This month, we’re launching a new #Hashtag for our Love Bethnal Green To Do lists, to ensure that as many people as possible get wind of the brilliant breadth of activity going on in and around the area. #E2ToDo will be your monthly dose of what’s happening here in Bethnal Green, plus it gives everyone the chance to share their own activity with us so that we can help promote it. Simply tag @LoveBthnlGreen on Twitter or Instagram (no vowels in Bthnl!) and use the #E2ToDo, & we’ll help get the word out.
Now – to July …… & it’s a busy one
Boishakhi Mela – Weavers Fields
Sunday 1st July – 12 noon – 19:00
Celebrating Boishakhi Mela – the Bangla New Year – in the UK, dates back to when Bengali students came to study here in mid to late Twentieth Cent
ury. When Bangladesh achieved independence in 1971, these celebrations really took off in Trafalgar Square, and as the Bangladeshi community grew in east London, so did the New Year celebrations, with the largest Boishakhi Mela taking place at Brick Lane in May 1998.
This year, for the third year running, the mela returns to Weavers Fields in the heart of Banglatown. Since 2016 the mela has been organised by the council with input from a wide ranging Mela Community Engagement Group and this year yet again, we see a great blend of music, art, food, craft and family friendly activity, celebrating the very best in Bengali culture.
Weavers Fields, 22 Derbyshire St, London E2 6HJ
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TAI CHI LESSONS – St. Margaret’s House
Wednesday mornings 07:30 – 08:30am from Wednesday 4th July
You are invited to practise the martial art of Tai Chi on Wednesday mornings throughout the summer in Bethnal Green.
Start your day moving through an energising and calming session with expert James Mills. James started learning Tai Chi with Master John Ding in 2005. He is interested in bringing Tai Chi to the local community for improved health and wellbeing. He believes that Tai Chi is very systematic and holistic in its approach, allowing each student to grow in their own unique way.
This practice will take place in the garden of St. Margaret’s House, or in the Mulberry Rooms in the case of bad weather. It’s suitable for all levels, & please wear loose comfortable clothing.
Drop-in price is £5, or 6 sessions for £25 through Eventbrite.
St. Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Rd, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PL
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What the River Brings – St. John on Bethnal Green
Saturday 14th July – 19:30 – 22:00
Join The Grand Union Orchestra for a spectacular new show with performers from across east London.
What the River Brings celebrates the waves of migration that have shaped east London over the centuries, and continue to do so today. 70 years on from the arrival of the Empire Windrush, we’ll be celebrating migrants past and present, & their music that’s done so much to shape our culture.
With music composed and arranged by Tony Haynes, this show will be performed by people from those communities that have settled here.
What the River Brings tells of their experience and the stories of the East End, through music and song that conjure up both the hope and the hardships felt.
St. John on Bethnal Green, The Crypt St Johns Church, 200 Cambridge Heath Rd, London E2 9PA
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The Providence Row Art Show – Rich Mix
Thursday 19th July – Monday 23rd July
East London homelessness charity, Providence Row, shares an exhibition of beautiful and innovative work by members of their learning and wellbeing groups at E2 institution Rich Mix.
Providence Row is a homelessness charity just down the other end of Brick Lane. It provides a range of services for those affected by homelessness, including a vibrant and creative learning and wellbeing programme which offers a range of groups in art, music, writing, discussion and much more. This exhibition shares with you some of the brilliant work made in these groups.
This is art from the heart of E1, & we can get behind this activity despite the postcode, because we’re so behind the cause.
Rich Mix, 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA
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Love Carnival – Redon
Friday 27th July – 22:00 – 04:00
Love Carnival is a regular party providing your recommended dose of tropical uplift, bringing in top international and homebrewed guests from the world of tropical bass music. DJs on the night will be running through the spectrum of fresh tropical riddims from Cumbia to Afrobeats, Dancehall, Moombahton and much more.
This dance takes place at excellent Bethnal Green based venue, Redon, on Cambridge Heath Road. It’s well worth a look, with an exemplary soundsystem and a welcoming team, plus it’s only a short walk from Bethnal Green Underground.
We’re giving away 2 sets of tickets to Love Carnival. Just get in touch here & tell us why you should win. We’ll announce the winner on Wednesday 25th July.
Redon, Arch 289, Cambridge Heath Road, London, E2 9HA
