Carnaby Summer Festival
The Carnaby Summer Festival promises a line-up of live music, art and craft workshops in Carnaby throughout August and September. We’re very excited about it!
Here’s some highlights on what you expect.
LIVE MUSIC
Each week free live performances will occur on Ganton Street between 6pm and 8pm, featuring the cream of UK cross cultural talent.
Wednesday 11thAugust – The Black Kat Boppers
Including vocals, double bass, snare drum and semi acoustic guitar, the Black Kat Boppers are one of the world’s great rockabilly combo’s who, having been joined on stage regularly by the Clash’s Paul Simenon and Damon Albarn of Blur, have made waves from London to Paris to New York and Tokyo. This performance celebrates their 10-year anniversary and is a prelude to a tour of the East Coast of the USA.
Thursday 19th August –The Black Kat Bopper
Led by percussion supremo Wilmer Sifonte from Venezuela, Conjunto Sabroso embraces the classic salsa line up of three-piece horn section, congas , timbale, hand percussion, piano, bass and two amazing vocalists who cover classics from legends such as Tito Puente, Celia Cruz and Ray Barreto. A real treat for Carnaby, this will be a session by one of Europe’s finest salsa big bands.
Thursday 26th Sister Suzie and The Right Band
A five-piece band that will take the audience on a musical journey through Blues, Rhythm n Blues and Fifties Rock n’ Roll whilst nodding in the direction of Irma Thomas, Big Mama Thornton and Elmore James. These cats are a force to be reckoned with. Having regularly played the likes of Glastonbury, all across Europe and the US, this is a rare Carnaby performance for the band and is not to be missed.
A Mariachi band will also perform at intervals throughout August, roaming the 14 streets of Carnaby and bringing the upbeat sounds of Mexico to the West End.
ART, CULTURE, THINGS TO DO FOR FREE
A festival pop-up will offer free bookable activities including fresh flower crown making with The Flower Factory on 17th and 24th August. Free craft workshops include piñata making on 22nd August and T-shirt customisation on 25th August with Lizzie King. New men’s makeup brand War Paint will host a ‘Building a Brand Masterclass’ with founder Danny Gray on 12th August. Yoga fans can take advantage of yoga meditation workshops with Jasmin Colangelo on 25th August and 1st September. A wine and painting night will take place on 18th August hosted by Brush and Bubbles. The Lions Barber Collective a group of not-for-profit top-flight barbers, trained in mental health support to help prevent male suicide will run a 2 day pop-up offering men a free haircut from 12-8pm on the 26th and 27th August.
The Carnaby festival pop up is located at 2 Newburgh Street. Places are limited and are booked via a ballot at www.carnaby.co.uk.
Live painting will take place on Carnaby Street throughout the festival with a line-up of London artists including Lizzie King. On 11th and 13th August, Carnaby will be giving away free popcorn and candyfloss for the first 200 people.
OPEN AIR COMEDY
For the first time free open air comedy comes to Carnaby with performances by comedian and podcaster Oenone Forbat and the audacious Grace Campbell from The Disgraceful Club. Running 6pm – 8pm in Ganton Street, just off Carnaby Street, the evening promises to be wild, fun and shame free.
SHOP AND EAT
A diverse line up of activations, promotions, new cocktails and special menus will feature in Carnaby’s shops and restaurants. In Kingly Court Whyte & Brown will run 2-4-1 desserts when purchasing a large plate Monday – Wednesday’s throughout the festival. The Good Egg will offer the promotion of a 20% off dinner exclusive to Carnaby Summer Festival. War Paint will run live consultations with founder Danny Gray and 10% on purchases every Wednesday 4-5pm.
Follow @CarnabyLondon and visit Carnaby.co.uk for full updates, news and information.
