Bloomsbury Festival 2024 opens on Friday 18th October lighting up the area with a vibrant programme of theatre and music performances, art and science exhibitions as well as talks and local walks. This annual ten-day celebration of culture, community and discovery has been curated with the theme ‘Human/Kind’ which will explore celebrations of humanity and threats such as AI and global strife, human existence.
The festival will kick off on Friday 18th October with Bloomsbury Festival’s Big Night Out, a showcase of talent from across the festival programme. The area’s iconic Conway Hall will be taken with performances from Indian classical dance kathak, Mediterranean polyphonic singing, South American music and dance as well as an AI music jam and spoken word performers and more, with pop-up food and bar
The highlights from this year’s eclectic mix of theatre, music, art, science and literature events include:
Music:
In partnership with the Korean Cultural Centre as part of the K-Music Festival, Suite for Jeju (23 October). A master of the traditional Korean Piri, SEAYOOL’s contemporary classical work beautifully expresses the poignant narrative and scenery of of Jeju Island. SEAYOOL will be joined in this special performance by the Ligeti Quartet to mark this UK premiere, who have played at landmark venues around the world including Carnegie Hall.
Piano Recital with Film: Fabio D’Andrea’s 24 Visual Concert (19 October) an electrifying live performance of his most recent piano compositions, paired with screenings of his latest music videos from the stunning ’24’ series and featuring special guest dance and instrumental performances that will accompany his live music.
Theatre:
Goodgirl (20 October) by Parbati Chaudhury who has been supported by Bloomsbury Festival to create a performance which explores the impact of cultural expectations, conditioning, and prejudice on the lives of South Asian women and girls.
Created by Barra Fitzgibbon, the first survivor of 60 ICU coronavirus patients in one London hospital over 12 days in March 2020, The Patient Soldier (24 October) is a tale of survival and a love letter to the NHS, uncovering the true story of one man’s will to live. Presented in a hallucinogenic style, a true story of Barra’s fight in the face of near death and how he communicated with family, friends, and even the Grim Reaper through his mind.
Talks and Exhibitions:
Hosted by Bloomsbury Publishing in collaboration with Penguin Random House, Methuen Drama and Nick Hern Books, Lit In Colour: A Spotlight on Drama & Education (23 October) a free event celebrating and showcasing with performance extracts, the publication of a newly curated list of recommended works by playwrights from Black, Asian, Jewish and other Minority Ethnic groups, an initiative aiming to tackle the range of play texts studied in schools to include a diverse range of identities, narratives and experiences.
Action Aid’s Women by Women is an outdoor exhibition at Brunswick Square Gardens which champions the inspirational stories of women and girls and the remarkable talent of women photographers worldwide.
For kids/families:
Bloomsbury Festival’s opening day outdoor event, Cromer Street & Bramber Green Family Day (19 October) includes performance, activities, and street food. With busking, music and performances hosted by Camden New Journal, crafts and children’s activities as well as a public open singing workshop at Holy Cross Church, the event will kick off the family programme with something for everyone.
After the popular success of previous years of Discovery Hub, Holborn Library once again hosts workshops, talks and activities for families and children at this year’s Discovery Day (26 October). A Deep Dive into the theme Human.Kind, a family science and creative day with craft, workshops and storytelling. Build your Lego Dream City, design your own cleaner streets, hone your origami skills and learn about neurodivergence and kindness.
Art installation
Displayed from October – 8 October to 10 November in Russell Square, Echo, a newly commissioned public sculpture by artist Joe Duggan, will stand 4 metres tall in Russell Square Gardens, resembling hastily erected metal scaffolding with a concrete boulder precariously balanced on top, seemingly defying gravity’s force. Inspired by the rich heritage of Russell Square Gardens, the British Museum’s collection, and Camden’s Irish community, Echo weaves cultural narratives into its form with reclaimed materials representing the artist’s commitment to sustainability and challenging traditional sculpture norms.
Festival Director Rosemary Richards said “It’s a great festival for bringing people and communities together. We are really proud to present the work of new theatre makers and musicians embarking on their professional careers as well as showcasing the academic and local creative talents of the people of Bloomsbury. It’s a celebration of talent with artists and musicians joining us this year from around the world. Come and join us over the 10 days of the festival!.”
