On the eve of what would have been Amy Winehouse’s 41st birthday, a new piece of street art has been unveiled on the façade of Camden’s Koko venue. Created by street artist Bambi, the artwork depicts Winehouse sitting on a stack of records, accompanied by the iconic quote: “Camden Town ain’t burnin’ down.” The statement was made in the wake of a fire that had ravaged Camden Lock the night before the ceremony.
Camden’s spirit
Bambi explained that the artwork is a tribute to the resilient spirit of Camden, a neighborhood that has faced its share of challenges but remains unbroken. “Amy Winehouse was an extraordinary figure, an artist who defied mainstream pop and inspired countless people. Her unique style and rebellious nature perfectly embodied the spirit of Camden,” the artist said.
Photos : Koko/London/DR
Koko: A historic venue
Koko, formerly known as The Music Machine and Camden Palace, is a landmark in London’s music scene. Since its opening in 1977, it has hosted legendary acts such as The Rolling Stones, Prince, and The Clash. Winehouse frequently performed there, making it a fitting location for this tribute.
Bambi’s artistic legacy
Bambi is renowned for her provocative and socially engaged artworks. She first gained attention with “Amy Jade,” a piece created in tribute to Winehouse after her death in 2011. Other notable works include “Lie Lie Land,” depicting Donald Trump and Theresa May dancing in a style reminiscent of the film “La La Land,” and “Be As Naughty As You Want,” featuring Princess Diana as Mary Poppins.
A lasting legacy
This new artwork is more than just a tribute; it serves as a poignant reminder of Amy Winehouse’s enduring impact on music and culture. By celebrating her birthday with this piece, Bambi and Koko honor not only Winehouse’s memory but also the indomitable spirit of Camden, a neighborhood that continues to thrive through its music and art. In essence, this artwork is a vibrant testament to Amy Winehouse’s legacy and her unbreakable bond with Camden. It reminds all who pass by Koko of the importance of music, art, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Sadler’s Wells, the prestigious dance theatre in Islington, is set to open a new chapter with the launch of Sadler’s Wells East in Stratford. This new 550-seat venue promises to revolutionize London’s cultural scene.
A highly anticipated opening
Sadler’s Wells East will open its doors next February as part of the transformation of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park into East Bank, a new cultural district that will host renowned institutions such as the BBC, the V&A, the London College of Fashion, and UCL. The inaugural season promises to be thrilling, with innovative performances like “Skatepark” by Danish choreographer Mette Ingvertsen, which blends dancers and skateboarders on a ramp-filled stage.
Photos : Sadler’s Wells East/London/DR
A multifunctional Theatre
This new venue stands out for its versatility, capable of transforming into a photography studio, a rave dance floor, and much more. Notable performances include “Find Your Eyes” by photographer and dancer Benji Reid, who projects real-time images of dancers on stage, and “Encore and Encore” by Dan Daw Creative Projects, inspired by rave culture.
An eclectic program
The 2025 season will also feature classics such as “Romeo and Juliet,” “The Rite of Spring,” and “Snow White.” Carlos Acosta has curated a repertoire for a “Ballet Celebration” performed by young dancers from the Birmingham Royal Ballet. The season will kick off with “Our Mighty Groove” by Vicki Igbokwe-Ozoagu, featuring local dancers alongside professionals.
A major cultural impact
Sir Alistair Spalding, CBE, Artistic Director of Sadler’s Wells, stated that the opening program reflects the vision of Sadler’s Wells East as a cultural center with deep local roots, a tangible national impact, and an international perspective. With 20,000 tickets available for £25 or less, and Barclays Dance Pass tickets at £10 for young people aged 16 to 30, the new venue promises to be accessible to all. Rob Jones, Associate Artistic Director, hopes that Sadler’s Wells East will become a vital pillar of the dance ecosystem, a place where community, professional, and social elements collide in a grand cultural cocktail. “This first season is a fantastic mix of work, and we are thrilled that many artists from the UK and around the world will make their Sadler’s Wells debut with us in this new building,” he said. Sadler’s Wells East is set to be a vibrant and dynamic addition to London’s cultural scene, ready to inspire and delight dance enthusiasts for years to come.
Artist Es Devlin reveals a large-scale choral work, CONGREGATION, in partnership with UNHCR, on display at St Mary le Strand from October 3 to 9, 2024.
Renowned artist Es Devlin has unveiled a monumental choral installation titled CONGREGATION in support of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR). This work, created in collaboration with UK for UNHCR, will be exhibited at St Mary le Strand from October 3 to 9, 2024. Curated by Ekow Eshun, the installation was developed with King’s College London and The Courtauld. Emma Cherniavsky, Chief Executive of UNHCR UK, expressed her admiration for Devlin: “We are honored to work with Es Devlin. CONGREGATION allows refugees to share their stories with London in a new way.” The installation will feature chalk and charcoal portraits of 50 refugees, projected onto a multi-level structure, accompanied by choral music. Public performances will take place daily at 7 PM.
Photos : Daniel Devlin/UNHCR/DR
A unique artistic process
In an interview, Es Devlin explained her inspiration: “I wanted to understand why we haven’t provided the same support to refugees from countries like Syria and Sudan as we have for those from Ukraine. This project aims to bridge that gap.” Es Devlin draws inspiration from Lucian Freud’s sketchbooks and The Courtauld’s portrait collection to create her works. She spends the first 45 minutes of each drawing session without knowing her subject. After this period, the subject shares their story, and the drawing resumes. With CONGREGATION, Es Devlin aims to bridge the gap between perception and reality, inviting the public to deeply engage with the stories of refugees. The installation promises to be a powerful testament to the resilience and humanity of those forced to flee their homes.
The renowned fashion house Givenchy has announced with great excitement the appointment of Sarah Burton as its new creative director. Burton will oversee both men’s and women’s collections, bringing a fresh perspective to this prestigious brand.
A stellar career
Sarah Burton, hailing from England, studied at Central Saint Martins in London, a leading institution in the fashion world. She made a significant impact at Alexander McQueen, where she worked for over two decades, from 1997 to 2023. Her most iconic creation is undoubtedly the wedding dress of Kate Middleton, which captivated the world during the royal wedding in 2011.
Accolades and honors
Throughout her career, Sarah Burton has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious titles of “Designer of the Year” and “Trailblazer” from the British Fashion Council. In 2012, she was honored with the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her outstanding contributions to the fashion industry.
Photos : Givenchy/AlexanderMc Queen/DR
A new vision for Givenchy
Upon her appointment, Sarah Burton expressed her excitement: “Joining Givenchy is a tremendous honor. This house is a true gem in the fashion world, and I am eager to contribute to writing its next chapter. I will bring my vision, sensitivity, and convictions to this iconic house.” Her first collection for Givenchy will be unveiled in March 2025, marking the beginning of a new era for the fashion house. With Sarah Burton at the helm, Givenchy is poised to explore new creative horizons. Fashion enthusiasts around the world eagerly await the innovative and inspiring designs that Burton will bring to this legendary house.
Good Chance and Gecko, two renowned theatre companies, present “From Here On”, an immersive production that highlights the challenges and hopes of refugee children. Through performances around the world, this work aims to inspire empathy and spark crucial debates on children’s rights.
A revisitation of historical legacy
The Kindertransport, a rescue operation for Jewish children before World War II, is a significant historical event. Yet, 85 years later, children continue to flee conflicts. “From Here On” revisits this history to underscore the troubling parallels with the current situation. In partnership with Safe Passage International, the production seeks to emphasize the importance of safety and family reunification.
This 35-minute production will take place in iconic public locations such as Harwich, London (Liverpool Street), Dover, The Hague, and Berlin. Each performance is an opportunity to reflect on the changes, or lack thereof, since the Kindertransport. Featuring 40 young performers, director Amit Lahav gives a powerful voice to refugee children, often overlooked by mainstream media.
Stories of courage and survival
The young actors of “From Here On” narrate the physical and emotional trials of children forced to flee war. Their poignant stories are an invitation to empathy and action. “With artists from diverse backgrounds, we aim to show that these stories are universal and timeless,” explains Amit Lahav.
At a time of unprecedented international tensions and rising antisemitism, “From Here On” reminds us that the lessons of the past must not be forgotten. By celebrating the anniversary of the Kindertransport, this production urges citizens to act for a better future. “We all have the power to make a difference,” concludes Amit Lahav.
Performance schedule
“From Here On” will take place on Friday, September 6, and Sunday, September 8, at Exchange Square, Liverpool Street Station/, at 11:00 AM, 1:15 PM, 3:30 PM, and 5:40 PM.
The British rock band Oasis announced on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, two additional dates in London in September 2025, in response to “phenomenal demand” for their comeback tour. The concerts will take place on September 27 and 28, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, added to the 17 concerts already scheduled for July and August in the UK and Ireland. The Gallagher brothers, icons of Britpop, have generated immense excitement by announcing the reformation of Oasis, fifteen years after their split.
Chaotic ticket sales
However, last Saturday’s ticket sales were chaotic. Fans encountered numerous crashes on overloaded sales platforms and discovered last-minute “dynamic pricing” that caused prices to skyrocket. This situation provoked anger and frustration among fans, who saw ticket prices soar from £150 to over £350. The dates in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin all sold out in one day, leaving many fans without tickets.
To address the controversy, Oasis has decided to change the ticket sales method. This time, tickets will be sold through a “staggered” process and “invitation-only draw.” British fans who failed to get tickets last Saturday on Ticketmaster UK, the main sales site, will be given priority for this draw. The band has promised to provide more details on the process later, to ensure better accessibility and transparency for fans.
Government reactions and measures
In response to fans’ anger, the British government has promised to review these controversial ticket sales methods, particularly the practice of “dynamic pricing.” This method, which adjusts prices based on demand, has been criticized for raising prices from £150 to over £350. On Monday, hundreds of fans filed complaints with the UK’s advertising regulator, denouncing this practice as unfair and abusive.
Despite the controversy, Oasis’ comeback tour promises to be a resounding success. More than 1.4 million tickets were sold on Saturday, according to the BBC. Wembley Stadium, where the two new concerts will take place, can accommodate 90,000 people, promising memorable evenings for the band’s fans. The Gallagher brothers, known for their charisma and energy on stage, are determined to deliver unforgettable performances to their fans.
A long-awaited return
Oasis’ return to the stage is a major event for music lovers and Britpop fans. The band, formed in 1991 in Manchester, marked the 90s with iconic albums like “Definitely Maybe” and “(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?”. Their split in 2009 left a void in the music scene, and their return is being met with immense enthusiasm.
A tour under the sign of nostalgia
For many fans, this tour is an opportunity to relive the highlights of their youth and rediscover Oasis classics live. The concerts scheduled in the UK and Ireland promise to be moments of intense communion between the band and their audience, with essential tracks like “Wonderwall,” “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” and “Champagne Supernova.” In summary, despite the challenges related to ticket sales, Oasis’ return promises to be a major musical event of 2025, with concerts that will remain etched in fans’ memories.
After a resounding success in its inaugural edition, the London Mural Festival returns this September for a second round. Organized by Global Street Art, this event promises to transform the city into a massive canvas, celebrating urban art in all its forms.
Photos : South London/London Mural Festival/Angry Dan/DR
A Festival rich in talent and events
Launched in 2020, the London Mural Festival has already showcased works by Camille Walala, Dale Grimshaw, Marija Tiurina, Gary Stranger, Mr. Cenz, Bonzai, Suiko, and Zabou in 75 locations across 13 boroughs. For the 2024 edition, the first wave of names includes world-renowned artists such as Aches, eL Seed, D*Face, Marija Tiurina, Rosie Woods, Sebas Velasco, and Seb Lester. With over 100 murals planned, many more artists will be announced. In addition to the artworks, the festival offers a multitude of interactive events: a pop-up in Shoreditch to try spray painting, an interactive illustrated map of London by Angry Dan, a collaborative community mural, calligraphy workshops, and street art tours.
Photos : South London/London Mural Festival/Angry Dan/DR
An interactive map to celebrate London
Created by artist Angry Dan, the map is filled with local touches and references, such as the “Doughnut” at the Waterworks roundabout. Dan plans to extend his cartographic style to all of London, a project that has already taken a year for Walthamstow. A 465 m2 version of the map will be displayed in Stratford for the London Mural Festival. The illustration, which took over six months to complete, features more than 850 iconic London landmarks and characters. On September 8, a giant copy of the London map will be installed on the tarmac at Mandeville Place in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, marking the start of the festival. Visitors will be able to interact with the map, walk on it, and even tear off pieces to take home as a unique souvenir of London.
Photos : South London/London Mural Festival/Angry Dan/DR
A celebration of urban art
The London Mural Festival, running from September 5 to 29, is a unique opportunity to discover urban art in all its diversity. Lee Bofkin, CEO and co-founder of Global Street Art, stated: “The festival is an expression of the deep love we have for this city and the work of the artists who help make it such a colorful metropolis. We are truly excited to announce more artists to the lineup in due course.” Get ready to be amazed by the colors and creativity that will take over London throughout September.
Photos : South London/London Mural Festival/Angry Dan/DR
The biennial Unlimited Festival returns to the Southbank Centre from September 4 to 8, 2024, offering an exceptional platform for deaf and disabled artists. This multi-arts festival features a diverse program including comedy, theatre, dance, club nights, and numerous free events.
A rich and diverse program
Unlimited 2024 highlights artists and companies that challenge narratives around disability. Key events include Touretteshero’s Biscuit Land Cabaret, a screening of *Silent World* by deaf rapper Signkid, and an exhibition by photographer Suzie Larke. Ruth Hardie, Head of Public Programming at the Southbank Centre, emphasizes the significance of this edition: “This is probably the first year we have the same scale of work as before the pandemic.”
Accessible and innovative performances
For this edition, the Southbank Centre has commissioned several new works, including *Mark Of A Woman* by deaf artist Chisato Minamimura. This performance explores the relationship between women and tattoos through Visual Vernacular, a form of performance using sign language, mime, and theatrical techniques. Minamimura stresses the importance of inclusivity: “I challenge the audience to ask what art is and how it relates to the diversity of the world we live in.”
Photos : Stopgap Dance Company: Lived Fiction 2024. Christopher Parkes/Southbank Centre
Hope and resilience
The festival also features *Hope & Ponies*, a workshop and banner installation by Two Destination Language. Each banner, made from recycled fabric, carries a different definition of hope, addressing themes from war to the climate crisis. Katherina Radeva explains: “We want to make space to refill your glass of hope.”
Inclusive club nights
Unlimited 2024 also offers evening events like Disco Neurotico, a club night for those who find social experiences challenging due to conditions like anxiety or autism. Byron Vincent, the event organizer, highlights the importance of inclusion: “It’s simply about listening to people and working with someone who understands the needs of this community.” The festival will conclude on September 7 with a silent disco, offering a unique experience with guest DJs and interactive activities. Ruth Hardie concludes: “Unlimited is a moment of celebration and ongoing support for artists.”
Photos : Stopgap Dance Company: Lived Fiction 2024. Christopher Parkes/Southbank Centre
Highlights of the Unlimited Festival 2024
The biennial Unlimited Festival returns to the Southbank Centre from September 4 to 8, 2024, offering an exceptional platform for deaf and disabled artists. Here’s a glimpse of this edition’s highlights:
Wednesday, September 4
Living fiction (tickets from £15) Stopgap Dance Company presents its latest creation, an emotional dance piece featuring deaf, disabled, neurodivergent, and non-disabled artists.
Friday, September 6
Precarious moves (tickets from £14) A humorous solo performance by Michael Turinsky, exploring movement, mobility, and connection.
Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8
Touretteshero burns in biscuit land (tickets from £10) A surreal show where three neurodiverse inhabitants of an apocalyptic bunker try to survive.
It’s a Bloody Pleasure
Flawbored presents a biting satire on the monetization of identity politics Disco Neurotico (tickets £10)
A neurodiverse club night for those who love to party in an inclusive environment. Shooting from below (tickets from £8)
A unique combination of musical theatre, movement, live art, and drag by Midgitte Bardot.
Sleight of Hand (tickets from £12) A tactile installation by Jo Bannon, incorporating audio description, tactile design, choreography, and ASMR soundscapes.
Sunday, September 8
Stammering : Tcho Tcho! (tickets from £14)
A playful and interactive show exploring intrusive thoughts and OCD.
Abnormal-Funny People – IRL (tickets from £12) An evening of laughs with irreverent and internationally renowned comedians.
Free events
Thursday, September 5 from 8:30 PM
Deaf rave : A free evening with talented deaf DJs and a Woojer zone.
Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8
Unlimited on screen : Screenings of films commissioned by Unlimited, available in person and online.
Saturday, September 7 at 1 PM and 3 PM
Krystal S Lowe: New Growth. A dance and choreography performance by Krystal S. Lowe, exploring personal growth.
Saturday, September 7 at 8 PM
She Sings : Accessible dreamscapes
An immersive musical performance exploring performance and presentation from a disabled perspective.
Sunday, September 8 at 5 PM
Touretteshero’s Biscuit Land Cabaret : A cabaret featuring disabled, neurodivergent, and chronically ill artists, exploring themes of joy, resistance, and invisibility.
SoLo craft fair
An parallel, the SoLo Craft Fair returns to South Bank this summer with a series of monthly markets at Between the Bridges. Every first Sunday of the month, discover a variety of independent creators selling jewelry, art, home decor, and children’s gifts. Enjoy free workshops, food, and drinks in a friendly atmosphere.
Photos : Stopgap Dance Company: Lived Fiction 2024. Christopher Parkes/Southbank Centre
