Travel
The street itself is one of the more notable in London, having previously been the site for the notorious Newgate Prison, as well as theatres and the parish of Cripplegate. Bombed during the Second World War, Whitecross St was rebuilt around the Barbican Centre, but is still defined by its collection of eclectic shops, a park, and a weekday Continental food market.
- 5 Things To Do At Las Fallas Festival In Valencia
With over 3 million people attending every year, Las Fallas Festival from Valencia is considered to be the biggest street party in Europe. Las Fallas is celebrated from the 1st to the 19th of March, though to be honest, the most important and more fun...
- The Ascot Festival Of Food And Wine
When most people think of Ascot, they think of the glamour and excitement of horse racing. There's no denying this is a huge draw: every year hundreds of thousands of racing fans make their way to Ascot's race days. For many, though, racing isn't...
- Visiting Edinburgh For Hogmanay
Edinburgh bagpiper If there’s one thing Scotland’s capital knows how to do well, it’s throw a party. Hogmanay - the Scottish celebration of the New Year - is the ideal time to visit Edinburgh and get a real taste of Scotland, or of its whisky...
- London Declared European Capital Of Shopping
Covent Garden, London Like London wasn't getting enough attention already with the up coming Golden Jubilee of the Queen and the Olympic Games, now it's been also named Europe's top shopping destination. London beat off stiff competitors like Madrid, Barcelona, Paris...
- Best European Festivals In August
La Tomatina, Buñol Photo by agsaran via Flickr European festivals can be buried in tradition or quite young (Sziget Festival was first held in 1993). However they are lots of fun and a great way to find out more about the locals...
Travel
Whitecross Street Party, London
Running from Saturday 21st July to Sunday 22nd July from 12-6pm, the Whitecross Street Party will be enjoying its third year as a local festival in the heart of London. Whitecross Street is located on the edge of the City of London and to the South of Islington, and has the Barbican Centre and flats at its South End.
The street itself is one of the more notable in London, having previously been the site for the notorious Newgate Prison, as well as theatres and the parish of Cripplegate. Bombed during the Second World War, Whitecross St was rebuilt around the Barbican Centre, but is still defined by its collection of eclectic shops, a park, and a weekday Continental food market.
The Concept
The Whitecross Street Party is an event organised between local councils and curators. The concept is to bring together multiple urban artists, performers, workshops and food and drink for a two day community event. The event is dubbed 'Rise of the Non Conformists,' and extends beyond street stalls and local parks to include unique graffiti artwork on buildings and hoardings. Entry is free, with food and drink stalls running up and down the street, which also has pubs, coffee shops and fast food.
This Year's Events
This year’s festival is loosely themed around the London 2012 Olympic Games, and will kick off a six week exhibition of street art around the area. Artists like Giles Walker, Carrie Reichardt and Wreckage International will be performing and providing new works, while families can get involved in crafts, kite flying, gardening, and street football. Other events include bike expos, experimental theatre and live stand up.
Attendees can also get involved via photography competitions that display the best shots of the weekend on the festival’s website. The Whitecross Street Party is also worth supporting for its efforts to showcase the work of local homeless charities and youth centres. Among these are St Luke’s Community Centre in nearby Islington, and the homeless charity SHP.
- 5 Things To Do At Las Fallas Festival In Valencia
With over 3 million people attending every year, Las Fallas Festival from Valencia is considered to be the biggest street party in Europe. Las Fallas is celebrated from the 1st to the 19th of March, though to be honest, the most important and more fun...
- The Ascot Festival Of Food And Wine
When most people think of Ascot, they think of the glamour and excitement of horse racing. There's no denying this is a huge draw: every year hundreds of thousands of racing fans make their way to Ascot's race days. For many, though, racing isn't...
- Visiting Edinburgh For Hogmanay
Edinburgh bagpiper If there’s one thing Scotland’s capital knows how to do well, it’s throw a party. Hogmanay - the Scottish celebration of the New Year - is the ideal time to visit Edinburgh and get a real taste of Scotland, or of its whisky...
- London Declared European Capital Of Shopping
Covent Garden, London Like London wasn't getting enough attention already with the up coming Golden Jubilee of the Queen and the Olympic Games, now it's been also named Europe's top shopping destination. London beat off stiff competitors like Madrid, Barcelona, Paris...
- Best European Festivals In August
La Tomatina, Buñol Photo by agsaran via Flickr European festivals can be buried in tradition or quite young (Sziget Festival was first held in 1993). However they are lots of fun and a great way to find out more about the locals...