This summer, Somerset House transforms into a hub of activities for families, offering a variety of workshops, concerts, and outdoor events. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the sun and culture right in the heart of the city.
This summer, the courtyard of Somerset House will become a bustling center of activities, featuring art and craft workshops, free or affordable concerts, and much more. It’s the ideal spot for families to spend their summer holidays soaking up the sun. During the week, a series of workshops and food and drink stalls will be available, with the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court fountains turned on. On weekends, a variety of live events and performances, including music and dance, will be offered. “For the month of August, the courtyard offers an unparalleled place to relax and enjoy the sun away from the hustle and bustle of the city,” says a Somerset House representative.
Free services suitable for everyone
A free summer holiday bus service will transport families from London to the seaside, with free ice creams for children. Weekday workshops will include events such as drag pirate storytelling and weaving and book-making workshops. These sessions are free and open to everyone, allowing people to join in at any time. Weekend sessions will highlight both “established creators and local communities” through live performances. There will also be a queer family picnic on August 10th, a Black Girl Fest on August 11th, and a Ragamuffin Bloc Party on August 25th.
Located in the heart of King’s Cross, the official GB team Fanzone is much more than just a gathering place for sports enthusiasts. Presented by Eurostar and organized in partnership with the Greater London Authority and Argent, this Fanzone is a true haven of friendliness and entertainment for British fans.
From July 26 to August 11, the King’s Cross Fanzone opens its doors from noon to 10 pm, offering an immersive and festive experience. This iconic London location transforms into a vibrant space where visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and shows. Live DJ sets create an engaging musical atmosphere, while sports workshops allow participants to try disciplines such as skateboarding, judo, and rowing.
Activities for all tastes
The Fanzone offers a rich and diverse program, designed to appeal to all ages. Visitors can participate in organized quizzes, attend fitness classes, and enjoy daily entertainment. Each day is a new opportunity to discover something different and have fun with family or friends.
Photos: King’s Cross/Team England/DR
A community spirit
What makes the King’s Cross Fanzone really special is the community spirit that reigns there. Fans gather to celebrate their common passion for sport, and support Team England of the Olympic Games creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Exchanges and meetings are at the heart of this event, allowing everyone to share unforgettable moments.
Practical information
To not miss any events and schedules, it is recommended to download the Team GB application. This application provides all the necessary information to fully enjoy the Fanzone and plan your visit. The King’s Cross Fanzone is the ideal place to live a unique and friendly experience in the heart of London.
Adam Nathaniel Furman, a graduate of the Architectural Association, has transformed London Bridge Station with a stunning 57-meter mosaic. “In a River a Thousand Streams” celebrates craftsmanship and the cultural diversity of London.
On July 24th, London Bridge Station became the site of a major artistic transformation. Adam Nathaniel Furman, an alumnus of the Architectural Association, unveiled a 57-meter mosaic titled “In a River a Thousand Streams.” This public artwork, created in collaboration with the London School of Mosaic (LSoM), explores themes of craftsmanship, community, and collaboration. The mosaic, which stretches impressively along the station, draws inspiration from the River Thames and the constant flow of people passing through London Bridge, one of the oldest and busiest stations in Europe. The creation process was truly communal, involving contributions from local residents and over 400 schoolchildren, whose stories were incorporated into the Southwark Heritage Archives.
Assembled by 70 volunteers
Crafted at LSoM’s Camden school and assembled by 70 dedicated volunteers, “In a River a Thousand Streams” is a vibrant tribute to the art of mosaic and collaboration. Each piece of the mosaic represents a part of the London community, creating an artwork that is both beautiful and meaningful. Adam Nathaniel Furman has captured the essence of London in this mosaic, celebrating the city’s diversity and unity. This public artwork is a testament to how art can bring people together and enrich public spaces.
Photos : LondonschoolofMosaic/Gareth Gardner/TheShardLondon/Corin Ashleigh Brown
This summer, Selfridges, the legendary Oxford Street store, is offering a unique experience: a 40-foot climbing column designed by the Los Angeles-based studio PLAYLAB, in homage to the 1909 Beaux Arts façade.
Photo : Selfridges
This initiative is part of the Sportopia season, a series of sporting events and collaborations with brands such as Lacoste, Champion, and Nike. The unveiling of this column, which took place on July 18th, was marked by the participation of the Gorp Girls community, a group advocating for women in the outdoors. Londoners, always on the lookout for new ways to stay fit, can now climb this structure until August 26th, at a cost of £12.50 per 30-minute session. As London braces for summer temperatures, this activity offers a refreshing alternative to usual routines. With enough space for six people at a time, it’s the perfect opportunity to shake up your habits and attempt an ascent with your friends.
Carlos Alcaraz made tennis history by winning the men’s final at Wimbledon against Novak Djokovic on Sunday. Despite a brief moment of doubt, Carlos Alcaraz managed to regain his composure and secured victory in straight sets (6-2, 6-2, 7-6 (4)), claiming his fourth Grand Slam title at just 21 years old.
Photos : Wimbledon/AELTC/Bob Martin/DR
After dominating the first two sets, the young player nearly faltered in the third. Leading 5-4, 40-0 and just one point away from victory, a series of errors allowed Novak Djokovic to level the score at 5-5, casting doubt in the young spaniard’s mind. However, Carlos Alcaraz quickly regained his calm and concluded the match after an additional 20 minutes of intense play. “For me, this is the most beautiful tournament, the most beautiful court, and, obviously, the most beautiful trophy,” an emotional Carlos Alcaraz said after receiving the gold medal from Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. This victory is a resounding revenge for last year’s championship match, where Carlos Alcaraz had already defeated Novak Djokovic in five sets. This time, the path to victory was more straightforward, despite a brief stumble at the end of the match. The spanish player, who now boasts a perfect 4-0 record in major finals, also won the title at Roland-Garros last month.
Photos : Wimbledon/AELTC/Bob Martin/DR
Novak diminished but satisfied
On the other hand, Novak Djokovic, 37, failed to secure his eighth Wimbledon title and his 25th major title overall. The serbian player who wore a brace on his recently operated right knee, admitted he was not at his best. “When I think about what I’ve been through, I have to say I’m very satisfied,” he said. Despite a lackluster performance, Novak Djokovic praised Carlos Alcaraz’s play, noting that the young prodigy had “everything it took” to win that day. Carlos Alcaraz, who has now won two consecutive major titles following his triumph at Roland-Garros, continues to prove he is one of the most promising talents in world tennis. His ability to remain calm under pressure and recover from moments of doubt shows impressive maturity for his age. Novak Djokovic, meanwhile, will have to wait for another opportunity to add an eighth Wimbledon title to his already impressive record. Despite the disappointment, he can be proud of his journey, especially after undergoing knee surgery less than six weeks ago.
Discover Speedboat Bar, a Thai restaurant that transports you directly to the bustling streets of Bangkok with authentic cuisine and an immersive atmosphere. By Vivian Tsitampani
A culinary journey by Luke Farrell
Speedboat Bar, led by the talented chef Luke Farrell, offers a menu of traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist. Among the must-try delights are the perfectly spiced seafood and beef noodles, and a pineapple tart accompanied by taro ice cream for a refreshing final note.
Photos : Speedboat Bar/Vivian Tsitampani
An immersive experience
Invited by a friend, I was initially skeptical despite the glowing online reviews. Restaurants in central London are often synonymous with “tourist traps”. But as soon as you step through the doors of Speedboat Bar, you are transported into the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. The decor, inspired by Luke Farrell’s 18 years in the city, with its canteen menus, memorabilia, and music from the 90s and 2000s, creates a vibrant and authentic atmosphere.
Bold and spicy flavors
Speedboat Bar is not for the faint-hearted. Their menu is a festival of spicy dishes. We enjoyed a variety of stir-fries, with a special mention for the cellophane noodles and morning glory. The Tom Yam Mama noodles are an absolute must-try. They are absolutely delicious!
Unbeatable value for money
The prices are very reasonable for a night out in London, offering excellent value for money. Additionally, the restaurant transforms into a lively bar after 11 PM, with a pool table upstairs, adding a playful dimension to the experience. I plan to return to explore more of their cuisine and exceptional cocktails. Speedboat Bar is a true hidden gem in central London, offering an authentic and exciting culinary experience.
After a long period of doubt and struggle, Lewis Hamilton has reclaimed victory at the British Grand Prix, ending a 945-day winless streak in an emotional and dramatic race.
Lewis Hamilton, 39, experienced a deeply emotional moment as he won the British Grand Prix last Sunday. This victory marks the end of a 945-day drought for the British driver, who has faced numerous personal and professional challenges since his defeat in the 2021 World Championship. The Great British champion revealed that he had battled mental health issues following his controversial loss to Max Verstappen in Abu Dhabi, which denied him a record eighth world title. He admitted to doubting his ability to return to the top, but with the support of those around him, he found the strength to persevere.
Photos : Formula 1/Silverstone/MercedesAmgPetronasF1/DR
In this memorable race at Silverstone, in front of 164,000 spectators, Hamilton extended his record of home victories to nine. After crossing the finish line, he shared a poignant moment with his father, Anthony Hamilton, who has supported him throughout his career. The embrace between father and son lasted nearly 20 seconds, a moment filled with emotion. Lewis Hamilton then jumped over a barrier to celebrate with the crowd, draped in a Union Jack. “I’m still crying,” he said. “There’s no greater feeling than finishing first here. It’s so tough for everyone. But the important thing is to keep getting up and digging deep, even when you feel like you’re at rock bottom.” The driver, who will leave Mercedes to join Ferrari next season, explained that this victory was the result of perseverance and the support of his entourage. “There were days since 2021 when I didn’t feel good enough, but I had great people around me who supported me.”
A difficult return to the top
On the podium, as “God Save The King” played, Lewis Hamilton let his emotions flow. When asked about his tears, he spoke about the personal and professional challenges he had to overcome. “These challenges push me to get out of bed every day and give my best. We live in a time where mental health is a very serious issue, and I’m not going to lie, I’ve experienced it.”
Photos : Formula 1/Silverstone/MercedesAmgPetronasF1/DR
Lewis Hamilton also recalled the difficulty of coming back after the controversial defeat in Abu Dhabi in 2021, a period marked by doubts and moments of discouragement. “This is the longest period without a win I’ve ever known 945 days and the emotion I’ve accumulated over this time could make this victory one of the most special for me.” The race itself was full of twists and turns. Starting second, Hamilton took the lead with a bold move on lap 18. However, the rain complicated matters, and strategic tire changes were necessary. Ultimately, Hamilton capitalized on the conditions to secure his 104th career victory, ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. In tears in his cockpit, Lewis Hamilton expressed his gratitude to his team and race engineer, Peter Bonnington. “Thank you so much, guys. This means a lot to me to have achieved this. I love you guys.” Toto Wolff, Mercedes team principal, praised his driver’s perseverance: “We never gave up, and what a conclusion for our last race at the British Grand Prix. We couldn’t have hoped for better.” Despite a defensive position for much of the race, Max Verstappen managed to extend his championship lead over Lando Norris to 84 points
Photos : Formula 1/Silverstone/MercedesAmgPetronasF1/DR
The Three Lions ready to roar in semi-final against the Netherlands
England has taken another step towards glory at Euro 2024 by qualifying for the semi-finals after a series of thrilling matches. Despite underwhelming performances during the group stage, Gareth Southgate’s men have found the necessary resources to rank among the tournament’s top four teams. In the round of 16, England had to fight hard against Slovakia. Trailing in the score, the Three Lions relied on Jude Bellingham to equalize at the last minute, before Harry Kane sealed the victory in extra time. Switzerland was their next opponent in the quarter-finals. Breel Embolo gave the Swiss the lead, but Bukayo Saka snatched an equalizer, allowing England to win on penalties thanks to an outstanding Jordan Pickford.
Photos : UEFA/Englandfootballteam/DR
The tough Netherlands, for the semi-finals
The Netherlands, England’s next opponents, also had a challenging journey. After a disappointing group stage, they eliminated Romania in the round of 16 and overturned Turkey in the quarter-finals thanks to a goal from Stefan de Vrij and an own goal by Mert Muldur. The clash between England and the Netherlands will take place on Wednesday, July 10, at BVB Stadion Dortmund. If victorious, the Three Lions would qualify for the final in Berlin, scheduled for Sunday, July 14. English fans hope their team can maintain this momentum and clinch the coveted title.
British tennis star Emma Raducanu once again dazzled the crowd by eliminating the tournament’s 9th seed, Maria Sakkari, in an intense match at Wimbledon.
Emma Raducanu, 21, matched her best result at the All England Club by defeating Maria Sakkari in the third round. This impressive victory echoes her exceptional performance in New York, where she had previously triumphed over the excellent Greek player in the semi-finals. The British player conceded only five games under the Centre Court roof, winning 6-2, 6-3, and once again demonstrating her exceptional talent. However, the young prodigy must now prepare for her next match against New Zealander Lulu Sun, an opponent theoretically within her reach. Before that, she will make her highly anticipated mixed doubles debut alongside her illustrious compatriot Andy Murray. The two players are scheduled to play on Court One, which could prevent Emma Raducanu from watching England’s quarter-final at Euro 2024, a match she hoped to see despite a busy schedule at Wimbledon.
Emma Raducanu, who will return to the top 100 after Wimbledon, described her match against Maria Sakkari as “the most fun I’ve had on a tennis court.” She downplayed comparisons with her run in New York, but it is undeniable that she arrives at Wimbledon with confidence and numerous victories under her belt. Over the past month, she reached her first grass-court semi-final in Nottingham and defeated a top-10 player for the first time, Jessica Pegula, in Eastbourne. Despite a favorable draw, Emma Raducanu remains focused on the present. “I think staying present at the moment is what has brought me this far. I’m not going to start changing anything,” she said. Her determination and ability to overturn difficult situations, such as saving five break points in three games against Maria Sakkari, show that she is ready to face the challenges ahead. Maria Sakkari, on the other hand, has struggled in Grand Slam tournaments since her run in New York three years ago. Despite a shaky start and numerous errors, the difference between the two players was made on crucial points, where Emma Raducanu was exceptional. She saved break points with aces and powerful forehands, and secured a second break with a precise defensive lob.
In the Finals ?
Emma Raducanu described this match as her second favorite behind the US Open final, stating, “Even the points I lost, the long points or certain situations, I found myself smiling or laughing because I just enjoyed competing. I just enjoyed the battle, I just enjoyed the good tennis played by my opponent.” Emma Raducanu continues to captivate the tennis world with her talent and determination. As she prepares for her upcoming challenges at Wimbledon, all eyes are on this rising star.
The “Come As You Really Are” exhibition in Croydon celebrates the diversity of hobbies across the UK, showcasing thousands of unique handcrafted items lent by enthusiasts from all walks of life.
From July 18 to October 20, the Grants Entertainment Centre in Croydon will host the “Come As You Really Are” exhibition. Organized by artist Hetain Patel and commissioned by Artangel, this exhibition features thousands of handcrafted items lent by people of all ages and professions.
In January 2024, a public call gathered over 1500 responses about the hobbies of Britons. The exhibition highlights a variety of activities, from crafts and knitting to micro-ceramics and car modifications. Hetain Patel also created a film for the exhibition, celebrating the participants’ creativity. “There is immense power in collective sharing,” he said. Mariam Zulfiqar, director of Artangel, added, This presentation embraces our differences and invites us to rethink what we value. The “Come As You Really Are” exhibition promises to be an inspiring experience, showing how hobbies enrich our lives and create connections between individuals.
Photos : LoveKnottCreations/Grant’s of Croydon/Hetain Patel/DR
Location
Grants Entertainment Centre 14 High St Croydon, CR0 1GT
