All Points East, London’s premier festival, has joined forces with Tower Hamlets Council to unveil its yearly IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD initiative – a four-day programme of complimentary activities for all ages featuring sports, live performances, theatrical productions, and culinary offerings from Monday, August 24 through Thursday, August 27.
All activities are completely free with no entry requirements, with the venue accessible between the main weekend music event dates. Entry commences at midday on Monday, August 24 and at 10am throughout the remaining days.
This year’s lineup includes live musical performances from Trojan Sound System, DJ Yoda’s 90s Mixtape Live, Cafe 1001 Stage Takeover, Rich Mix, DJ Kizzi from BBC Asian Network, and Grand Union Orchestra.
Complimentary fitness offerings encompass House of Voga, an energetic session combining yoga, vogue, fitness and fashion. Also available are Move Studio London, Be Well leisure services operated by Tower Hamlets Council, OpenMat Pilates, Jess Owen Yoga and additional sessions.
Attendees can join complimentary football sessions organised by West Ham FC Foundation, alongside various other sports activities emphasising physical fitness and mental wellness, such as Limehouse Boxing, Tower Hamlets Hockey and Girls Allowed Sports Day.
Theatrical productions come courtesy of Half Moon Presents, recognised as the country’s foremost small-scale performance venue and touring organisation for young audiences, another notable achievement for the local area. Operating from premises in Whitechapel, the company provides opportunities for young individuals from birth through age 18 (extending to 25 for those with disabilities) to engage with high-quality youth theatre both as participants and spectators.
Those wishing to develop their artistic abilities can participate in The Big Draw. Established in 2000 by the Guild of St George, The Big Draw functions as a visual literacy organisation promoting drawing’s role in supporting mental wellbeing, creativity and cultural participation.
Music-themed pursuits include Orchestra of Objects – encouraging participants to craft their own musical instruments where imagination merges with invention – and School of Noise also feature on the programme.
East London’s Wrap A Hug provides assistance for new and expectant parents on location, while Baby Sensory Hackney delivers sessions filled with bubbles, lights, music and enchanting experiences for young children.
Additional offerings encompass complimentary cinema screenings and theatrical performances and workshops presented by Mukul and The Ghetto Tiger, Tamarind Theatre, Queen of Sheba Somali Poetry and Dance, the Community of Vietnam, and Off The Chest Poetry open mic evenings.
Councillor Minara Khatun, cabinet member for leisure, culture and tourism, commented that the council is thrilled to welcome In the Neighbourhood back to their acclaimed Victoria Park this summer. This complimentary festival presents an excellent chance for residents and visitors to gather, enjoy the weather, and discover the remarkable variety, imagination and community bonds celebrated through the Love Tower Hamlets campaign.
She added that with activities suitable for all, it provides an ideal outing for families, companions and individuals of any age seeking enjoyment. People are encouraged to attend as thousands gather to honour the energy, culture and communal spirit that positions their borough among the most dynamic in the country.
The full weekend festival programme features Jorja Smith and Tems on Friday, August 21, Lorde on Saturday, August 22, Deftones Outbreak Fest on Sunday, August 23, Tyler, The Creator’s two-day headline performances at Victoria Park on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29, and Twenty One Pilots on Sunday, August 30.