This Week, London Top 10: 25th July
July 25, 2007
This week’s list: The village fete’s roller disco, chariot charging, doughnut race.
To subscribe to the weekly email “This Week – London” please send an email to info@unearthtravel.com with the subject “Subscribe”.
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London Ratha Yatra – Festival of Chariots
12:00-17:30, 29 July, Hyde Park - Trafalgar Square, Free
The 5000 year old Festival of Chariots (Ratha Yatra) originates from the ancient city of Jagannath Puri in Eastern India. Three 40-foot high brightly coloured wooden chariots will be pulled by hand from Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square (departing at noon). They carry the deities of Jagannatha, Subhadra, and Balarama. The huge chariots will be accompanied by a procession of singers, musicians and dancers. The festival ends with a stage show, festival and the delicious vegetarian Prasadam feast.
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Roller Disco
Canvas (King’s Cross) or Renaissance Rooms (Vauxhall), £12.50
Roller Disco - Groovy! Canvas and the Renaissance rooms revive the 70’s roller disco craze in a funky boogie fest. Strap on your skates, cruise the rink and check out the action at this retro night out.
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Heath Robinson’s Helpful Solutions
Cartoon Museum, 5 July – 7 October
William Heath Robinson’s (1872-1944) drawings of eccentric machines lead to his name ‘Heath Robinson’ being entered into the Oxford English dictionary to signify any ‘unnecessarily complex and implausible contraption’. This exhibition, the largest for 15 years, includes over 100 original drawings of his ‘quirky absurd and ingenious solutions to assist his earnest cast of characters’. These include using two cannons to crack a nut, a novel system for testing mattresses and two, three dimensional ‘Heath Robinson’ machines. “No matter how perilous or tricky the problem Heath Robinson could be sure to offer a helpful solution”.
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Homer Simpson vs. Optimus Prime
Cinemas Nationwide, 27 July
On 27th of July, The Transformers go head to head with The Simpsons on the big screen.
Dreamworks in conjunction with Paramount Pictures tell the tale of the epic cartoon ‘The Transformers’ and for those of you that don’t remember the plot…A long time ago on the planet of Cybertron, a war was waged between the noble Autobots and the devious Decepticons for control over the Allspark, a mystical talisman. The Autobots smuggled the Allspark to Earth however they were tracked down by the Deception commander Megatron but his reckless desire for power led to him to be frozen in the Artic Ocean until he was discovered…
“This year, a line will be drawn, and then coloured in yellow” a film 18 years in the making. When Homer mistakenly pollutes the river with toxic waste from the power plant, he loses his job and forces the evacuation of Springfield, possibly forever. Who will save the day President Arnold “I am here to bleed and not to read” Schwarzenegger, Itchy and Scratchy, Mr Burns or even Homer and his sidekick Spider Pig. The Simpsons Movie is the most highly anticipated movie of the summer, can America’s most loved family live up to expectation.
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Friday Late Village Fete
V&A, 27 July, 18:30-22:00, £3
“V&A and Scarlet Projects present Village Fete, the contemporary take on the traditional English fete. Over 30 of the most inventive and dynamic creative individuals working in the UK today come together to create an extraordinary array of stalls offering games to play and products to win.” The V&A does bizarre best! Try out the homemade Jam, have a go on the coconut shy, Splat a Rat or enter the World Moustache Championships and much more… all in a museum.
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Zaha Hadid Architecture + Design
Design Museum, 29 June – 25 September, £7
The Design Museum hosts the first exhibition of Zaha Hadid’s work in the UK. It focusus on her recently productive and successful period. Zaha Hadid won the Pritzker Prize in 2004 and hasn’t stopped since; she is busy working on projects that range from masterplans in Singapore and Istanbul, to an opera house in China, a museum in Rome and a skyscraper in Dubai. Her work is at the forefront of modern architectural design and demonstrates her ability to ‘translate the essence of her virtuoso spatial invention in solid form’.
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The Hothouse
National Theatre, July 11 – October 22, £22-39
The Hothouse, written by Harold Pinter, is set in a dubious institution, wherein the residents (patients) are referred to by number rather than by name. The supposed murder of one patient and the rape and resulting pregnancy of another lead to two characters setting out to find find the culprit(s), only to discover a disturbing secret.
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Events at the British Library
The British Library puts on numerous events coving just about anything, from academic discussion of religion “Holy lands, unholy wars” (30 July) to the story of an African Slave “Africa’s Greatest Resource: a documentary” (28 July) and even the chance to learn “Hebrew Calligraphy” (31 July).
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Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park
The English Partnerships bought part of the Greenwich Peninsula in 1997 and set in place a massive regeneration project transforming 121 hectares of neglected industrial land into the Greenwich Peninsula Ecology Park and back to life. A fantastic variety of wildlife thrives in the park, and during the summer the two lakes and meadows come to life with birds, dragonflies and butterflies.
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Westminster Abbey
Located in the heart of London, the 700 year old Westminster Abbey, has played a central role for kings, queens, statesmen and soldiers in the pageant of British History. Along with just visiting the Abbey, you can attend one of the numerous events; from organ recitals and summer brass band concerts to academic lectures.
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If you have ideas for next week, or want to have your say, leave a comment or send me an email (info@unearthtravel.com) Jeremy Boote
This Week, London Top 10: 18th July
July 18, 2007
This week’s list: Which ways the Beach? The Beach is “that-a-way”.
To subscribe to the weekly email “This Week – London” please send an email to info@unearthtravel.com with the subject “Subscribe”.
- The Beach Island Life
The O2, 10am-10pm, Free
This summer, the O2 has been transformed into a ‘tropical paradise’ with the help of 1,000 tonnes of sand and numerous palm trees. At night, under the light of an illuminated moon you can get a drink at the bar and decide whether you want to play volleyball (Monday), watch films like Jaws and Point Break (Wednesday) have your own full moon party (Thursday and Friday) or enjoy live music (Saturday). Fantastic free fun.
- Mongol Rally
Departure, 21 July, Hyde Park, Departure (Free), Party (£7)
If you feel that travel these days is just a bit too safe, and lacks the adventure it used to, what about joining The Mongol rally? All you have to do is buy a clapped out banger with less than a 1000cc engine and drive around a third of the globe from London to Mongolia, easy! It is too late to join in this year, but if you head to Hyde Park on Saturday you can see them depart in their ‘automobiles’ or you can meet the teams at the departure party at the Truman Brewery on Friday night.
- Stan Won’t Dance: Off the wall
Southbank Centre, 20/21 July, 9:00pm, Free
“Stan Won’t Dance collaborate with designer Michael Pavelka and an international collection of over 100 dancers, circus artists, singers and free runners - both professional and student - to celebrate the re-launch of Southbank Centre. Together they create a fantasy world of the future where people run up walls, skim across rooftops and defy the laws of physics and physicality in an unforgettable large-scale outdoor spectacular.”
- A Legend from Tibet: King Gesar of Ling
V&A, 22 July, 15:00-16:30
The V&A is hosting a unique opportunity to learn about Tibetan culture. The Tibetan Foundation tells the epic story of King Gesar of Ling through the performing arts. It reflects a passionate struggle of justice over evil and light over darkness told through the life of a hero with magical strengths. The epic was passed down generation after generation for a 1000 years and it was listed in the UNESCO Commemoration List in 2003 alongside the Iliad and the Ramayana. The Serta Gesar Troupe blends traditional and modern Tibetan folk songs, dance, chants and games into an enlightening Tibetan drama.
- Circus School
Want to try something new and different? Why not join the circus! Or at least take a class in anything from tight-wire walking and the flying trapeze to becoming a clown. There are over 50 classes per week, catering for all skill levels from the absolute beginner to the advanced.
- Live Music in London
Live music in London is buzzing, every night there are hundreds of bands trying to sign record deals and a regular stream of global superstars flooding to London’s stadiums. To see new groups on the pub circuit why not head to “The Bull and Gate” in Kentish Town, “The Monarch” in Chalk farm or the “Half Moon” in Putney, you will get the chance to hear anything from the awful to the awesome. Tickets for larger bands are hard to get hold of, so stay up to date by signing up to seetickets.com and Ticketmaster. Coming to London over the next few months are Ocean Colour Scene, The Police and Crowded House.
- Discover the Secrets of Tower Beach at National Archaeology Week!
Tower of London, 21/22 July, 12:00-14:30
“The Tower of London celebrates National Archaeology Week by opening the stretch of foreshore by Traitors Gate to the public. Join Thames21 and explore this piece of history. Experts will be on hand to help uncover the history behind artefacts unearthed.”
- Spice Festival
Hackney Empire and around, Ends July 22
The Spice Festival is Hackney’s art showcase featuring Music, Art, Comedy, Drama, Fashion, Roller Skating, Film, Clubbing, Literature, Food, Comedy, Dance, Cabaret, Puppetry, Poetry & Dance.
- India Now
July – September
India Now is a huge cultural celebration of the Indian Subcontinent. India’s diverse and dazzling cultures will be on display at our landmarks, streets and parks. Somerset House, Trafalgar Square, The Scoop, London Zoo, Regents Street and the V&A are all hosting events throughout the summer, so check out the listings to find out what is going on.
- Tower Bridge & Monument
Tower Bridge/London Bridge, £5 (Tower Bridge), £2 (Monument), £6 (Joint Ticket)
Tower Bridge has spanned the River Thames since 1894 and the Monument has stood as a London memorial since the Great Fire of London. This will be your last chance to visit them together until 2009 as the Monument closes at the end of this month.
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If you have ideas for next week, or want to have your say, leave a comment or send me an email (info@unearthtravel.com) Jeremy Boote
This Week, London Top 10: 11th July
July 11, 2007
This week’s list: Can you work out where the world is going?
To subscribe to the weekly email “This Week – London” please send an email to info@unearthtravel.com with the subject “Subscribe”.
- Lovebox London Weekender
Victoria Park, 21/22 July, £35/£60 (Tickets on Sale)
“Lovebox is about far more than Groove Armada. It’s a festival put together by people who live and breathe music and take part in London cultural life to the full. We want to celebrate and showcase today’s amazing musicians across all the genres that excite us be it folk, hip hop, indie, disco-punk, rock, world or electronic music” Andy Cato, Groove Armada
Alongside the talents of Groove Armada there are the likes of Blondie, Scratch Perverts, Super Furry Animals, The B52’s, The Rapture and many more…
- BP Portrait Award
National Portrait Gallery, 14 June - 16 September, Free
The BP Portrait Award is an annual competition aimed at encouraging artists to develop and evolve the theme of contemporary portraiture. The exhibition is a brilliant way to compare the contrasting techniques. It allows you to step back and compare the light touch of realism next to bolder fairy tale forms. If that sounds a little too like whiffle-whaffle the exhibition is free and you can make up your own mind.
- Dans le Noir?
30-31 Clerkenwell Green, EC1R 0DU
“Dans le Noir?” or “In the Dark?” is a truly sensory culinary experience offering the chance to dine in complete darkness with 59 other people. There is a lit bar where you can enjoy a cocktail and become acquainted with your fellow guests prior to being flung into darkness. Dining at “Dans le Noir?” is a unique experience and one you will never forget.
- Circus Front: Acrobat’s (Australia) Smaller, Poorer, Cheaper
Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, 6 July - 14 July, £18-36
Acrobat returns to London with a brilliant new production “Smaller, Poorer, Cheaper”. It is a fast paced performance pushing the physical limits of acrobatics and aerial work. The show is an astonishing reminder of what our bodies can do (if we join the circus)!
- Ancient Board Games
British Museum, Stevenson Lecture Theatre, 18:30, 12 July, £5
Board games have been around as long as the history books. Irving Finkels disscusses his new book “Board Games in Perspective” and talks about the appeal of Board Games across cultures and throughout history.
- The Casino at The Empire
Leicester Square, (Free)
Las Vegas arrives in Leicester Square! The Casino at the Empire takes British casinos into the light, trying to offer all the glitz, glamour and razzmatazz of its American counterparts. Although it doesn’t quite achieve this, it still offers a fantastic night out in the heart of the capital’s buzzing West End.
- Jeff Koons – Popeye Series
Gagosian Gallery, 1 June - 27 July
Imagine swimming pool inflatables and children’s balloons. Are they brightly coloured, low weight, shiny…? Jeff Koons plays on these preconceptions, replicating these qualities in painted aluminium in somewhat “unexpected visual juxtapositions”. The exhibition shows off Koons’s ability to transform everyday objects into art.
- Introduction to Screen-printing: Two Day Workshop
Wallace Collection, 11:00-16:00, 14-15 July, £40
This two day course will give you the chance to learn about different screen printing techniques as well as create your own prints to take home.
- Blair’s Legacy: The Iraq War in cartoons
Political Cartoon Gallery, 6 July – 1 September 2007, Free-ish
“Two thirds of the British public believe that Iraq will prove to be Tony Blair’s most enduring legacy. Four years after the US-led invasion, Iraq still dwarfs all other issues concerning Blair’s ten years in Downing Street. This exhibition of original cartoons demonstrates the cartoonists’ view that the war was a folly from the outset and that it has brought nothing but death and destruction to the Iraqi people. The exhibition consists of 70 cartoons by Britain’s leading cartoonists such as Steve Bell, Peter Brookes, Martin Rowson, Dave Brown, Dave Gaskill, Peter Schrank, Dave Simonds, JAS, Paul Thomas, Charles Griffin, Martyn Turner and Morten Morland amongst many others.”
- Mama Mia
Prince of Wales Theatre, £29-60
Mamma mia, here I go again
My my, how can I resist you?
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My my, just how much I’ve missed you
When you leave, don’t forget your manners, remember to say “Thank you for the music”.
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If you have ideas for next week, or want to have your say, leave a comment or send me an email (info@unearthtravel.com) Jeremy Boote
This Week, London Top 10: 4th July
July 4, 2007
This week’s list: Can you work out where the world is going?
To subscribe to the weekly email “This Week – London” please send an email to info@unearthtravel.com with the subject “Subscribe”.
Tour de France - Le Grand Depart
6-8 July, London
The Tour de France starts in London! Friday night (18:00), will see the opening ceremony take place in Trafalgar Square, surely it will be a spectacular celebration of cycling. Saturday (14:00-18:20), is the Prologue, a time trial racing around the streets of central London (probably the best day for spectators). Sunday (Start 10:25), is the first stage of the of the Tour, the riders will depart from the Mall, cross the river at Westminster, pass St Paul’s head to Greenwich and then on to Canterbury. The Tour has never started outside of France, and may never do so again, don’t miss it.
Ballet School Graduation - Royal Ballet School, English National Ballet School
Royal Opera House and Royal College of Music, 4 July – 14 July, £5-16
Every year, the Royal Ballet School and the English National Ballet put on a series of end of year performances. They offer an excellent opportunity to go to the Ballet, get good seats and still manage to avoid bankruptcy. With tickets starting at £5, why not go.
The Royal Society’s Summer Science Exhibition
Royal Society, Ends Thursday, Free
Get yourselves along to the Royal Society and “Expand your mind”. The exhibition is a chance to find out about the wealth of scientific research going on in Great Britain. With deep-sea creatures, life on Mars, Piranha and much more you’re bound to learn something as well as having lots of fun.
Sacred: Discover what we Share
British Library, Ends 23 September 2007, 10:00-4:30pm, Free (Booking Available)
The British Library hosts “The world’s greatest collection of Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy books”. On display there are some of the “worlds rarest and most exquisite sacred books and manuscripts are presented and explored side by side, in a major exhibition for the first time”.
Tower Music Festival
Tower of London, 28 June - 14 July, £45-65
The Tower Music Festival, has transformed the Tower of London into a musical haven. The diverse range of music and historical venue make this festival unique.
Late at Tate - How we are Photographing Britain
Tate Britain, 6 July, 18:00-22:00 Free
Sing along with singing Policeman. Where? The Tate. When? Late. This months Late at the Tate celebrates South West London and it is part of “Sing London”. Along with the usual art, drinks and randomness this months instalment comes with half price entry to “How We Are: Photographing Britain”. The exhibition covers British photography from the early days to the modern digital age. You can even contribute your own exhibit through Flickr.
Watch this Space
National Theatre, 6 July – 1 September, Free
The National Theatre’s free summer festival is back, bringing an unparalleled programme of outdoor entertainment (and a lovely lawn) to London’s South Bank. This weekend you can watch “The Bicycle Ballet”, “Sham The Bum”, “The Rinky Dink Dink Bicycle Powered Sound System” or go to the “Bring and Share in the Late Lounge”… Doesn’t that sound like fun?
Asmara: Africa’s Secret Modernist City
Riba, 3 July – 18 August
“This is the first ever exhibition to illustrate the rich architectural heritage of the Eritrean capital Asmara. The North African city will be explored through four thematic units which examine Asmara as it is today; its historical social context; its architecture and culture; as well as the problems and challenges resulting from its function as the capital and the increasing pressure to expand.”
Philistines
National Theatre, £10-40, 3 July- 18 August
“A restless bunch of young radicals hang out, have sex, dance, drink, moan and philosophise at the home of a prosperous decorator. While Pyotr, a sometime student of law, falls for the lovely, loose-living lodger, his sister carps on about the tedium of life, lusts after Nil – who’s blind to her charms but in pursuit of the servant – and botches her own suicide. A household falls to pieces as the personal and political turmoil of pre-revolutionary Russia gathers pace. Gorky’s darkly comic first play of 1902, banned from public performance under the Czarist regime, is seen here in an exuberant new version by Andrew Upton.”
RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show
Hampton Court, 3-8 July, £13-25
”At the height of summer, one of the world’s most famous royal palaces plays host to the sumptuous Hampton Court Palace Flower Show.”
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If you have ideas for next week, or want to have your say, leave a comment or send me an email (info@unearthtravel.com) Jeremy Boote
This Week, London Top 10: 27th June
June 27, 2007
This week’s list: don’t get wet.
To subscribe to the weekly email “This Week – London” please send an email to info@unearthtravel.com with the subject “Subscribe”.
- The Summer Season - Wimbledon & Henley
Henley (4-8 July), Wimbledon (25 June - 8 July)
Prepare for Strawberries & Cream, Boaters & Blazers and pints of Pimm’s, the Summer Season has arrived! Ascot has passed but the best is still to come! See Tiger Tim battle his way through the Lawn Tennis Championships or sit by Sir Steve at HRR as you revel in fits of bacchic and sporting debauchery.
- Leon Kossoff
National Gallery, 14 March - 1 July 2007, Free
“In 1936, at the age of ten, Leon Kossoff found his way from Hackney to the steps of the National Gallery. At first, never having seen a painting before, he was awestruck.” Later, as an art student Kossoff was increasingly drawn to the National Gallery as a source of inspiration. He became emotionally intertwined with the works, drawing and redrawing them over and over, transforming the classical oil paintings into his own charcoal sketches and prints. Kossoff’s subtlety of form and powerful use of tones make his works feel dynamic and compelling, bringing his sources of inspiration to life.
- Friday Late - Sing London
V&A, 29 June, 18.30-22.00, Free
This month, Friday Late invites you to join a “magical singing extravaganza” as the V&A sees the launch of Sing London. The ten day London-wide festival aims to unite the capital in a celebration of song. So, warm up your voice, prepare to stretch your vocal cords and join in! However, you may prefer to sit back, enjoy the music at the bar and watch others giving it a “go”.
- Hockney on Turner Watercolours
Tate Britain, 11 June – 3 February, Free
“Dazzling, evocative and sublime, this exhibition provides a rare opportunity to see some of JMW Turner’s most spectacular works. Usually outnumbered by his grand oil paintings, around 150 of Turner’s beautiful watercolours are displayed, giving a comprehensive view of the artist’s astonishing use of watercolour, his techniques and his influences.
At the heart of the exhibition another seminal British artist, David Hockney, presents his own selection of Turner’s unique colour studies or ‘beginnings’ and also provides commentary on the artist’s techniques.”
- London Literature Festival
Southbank Centre, 29 June - 12 July, Free to £35 (Average £8)
This summer, the Southbank Centre launches the London Literature Festival. Two weeks of literature, ideas, creative writing and performance will take place in centre’s indoor and outdoor spaces and feature international and prize-winning authors, historians, poets, performers and artists.
- Appearing Rooms
Southbank Centre, 8 June - 16 September , 10:00 - 22:00, Free
Appearing Rooms returns to the Southbank Centre! This is a fantastic and fun water sculpture inviting visitors to enter the “aquatic pavilion” and walk through rooms walled by water, but watch out, the walls move and you could get wet.
- Little Angel Theatre
Tickets adults £8, children £6
Pop along to the little angel theatre in Islington to see something a little different - puppetry. They have a variety of shows, most aimed at children but some just for adults (Puppet Grinder Cabaret) that are bound to provide you with a bit of a different Saturday night.
- Music in the Yard - Papa Noel & Bana Congo
Guildhall Yard, 2 July, 12:30, Free
City Workers. Instead of spending your lunchtime at your desk get down to the Guildhall to see “one of the greats of African music”, Papa Noel and the Cuban eleven piece, Bana Congo. Take a detour from Pret and go!
- Soundwaves - Kinetica
Art that explores, warps, collects and manipulates sounds. A new wave in Sonic Art.
- UBS Openings: Saturday Live
Guy de Cointet: Tell Me, 30 June, 22:30-23:00
“Tate Modern presents a re-creation of one of French artist Guy de Cointet’s influential and visually stunning plays, Tell Me.” “Tell Me is a performance about abstraction and language; staging the question of how reality is perceived and interpreted. Striking visual elements of form and colour make up the set design. The three characters use, discuss and inhabit their theatrical environment in unexpected ways.”
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If you have ideas for next week, or want to have your say, leave a comment or send me an email (info@unearthtravel.com) Jeremy Boote
This Week, London Top 10: 20th June
June 20, 2007
This week’s list: give me more! more! more!
To subscribe to the weekly email “This Week – London” please send an email to info@unearthtravel.com with the subject “Subscribe”.
- Taste of London
Marylebone Green, Regent’s Park, 21-24 June, £21/35
The Taste of London festival is the capital’s most prestigious food and drink festival. It is packed with delicacies to tempt the most ardent dieters. Head to the champagne tent or to the port tasting at the Cockburn’s Port Hole. Make your way to the Alesi Cookery School or sample beers at the Speciality Beer Masterclass. Relax to the sounds of Jazz and Cuban bands or for a bit more excitement watch top bartenders battling it out to win one of eight spots at 42 Below’s Extreme Cocktail World Cup.
- Dalí & Film
Tate Modern, 1 June-9 September, £11
Dalí & Film is a unique and unparalleled exhibition focusing on the central role of cinema on one of the twentieth century’s most celebrated and respected artists. Dalí believed that cinema was an antidote for the antiquated pretensions of high culture. The medium was used both as an inspiration and a creative outlet for experimentation, to express both foresight into the future of society and his creative flair and bizarre brilliance.
- Amused Moose – Amazing Night Out
Moonlighting Nightclub, 23 June, £5, Doors 7:30
The Amused Moose is a multi-award winning comedy club. This week is the third semi-final of the Amused Moose Laugh Off 2007, highlighting the upcoming talents of Jack Whitenal, Andi Osho, Andy Naylor, Gareth Richard, Matt Rudge, Joe Bor and Luke McQueen. With jugs of beer aplenty and the dance floor staying open until 5am, get your groove on.
- Exhibition Road Music Day
Exhibition Road, 21 June, 10am-midnight
Exhibition road will burst into life this weekend in a festival celebrating musical diversity. This year there is a spectacular line-up of 70 national and international talents, showcasing global sounds and musical styles on 15 indoor and outdoor stages up and down Exhibition Road.
- London Wetland Centre
Barnes, London, £8.75
“The 43 hectare London Wetland Centre is the best urban site in Europe to watch wildlife, an international award winning visitor attraction and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Located on the banks of the River Thames in Barnes, Southwest London the centre is home to rare and beautiful wildlife including Bitterns, Kingfishers and a colony of endangered Water voles.” So, hop on your bike and head over to Barnes.
- Ice Station Antarctica
Natural History Museum, 25 May - 20 April 2008, £7
Do you have what it takes to survive the coldest, windiest and most remote place on Earth? Find out at Ice Station Antarctica! As an ice cadet you will experience minus 10 degrees, the noise and smell of working in a penguin colony and getting into artic gear. Although the exhibition is aimed at the younger end of society, it still looks like a lot of fun and is worth a visit.
- The Grand Tour
The West End has been transformed into a giant gallery. Full sized prints of some of the world’s most famous paintings line the streets of Soho, Piccadilly and Covent Garden. Check out the website, pick a walking tour, download an MP3 and enjoy the tour.
- Proms in the Park
Hyde Park, 8 September, (Tickets on Sale) £23.00
Tickets went on sale for the “PROMS IN THE PARK” last week. Get your flags out, start waving and join in a British Tradition.
- Chessington World of Adventures
Roller Coasters, Bubble Rides, Candy Floss and more… It’s less than an hour from city and as the the sun is shinning it is the perfect time to go.
- Falklands 25th Anniversary Exhibition
16 May - 6 January
What better way to gain an insight into the Falklands war than through the accounts and memorabilia of those that fought in the most recent invasion of British territory?
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If you have ideas for next week, or want to have your say, leave a comment or send me an email (info@unearthtravel.com) Jeremy Boote
This Week, London Top 10: 12th June
June 12, 2007
This week’s list: grow your own fruit, dress up as a gorilla and drink a Mojito: it’s all a bit bananas really!
To subscribe to the weekly email “This Week – London” please send an email to info@unearthtravel.com with the subject “Subscribe”.
- Sundae on the Common
12-8pm, Sunday 29th July, Clapham Common, £8.75 (On Sale)
Sundae On The Common promises to be as “moovelous” as ever. In between gorging yourself on the UNLIMTED ICE CREAM you can rest your weary belly and enjoy great bands like The Proclaimers and The Ordinary Boys, take a trip to the City Farm, discover your fortune from Mystic Moo, wiz down the Helter Skelter or take a ride on the Frozen Yogurt Swing Boats. Tickets sell like hot-cakes…
- Carnival de Cuba
Southwark Park, June 16/17, Free
Get into the spirit, rhythm and vibe of the Caribbean at the Carnival de Cuba, the largest Cuban festival in Europe. Start with tropical fruit smoothies and Cuban grub, and then grab a couple of Mojitos, make a move for the dance floor and absorb the tunes of Sur Caribe, Pedrito Calvo and the Reaggaeton line-up.
- The Press Photographer’s Year Exhibition
National Theatre, June 18 – July 28, Free
The Press Photographer’s Year returns to the NT after last year’s inaugural exhibition. It showcases the outstanding snaps taken for and used by the UK media. If you are ever on the Southbank, just pop along!
- Innocent Village Fete
Regents Park, 4/5 August, £5
The innocent village fete: homemade cakes, a farmers market, live music, coconut shies, Morris dances, miles and miles of bunting and more…
- Great Gorilla Run
City of London, 22 September
Could you run 7km dressed as a gorilla? Gorillas are amazing beasts; sign up and play a crucial role in saving the remaining 700 mountain gorillas left in the wild (there will be more runners going ape in the city than wild mountain gorillas). Best of all, you get to keep your gorilla suit!
- 15 Minute Musical
BBC Tickets, 7:30, 3/17/22 August, Broadcasting House, Free
“Radio 4’s ‘15 Minute Musicals’ are delicious musical delicacies. The bitesize yet satisfying musicals take an easily identifiable public figure and give them a West End Musical make-over. The fabricated, sugar-coated story is told in an original, never heard before, musical.” Musicals to be recorded include “Heatherita” – the story of Heather Mills-McCartney, “Noel!” – Noel Edmonds wakes up in 2007 and struggles to return to 1973 and “How Do You Stop a Woman like Camilla”.
- Damien Hirst: Beyond Belief
White Cube Gallery, 3 June - 7 July
Damien Hirst does it again, “For the Love of God” (the scull covered in diamonds) is the most expensive piece of contemporary art ever sold. Possibly your only chance to see it before it is whisked off by the private collector (possibly George Michael) who paid £50 million for it.
- Dig for Victory
Cabinet War Rooms, St James Park, Free
“Find out why people in Britain were encouraged to Dig for Victory and what it was like to live with rationing. Dig for Victory was a response to a wartime problem of food shortages but the campaign reflects things that we are concerned about today – having access to fresh healthy food, being active and living sustainably.” Although the allotment is already open you can watch it grow and learn more about Dig for Victory in three unique weeks throughout the summer, 23-27 July - Green City Week, 27-31 August- Healthy Living Week and 29-30 September - Harvest Fair. Get Growing!
- London to Brighton Bike Ride
Although the 17th 2007 London to Brighton Bike Ride is already full, you can still help to prevent heart disease either by contributing to one of the 27000 riders or by keeping your own heart healthy. So as a legend of Rock once said “Get on your bike and ride”!
- A Mile of Style
Guildhall Art Gallery, 11 April – 30 June, £2.50
“To celebrate the 180 years of Regent Street there will be an exhibition A Mile of Style (12 April – 30 June 2007) at the Guildhall Art Gallery, in the heart of London’s square mile, which will reveal the fascinating story of Europe’s most famous shopping thoroughfare through archival documents, maps, photographs and plans.”
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If you have ideas for next week, or want to have your say, leave a comment or send me an email (info@unearthtravel.com) Jeremy Boote
Amnesty International lecture: Some People think the internet is a bad thing
June 7, 2007
I have commented on the Amnesty International campaign Irrepressible, before. This is a campaign about freedom of speech on the internet. I was lucky enough to attend the AI lecture: Some People think the internet is a bad thing last night, which served as part of the re-launch of the new look website.
Apologies in advance if I have missed the points any of the speakers were trying to make, these notes are how I undertood their arguments.
Martha Lane Fox of Lastminute.com fame gave the keynote speech outlining the differences of the web in 1997 and 2007. A decade ago it was clear that the web had global potential through innovation and disruption of areas of life and business which before and enjoyed setting the status quo. Ten years on there has been a power shift from the sites to the users themselves as well as associated political implications. We should be optimistic about all this technology.
Ron Deibert of the Open Net Initiative points out that filtering is growing around the world and notes that it is US products being used overseas to do this. This theme is picked up on later. He also explains the difference between offensive and passive filtering with the former being used at election time and the latter for general blocking of sites. Governments are becomng increasingly cunning in their intervention with what their people can see which means we should demand more accountability and not take for granted the internet as an open forum.
Sami Ben Garbia a Tunisian cyberdissident points out that there are two groups who think the internet is a bad thing - large entities (governements and coporations) that want to keep control that they historically have not had difficulty in defending and another group all those people around the world who have been imprisoned due to what their governements consider inappropriate use of the internet. He suggests an analogy between antipersonnel mines and filtering software - both created in the West but causing damage elsewhere in the world. We can fight against companies developing this software.
Sina Motalebi was imprisoned in Iran as an example for those that think there is no cost to having freedom of speech online - or this is what the interrogator eventually told him. He spent 23 days in solitary and his mind started to unhinge to the extent that he was interrogating himself. There is an issue that moderate people are scared of such things so the only voices left are the extremists.
Josh Wolf was imprisoned in the United States for refusing to appear for a Grand Jury and for not handing over the data required of him by a subpoena as he feels that the protections given to the ordinary press should be extended to journalists who use online media.
Morton Sklar and Theresa Harris of The World Organization for Human Rights USA point to the corporate respoinsibilty of those that help governements in their evidence gathering against those they see as cyberdissidents. Yahoo were instrumental in the prosecution of Wang Xiaoning, by providing the Chinese government with a great deal of information that most would see as private. Skal points to the fact that companies need to ask themselves if they are happy with the regime in the country they are working in and if so, when following the law in that country, be prepared for the consequences. Yu Ling, Wang Xiaoning’s wife has brought a case against Yahoo in the USA.
Yam Sham-Shakleton talks of the change in Hong Kong when it was under Chinese control and the information she was allowed to post on behalf of the company she worked for. She left soon after but points out that she did have to find a job and it is not simply as easy as just disagreeing with a corporation or a government - money does have to be earnt. Government policy reinforces techinical filtering.
Richard Stallmen who started the Free Software Movement points out that it is not only gateways to sites that are at risk but software itself while being made ’safer’ can be set so that no one in the world can open it, i.e. we are controlled by corporations. The implications for this are extensive, consider court cases and jounalists not being able to verify information. Countries that claim to give freedom tend to take it away.
Kevin Anderson points to the irony of the levelling effect of a free flow of information.
Shava Nerad who works with anonymity tool Tor mentions the tension between technology and social issues. Governements do need the internet but want to control it (otherwise they would simply turn it off).
In the questions sections a number of interesting points were raised. The technologcial arms race does actually involve many socal elements as it is governements that can afford the newest filtering technology whereas the ordinary user is unlikely to be able to do so. Is there too much emphasis on China - as only a msall % of users actually oppose the filtering that occurs? A chap who was an ISP owner in Pakistan points out that he was under the same rules as bloggers - and runs the same risks for refusal to follow government dictates.
There were a few other questions but using the link above you can see the whole podcast for yourself!
Many of these issues are fascinating although realistically we are left with the problem of how much intervention is acceptable? If someone breaks the law in another country (which as far as I can tell a lot of cyberdissidents have done, even though these laws are loosly worded and possibly dubious) surely we should work to get that law changed. In the UK you know that stealing a car is against the law - if you decide that you do not agree with then the consequences are inevitable. I am not suggesting that I agree with these cyber laws and their restrictions on free speech - but if everyone simply did whatever they wished (against the laws as they stand) then they would also lose many of the protections that the law affords them. I would repeat that in China only a small proportion of people actually object to the way the internet is filtered - are these the same people who think it is reasonable to commit theft or arson - or are they trying, indirectly to change the regime they live under? Is there a difference when different laws are broken? Is repression of speech the sign that a group (any: governmental, religious, corporate) is worried about how attractive their ideas are?
This Week, London Top 10: 6th June
June 6, 2007
This week’s list: Will this week change your life?
To subscribe to the weekly email “This Week – London” please send an email to info@unearthtravel.com with the subject “Subscribe”.
- BP Summer Big Screens
Don Giovanni 13 June, Tosca 3rd July, Free
The BP Summer Big Screens, began last week with a spectacular rendition of Swan Lake. If you missed it, don’t worry, there are still two more world class performances to come: Don Giovanni and Tosca. Gather up your friends, pack a picnic and some bubbly and enjoy the sensational Opera in the open air throughout London’s parks and communal spaces.
- More Movies: Open-Air Film Screenings
The Scoop, Tower Bridge, Free, 6-29 June
This summer, The Scoop is putting on a series of Open-Air Film Screenings, starting on the 6th of June with the British Classic “The Italian Job”, however, if Michael Cain doesn’t take you fancy maybe one of the other films being shown will: Thelma & Louise, Memento, Singing in the Rain, Romeo and Juliet, Breakfast at Tiffany’s…
- The Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition
11 June – 19 August, Royal Academy, £8
“The Royal Academy’s annual Summer Exhibition is the world’s largest open submission contemporary art exhibition, with a tradition of showcasing work by unknown and emerging artists alongside that of more established names. The Summer Exhibition attracts about 9,000 paintings, sculptures, photographs, drawings, prints and architectural models.”
- Catford Beer Festival
6-9 June, £1.50-£3.50, Catford
There will be over 70 Real Ales, a large range of Imported Beers, Ciders and Perries.
- Chuckle Club - Andy Parsons
9 June, Doors open 19:45, £10 for non-students
This week the long running LSE comedy evening will be graced by the immensely funny (my favourite comedian) Andy Parsons. After the comedy, enjoy the late licence bar running till 3am and dance the night away with free entry to the disco. BEWARE: The disco is full of students - all showing a striking similarity to Russell Brand.
- The Overture – Southbank Centre
Free, 8-10 June
This weekend celebrates the re-opening,after two years of restoration and redevelopment, of the Royal Festival Hall. The entire 21 Acres of the Southbank Centre will come alive with continual performances from Friday evening until Sunday. Prepare for a helter skelter, music, garden sheds, dance as well as “special events” in the Hall itself. Even if you can’t make it to the opening make sure you don’t miss “Jarvis Cocker’s Meltdown” or “Carmen Jones”, book now.
- Peter Harrison Planetarium
Royal Observatory, £6
The Peter Harrison Planetarium is brand spanking new, so: “Let a real astronomer take you on a journey through time and space in London’s only live planetarium. Providing a magnificent introduction to the mysteries and wonders of the universe, this visually captivating show gives an exhilarating virtual tour of outer space.”
- Hampton Court Palace Festival
Hampton Court, June 8-19
The Hampton Court Palace Festival is celebrating its 15th anniversary. This year there are untold delights, ranging from one of the world’s greatest opera singers, José Carreras, to the phenomenal live performer Tom Jones, the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, Jools Holland, Van Morrison, Lesley Garret and more. So, head out to Henry VIII’s palace and enjoy the intimate open-air setting and world class music.
- Jazz Plus
Free, 5 June – 24 July
“The UK’s finest contemporary jazz artists are featured in this open air lunchtime concert season in the very pleasant setting of Victoria Embankment Gardens, Villers Street, WC2 right beside the River Thames and next to Embankment tube station.”
- Springwatch Garden Party BBC
9 June, 1-6pm, Memorial Recreation Ground, West Ham
Birds, Bats, Bees, Trees, Butterflies and Bill Oddie. What more could one ask for?
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If you have ideas for next week, or want to have your say, leave a comment or send me an email (info@unearthtravel.com) Jeremy Boote
This Week, London Top 10: 30th May
May 30, 2007
This week’s list: take a step back and realise what you have been missing.
To subscribe to the weekly email “This Week – London” please send an email to info@unearthtravel.com with the subject “Subscribe”.
- Regents Park Open Air Theatre
Regents Park, £16-40
Open Air Theatre is a wonderful way to enjoy the long British summer evenings. This year Regents Park is putting on a series of performances, so whether you fancy the dark descents of Macbeth’s ambition, Roald Dahl’s quick witted Fantastic Mr Fox, the magical tale of miss-matched lovers in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lady Be Good or The Boy Friend, you are sure not to be disappointed.
- Trooping of the Colour
Buckingham Palace to Horse Guards Parade, 10:45-1:00, Free 17 June (Rehearsal 2/9 June)
Each year in celebration of the Queen’s official birthday you can enjoy London’s most spectacular military tradition The Trooping of the Colour. The pageantry begins at 10:45 from Buckingham Palace and the procession heads towards Horse Guards Parade. Although on the Royal B-Day (17 June) you get a full royal gun salute, a RAF flyby and even a glimpse of the Queen you can avoid the crowds by going to one of the two rehearsals on either the 2nd or 9th of June.
- Antony Gormley
Hayward Gallery, £8, until 19th August
The Hayward presents Blind Light, the first major London showing of the work of British sculptor Antony Gormley. If you have wandered around London recently and noticed man-shaped sculptural casts standing on rooftops and walkways, you have already seen his work. Inside the Hayward there are a number of spectacular works including “suspended figures created in light-infused webs of steel”. The exhibtion shows off his beautifully balanced use of light to form searching portraits of man. It’s definitely worth a look.
- F1 British Grand Prix
Silverstone, 8 July, From £99
This season’s F1 Championship is hotly contended. Rookie Brit, Lewis Hamilton, is leading the pack by a narrow margin. Will Lewis Hamilton fly the flag for Britain and win his debut at the British Grand Prix, anything could happen. Listen to the roar of engine, the wizz of the cars, the pop of Champaign and pray for sunshine.
- Living with the Edwardians: 1901-1910
Museum of Brands, Packaging & Advertising, Notting Hill, Tue-Sun, £5.80, Ends August 31st
The Museum offers a beautifully disordered insight into the Edwardian consumer world. See chocolate boxes, half-penny postcards, whiff whaff (now known as table tennis), OXO, dresses, gramophones and board-games.
- Rafta Rafta…
Lyttelton Theatre (The National Theatre), £10-40, Ends Sep 8th
“The wedding feast is over and his father’s dancing the bhangra, but the groom himself is busy on the net and when it’s time for bed, he’s so woefully inhibited by the proximity of his parents, let alone his brother’s childish pranks, that his beautiful virgin bride remains just that. Six weeks later, the whole family start to panic.”
“A hugely warm-hearted, comic tale of close-knit Indian family life in England by the author of East is East, Ayub Khan-Din. Bollywood actor Harish Patel, making his debut on the London stage, is joined by Meera Syal.”
- Monday Club - Harry Hill
Tattershall Castle, Embankment, Monday 4th June, Doors 7.30pm, Show 8:30-11pm, £10
The 4th of June sees Britain’s comic genius Harry Hill jump aboard the Tatershall Castle. Alongside the long running British staple are Stewart Lee, Greg Davies and MC Andrew Bird. The Tattershall Castle is a great place to grab a drink and watch the world go by as the river flows under you. So head here straight from work to get seats and fully lubricated before the show begins.
- Moving Africa 3
Barbican, June 4-9, £12
The Barbican continues ‘the bite’ contemporary African dance series with two new double bills, Umthombi/mpro-Vise_2 and Plasticization/C’est a Dire. The performances are certain to be beautifully choreographed, dynamic and full of energy and tell the poignant and evocative stories of rural African life.
- Boeing-Boeing
Comedy Theatre, Until October 20, £15-45
“Bernard, a successful architect living in Paris, thinks he can easily cope with his three air-hostess fiancées. It is all a question of timetables and a reliable, long-suffering housekeeper who reluctantly has the role of romantic air-traffic controller. When old school friend Robert arrives, Bernard relishes the chance to show his wide-eyed visitor his first-class operation at work. Unfortunately, schedules change, flights are delayed and a new turbo-charged Boeing aircraft is introduced: chaos ensues in this hysterical whirl of mayhem and matchmaking.”
- Take a trip to the Cinema
Shiver Me Timbers. Jack Sparrow is loose, better catch the blighter.
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If you have ideas for next week, or want to have your say, leave a comment or send me an email (info@unearthtravel.com) Jeremy Boote
