up and running. No opening date has yet been released.
top try
Pet Not Rosé
This cloudy, “frivolous” zz is a must-try on a suitably scorching day and is available to buy online for £22 per bottle. Expect sass, crisp avours and plenty of richness on the tongue from this playful wine
drinking and dining spaces. It offers more than 100 wines by the glass as well as a menu of nibbles, sharing plates and platters of cheese, charcuterie or both.
The winery itself offers tours, tastings and masterclasses (some of which also feature cheese) and is available to hire for parties, celebrations and even weddings.
“Expanding our operation here feels like the right step,” said Christobell. “We’re going to be doing some really cool stuff over the next 12 months.
“This September will be the first harvest we’ll process here since we moved in. We’re also experimenting with how we make wine, because we want to be at the forefront of urban vinification.
“We already have a beautiful concrete egg, which gets lots of attention, and José has his mind set on bringing in all sorts of other vessels – clay, or a barrel with a glass lid so people can see the wine fermenting – to help us show how English grapes are turned into wine and to find out how they respond to different methods.
“Our general rule for sourcing grapes is that they are grown within two hours of London and we’ve worked with vineyards in xfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Suffolk and Norfolk.
“The nice thing about not having our own is that we can source different areas of the country and decide what wines we want to make – we’re not limited to one particular soil type.
“Hopefully we’ll be making lots of award-winning wines here for many years to come.
“We sell all of our wines through our bars and our website, so producing in London works on a business level for us, but we think it’s so important to be able to present the grape-to-glass journey for people in the place that they live.
“My favourite is our Solena (£35 per bottle online) – it’s a really interesting orange wine that’s made from Ortega grapes using a system where you blend newer wine with older vintages to get the taste you want.”
key details
Vagabond Urban Winery is located on the ground floor of Dock Shed overlooking Canada Water. It’s open 4pm-11pm, Monday-Thursday, noon-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays and from noon-10pm on Sundays. Go to vagabondwines.co.uk for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about the urban winery
Christobell Giles, Vagabond
Above, the urban winery, right, winemaker Jose Quintana with some of his creations
take a breath
by David Lefebvre Sell
David says by paying attention to our emotions we can help understand the way we’re acting
When certain psychological principles enter into common use, they are often over used. This is why everyone’s ex seems to be a narcissist. Another thing you might hear people say is that they “need time to process this”.
What does it mean to process our emotions, and how can we do it? This skill is even more important for men, because it’s less likely they were taught how.
Processing very strong emotions requires two things that are in increasingly short supply – time and attention. We need to have the willingness to ask ourselves the dangerous question: “What am I feeling now?”. Then you need to be able to sit and feel that emotion.
Modern life presents us with so many wonderful methods of distraction. Why would anyone sit with their anxiety or sadness if they don’t have to? In the words of CG Jung: “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate”.
We are always ruled by our suppressed emotions and thoughts – anger is an excellent example of this.
We are always ruled by our suppressed emotions and thoughts – anger is an excellent example of this
People (usually men) with repressed anger, might nd themselves becoming unreasonably or even violently angry over small things.
They will even believe that their reactions are reasonable under the circumstances, and the rest of the world sees one more man that should have gone to therapy.
It’s best if we have a regular habit of checking in by asking what we’re feeling. Name the emotion. If you can’t nd a name for it, make one up or maybe refer to a visual that describes it. Next ask, why? What’s going on, why do you feel this way?
This part is tough and having a therapist is very helpful but, if you’re doing it by yourself, try to keep an attitude of compassionate curiosity.
If your thoughts start to spiral and you nd yourself getting more upset, try to focus on some positives. Or just go play on your phone, whatever.
David Lefebvre Sell is a Greenwich-based psychotherapist and Yoga instructor who teaches at Third Space in Canary Wharf
Follow @davetheyogi on X and Instagram and @DavidLefebvreSellYogaAndPsychotherapy on FB
Scan this code for information about David’s work as a transpersonal counsellor and psychotherapist
how Woolwich Works is embracing a season of comedy as the venue looks to provide a wealth of laughs
by Jon Massey
Woolwich Works is all set to coat summer and autumn in mirth as it lines up a series of comedy shows and stand-up nights. Audiences can look forward to works in progress and acts on the mic as the arts centre’s spaces host a succession of performers all intending to extract as many laughs as possible from them.
Here are some of the key diary dates to help you plan far into the future:
● On June 19, the Works’ Beanfeast venue is set to host Big Bill’s Comedy Night. The monthly stand-up evening will feature Horatio Gould, Harry Coombes, Zak Ranger and Terry Gargin as well as MC Bilal Rashid.
Doors open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £13.50.
● On July 14, comedians Eric Rushton and Stuart Goldsmith will each present previews of their Edinburgh Fringe solo shows as they work up the gags ahead of the festival.
Doors at Beanfeast open at 7pm and tickets cost £14.50.
● On July 18, it’s the turn of comic Will Adamsdale, who will be showcasing his latest Edinburgh o ering – AI AI Oh (Or How I Wrote A Sitcom With ChatGPT But We’re Not Talking Now)
Doors at Beanfeast open at 8pm and tickets cost £13.50.
● Then, on September 11 and November 27, Woolwich Works has teamed up with The Comedy Store, which will take over the venue’s largest space –the Fireworks Factory.
The club has played a storied part in the success of many huge acts including the likes of Eddie Izzard, John Bishop, Rhod Gilbert and Sarah Millican over the years and is known for showcasing emerging talent. Tickets are now on sale for the dates, although the line-up has yet to be announced.
Doors at open at 7.30pm and tickets cost £26.
● Also coming up, on November 19 at the Fireworks Factory, is Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess, with comedians Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson of The Scummy Mummies Podcast promising a show packed with topics such as the menopause, mansplaining, teenagers and Tinder. Audiences can expect songs, sketches, stand-up and sparkly catsuits (brand new ones).
Doors open at 7pm and tickets cost £26.
key details
Woolwich Works is located in Woolwich, a few minutes’ walk from the Elizabeth Line station. Full listings and ticket details can be found on its website. Go to woolwich.works for more information
Scan this code to nd out more about what’s on
year
Nights of stand-up to be held at Woolwich Works in partnership with The Comedy Store
David Lefebvre Sell
Helen Thorn and Ellie Gibson are set to perform Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess at Woolwich Works later this
Eric Rushton
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Lily Allen
Enjoying a fresh wave of success, the singer is set to perform songs from her album West End Girl. One extra date has already been added due to demand. Jun 27, 28, Jul 7, times vary, from £61.88, theo2.co.uk
STAGE | Who Do They Think They Are? A Spice Girls dance routine, family scandal, rosetinted memories and a reckoning with the past are all in the mix for this one act play in the venue’s studio. Jun 20, 3pm, 7pm, £16.50, greenwichtheatre.org.uk
scum
TRY | Four-Day Photography Summer School This course at The Photography Foundation’s studio is led by pro photographers Holly Falconer and Milo Van Giap. Expect intensive sessions Jun 25-28, 10am-4pm, £280, greenwichpeninsula.co.uk
be quick
You’ll need to move fast, but the Cutty Sark in Greenwich is set to host Sea Shanty Singers, with performances by the HogEye Singers and Swinging The Lead on June 6 and 7. Performances are included with entry rmg.co.uk
Scan this code to book tickets for the attraction, which costs £22 for adults and £11 for children. Under-4s go free
Images by Woolwich Works / The Scummy Mummies
Will Adamsdale is set to appear on July 18
Stuart Goldsmith
Immersive installations that visitors to House Of Dreamers can explore
how House Of Dreamers at Excel
London is set to invite visitors on an emotional, AI-powered journey
by Jon Massey
Immerse LDN is set to welcome its latest exhibition, House Of Dreamers, in June. Created by designers Elena and Giulia Sella, the attraction invites visitors to explore a series of 16 immersive installations, spread across 27,000sq ft of space.
The exhibition comes to London with an AI-based update, after being seen by more than 2million people in four European cities.
Guests of all ages are promised “an emotional journey into the world of dreams” via a blend of design, colour and technology.
New for London, visitors are invited to interact with “AI-powered moments” throughout the exhibition using House Of Dreamers’ DreamBand wearable devices, designed to personalise each experience in real time, meaning no two trips to the attraction are alike.
“London represents a strategic milestone for House Of Dreamers and a key step in its international expansion,” said Andrea Cecchi, CEO of Postology, the exhibition’s producer.
“After Milan, Rome, Madrid and Paris, we chose London because it is one of the world’s leading creative capitals, where innovation, entertainment and international business converge and shape the future of immersive experiences.
“To bring this vision to life, we chose Immerse LDN at Excel London – the capital’s newest immersive entertainment district and the UK’s largest destination dedicated to such entertainment.
“Its international positioning made it the ideal partner to host House Of Dreamers on a global stage.”
Immerse LDN is the UK’s largest immersive entertainment district and occupies space along Excel
After Milan, Rome, Madrid and Paris, we chose London because it is one of the world’s leading creative capitals
Andrea Cecchi, Postology
London’s extensive waterfront overlooking the Royal Docks.
Extending to some 160,000sq ft, it features multiple venue spaces that have welcomed more than 1.7million visitors since launch.
Previous attractions have included Jurassic World: The Exhibition, The Friends Experience: The One In London, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition and The Formula 1 Exhibition
“We’re thrilled to welcome another internationally acclaimed experience to Immerse LDN and to be collaborating with the visionary team at House of Dreamers,” said Damian Norman, director at Immerse LDN.
“In its short time since opening, Immerse LDN has brought more than 10 innovative immersive experiences to the capital, all showcasing London’s credentials as a global hub for immersive entertainment and activations.”
key details
House Of Dreamers is set to open at Immerse LDN on June 26. Ticket prices for the exhibition start at £15.90 and dates through to the end of September are available.
The attraction will be open daily from 10am on weekdays and from 9am at weekends. Early booking is advised.
Go to houseofdreamers for more information
making the dreams
Scan this code to nd out more about the exhibition
The exhibition has been created by designers Elena and Giulia Sella
Visitors can immerse themselves in a giant ball pool
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
EVENT | Summer Open Day
Celebrating the arrival of summer and the launch of the project’s Heritage Pavilion, this event is one not to miss. Expect music, plants, stalls and more... Jun 20 , 11am-6pm, free, codydock.org.uk
Where?
Excel London Royal Victoria Dock
EVENT | Business Travel Show
With three decades under its belt, this event helps buyers improve and establish their travel programmes with plenty of innovation. Jun24-25, 9.30am, registration, excel.london
GIG | ÆDEN DJ, producer, and multidisciplinary artist Anyma presents his latest show over two days (with only Sunday tickets remaining) Book fast. Jun 28, 3pm, from £68.34, silverworksisland.com
try this
Keonbae Korean Barbecue And Beer is currently o ering an unlimited bu et on Tuesdays from 5pm from £32 per person. Diners cook their own food on a central burner over the course of 90 minutes keonbae.com
Scan this code to nd out more about the restaurant and its bottomless food o er on its website
The attraction promises ‘an emotional journey’
what’s on things to do, places to go, people to see
GIG | Junestar
Where?
Enjoy the soca and reggae beats of DJ Junestar, with plenty of room for dancing in the Stratford East bar. Be ready for three hours of pumping tunes. Jun 12, 19, 9pm-midnight, free, stratfordeast.com
Where?
Cart And Horses
Stratford
GIG | Hammerdown
Enjoy a day of British heavy metal featuring acts such as Overdrive, Bleak House and Trespass, all building up to headliner Tytan. Desdemona will be there too. Jun 20, 2pm-11pm, from £12, cartandhorses.london
FILM | The Dark Knight Rises (12A)
Christian Bale, as the bat, takes on Tom Hardy in his mechanical face-hugger getup, as baddie Bane threatens to destroy Gotham. Drink included. Jun 21, 7pm, £19.10, everymancinema.com
catch this
Interplay is a programme of four pieces set to be presented at Sadler’s Wells East by Phoenix Dance Company from June 24-27. Expect nearly two hours of movement with shows at 7.30pm. Tickets start at £15 sadlerswells.com
Scan this code to read Wharf Life’s interview with Phoenix artistic director Marcus Jarrel Willis at wharf-life.com
how The Music Is Black Festival is a multi-faceted collaboration that brings East Bank’s partners together
by Jon Massey
The collaborative promise of East Bank has been long in the making. But now the wait is over. V&A East, Sadler’s Wells East, UCL East, BBC Music Studios and the London College Of Fashion have all come together for the first time publicly to play their parts in The Music Is Black Festival in east London.
Essentially a creative response to A ast Museum’s first exhibition – The Music Is Black: A British Story – the programme includes four weekends of live gigs and performances as well as film screenings, talks, digital elements and exhibitions. The aim is to reflect the breadth and depth of the impact made by black music in the UK.
ach of these five institutions have pivoted to respond to this theme and, layered on top of that, we have our programme of four live weekends – one each month,” said Tamsin Ace, director at East Bank.
“For example, the BBC has created The Music Is Black digital hub across TV, radio, iPlayer, Sounds and online to celebrate some of the key genres, personalities, scenes and compositions that define the last 125 years of black music in the UK.
“They’ve also created amazing educational resources through BBC Bitesize for secondary schools to use. It’s all been developed in collaboration with V&A East Museum.
“UCL East have organised a series of talks looking at black British visual culture, fashion all kinds of different things – throughout the season. The London College Of Fashion is also hosting an amazing exhibition looking at sound system culture and designer identity.
“Then the four live weekends will bring people down to East Bank to celebrate the artists and musicians through free public performances. For these we’ve worked with an amazing curator, Gillian Jackson, and for each event we’ll have three stages – two right on the East Bank waterfront, with the Sadler’s Wells East public dance floor making up the third.
“The idea is we’ve got intergenerational dances, workshops and specially commissioned choreographed pieces, with live
music, DJs and MCs. That’s the format we’ll follow for each of the weekends.”
The Music Is Ours
The live programme kicks off on June 13 and 14 with The Music Is Ours, featuring acts curated by Footsie, of grime collective the Newham Generals, on the Saturday and saxophonist and Soul Mama restaurant owner, YolanDa Brown, the day after.
Performers will include the likes of King Original, Tailor Jae, Nicole Blakk, My Runway Group, Acantha Lang and Melodees From Heaven.
Tamsin said: “We’re kicking off with a real block party, a celebration of east London’s huge contribution to black music.”
Sadler’s Wells East will feature Garage X Grime Reload curated by Kloe Dean on the first day with Breakin’ Convention taking over the dance floor on the Sunday for exhibition battles.
Power And Respect
Black women and non-binary people take centre stage on July 11 and 12 with Jam Supernova on curatorial duties for the first day with Yaazmin Lacey and Tyson handling the second.
At Sadler’s Wells East, Jade Hackett’s Let Love Be Your Rock will showcase original group work set to lovers rock and reggae on the Saturday, followed by DJs L’attise Rhoden and Glade Marie the day after.
This will have a different flavour and feel to it, said Tamsin. “We hope people will come to all four of the weekends, but others may just pick one to attend.
“One of the things we’re really excited about is building that kind of recognition, that people will start getting to know that the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is a place where you can just turn up and bump into culture and creativity. We’re building that into a regular rhythm of free programming.
“We also know that people are hungry for moments of congregation and celebration and being in a joyful environment, and that’s what these free weekends will create.
Queer Frequencies
Bringing together the queer collectives and communities that shape the rich tapestry of London’s queer scene, August 22 and 23 will
Image by Christian Cassiel
Image by Leo Patrizi
Image by Flashpop
Image by Atlantide Phototravel
Black To The Future
Power And Respect
Queer Frequencies
East Bank’s Tamsin Ace
Stratford - Mile End - Bow - Hackney Wick
The majority of performances at The Music Is Black Festival are free to attend
Each of these ve institutions have pivoted to respond to this theme and, layered on top, we have our programme of live weekends
Tamsin Ace, East Bank
be curated by Shy One, Donnie Sunshine, Mark-Ashley Dupé, Joel Mignott and Zinzi Minott.
Sadler’s Wells East will be blending dance with poetry and sound art alongside a pre-carnival party from Faggamu n loc Party.
making the
“This weekend is all about focussing on the huge contribution that queer creators have made to the scene, delivering a different vibe and energy, said Tamsin.
Black To The Future
“This is all about showcasing people who are really pushing the dial, bringing together different ideas and genres to mix things up, said Tamsin.
“We don’t know what the music of the future is, but these are some of the people who are imagining what it might be. What’s exciting about it is that there are people right now, in their studios and bedrooms, in their youth centres and their schools, creating sounds we have not even heard yet.
“That’s what east London has done so brilliantly over so many decades.
Taking place on September 12 and 13, the final live weekend features curation from Flohio, The lues Project and Dannielle ‘Rhimes’ Lecointe.
It’s hoped that the festival will form something of a blueprint for future years with East ank’s members continuing to collaborate.
It feels like a significant moment for the project, said Tamsin. “It’s amazing to see the momentum and we’re supporting 20 jobs for east Londoners to help deliver the festival programme.
“The ambition is to build a corps of freelancers that ast ank can tap into and invest in – a pipeline of local creative talent and that’s so important.
key details
The Music Is Black Festival runs from June 13 until Sept 13 and includes four free weekends of music. Full listings and booking details for events (where appropriate) can be found online For more information go to queenelizabetholympicpark.co.uk
Image by Hangula Lucas
The Music Is Ours
Sudoku
Take a break from that phone
How to play
To complete Sudoku, ll the board by entering numbers one to nine such that each row, column and 3x3 box contains every number uniquely.
More to play
You can nd more Sudoku puzzles and a wide selection of other brainteasers available to download for free at puzzles.ca
Notes
crossword
beating the whether you’re cryptic sleuth or synonym solver in it for quick wins, this should satisfy
Cryptic Quick
Across
1. Modern fortress inhabited by Geordies? (9)
8. Seen but not named in the sky (3)
9. Respite for financiers (4,7)
11. Concave liquids? Males of science in short? (7)
12. Find out about confused kidneys? (5)
13. Confrontation raises dirt (4,2)
15. Mollusc? That’s the ticket! (6)
17. Just the pub for an anaesthetic (5)
18. Sarcastic light is not switched off, kind of (7)
20. This answer is just not here (11)
22. A country where you can sleep (3)
23. Straight Conservative? It’s a list, just (9)
Down
2. Period for a twisted ear? (3)
3. Cricket win goes up in smoke (5)
4. How tall is organist Thomas? (6)
5. Finish the game? A way to do so (7)
6. Promote the shop and delay the flower (3,8)
7. An opera about hollering? Not quite! (9)
10. Gran gives double helpings in the shortest time (11)
11. Proust’s famous biscuit, we smell (9)
14. Simple garment like plain paper? (7)
16. Wonderful liquid laps at 2 down, we hear (6)
19. Something to face? (5)
21. Neither Ron,... (3)
Local
Annoyed (7) 12. Cheek (5)
15. Nursery (6,6) 17. Awake (5) 18. Adjective (7) 20. Stradivarius, for example (6,5) 22. Definite article (3) 23. Town in Kent (9)
2. Expression of disgust (3) 3. Not now (5) 4. Propagates (6)
