Beach volleyball is back at Canary Wharf this summer, hosted by leading child disability charity AFK, transforming Union Square into a sandy oasis. Featuring a full-sized beach volleyball court and a sitting court, adapted for those with physical impairments, available on select dates. This summer experience brings sport, sunshine and community spirit right into the middle of the city.
Open to all from Thursday 10th July to Sunday 10th August, people can take part in pay-to-play sessions where they can sharpen their skills or try a brand-new sport while supporting a vital cause for young people with disabilities. Courts can be booked for £15pp with a minimum of four players per court.
Those working in and around the neighbourhood can take full advantage of the courts with private hire ‘Beach and Brunch’ and ‘Beach and Late Lunch’ team building sessions in partnership with family run bakery Signorelli. For those looking to break up the workday or simply boost team morale, these sessions offer a fun, energising and tasty way for colleagues to connect outside the office – no volleyball experience required.
This year will also see the return of the Beach Volleyball Championships on Thursday 31st July, where corporate teams from across the Wharf will compete for the prestigious title of Canary Wharf Champions.
Canary Wharf is packed with places to explore and boasts a full programme of summer activities. Until the end of October, Open Water Swimming returns to the crystal clear waters of Eden Dock, the Wharf’s waterside haven. New to the neighbourhood this summer is stand-up paddleboarding and origami kayaking with sessions also hosted in the waters of Eden Dock – giving paddlers the perfect opportunity to admire the floating forests and aquatic habitats in full bloom.
A blockbuster season awaits in Canary Wharf’s Canada Square Park as it has again transformed into a free to attend open air cinema. It’s Summer Screens are showing a huge range of films, hosting a Mario Kart Championship and featuring live broadcasts of the season’s unmissable sporting events until Saturday 27th September.
Culture lovers can look forward to a packed Alfresco Arts schedule of theatre performances, family activities and pop-up lunchtime classical music concerts. Meanwhile the Wharf’s innovative Short Story Stations offer a quick read to relax, with free one, three and five minute long stories.
Visitors can also enjoy free activities across the Wharf like a 9-hole minigolf course by Craig & Karl, colourful ping pong tables, the ‘Raise Your Art Rate’ art trail, and 16.5 acres of open spaces perfect for wandering, relaxing and soaking up the sun.
Those looking to refuel after a busy day of activities have plenty of choice with over 80 cafes, bars and restaurants. These include the Wharf’s latest new restaurant, Barbarella – Big Mamma Group’s 70s-style hotspot, conveniently located right next to Eden Dock. Other nearby spots include British nose-to-tail dining by the team behind Fallow at Roe, plant-based restaurant mallow, and Kricket for dishes inspired by the flavours of India.
Canary Wharf’s Action for Kids Beach Volleyball is now open until Sunday 10th August. For more information and to book a court, visit
https://canarywharf.com/whats-on/afk-beach-volleyball-25/ Photo
