The Kensington and Chelsea Festival, held from 1st July to 31st August 2023, showcases an array of live art performance, featuring both established and emerging talent. The festival spans various disciplines such as theatre, circus, dance, music, outdoor arts, family shows, talks, walks, and public art installations. It aims to celebrate culture and creativity, providing an engaging experience for attendees.
There’s still plenty left to see and do as the festival draws towards its closing week… Scroll on for more!
606 CLUB OUTDOOR POP UPS – 10th August to 31st August | All day
Enjoy free evening performances of live music along the King’s Road in a special series curated by Chelsea’s much-loved jazz venue, the 606 Club, this August. Sponsored by Cadogan and the King’s Road Partnership as part of the 2023 Kensington and Chelsea Festival, world-renowned musicians are set to bring some pizzazz to the neighbourhood with pop-up performances every Thursday. Free. CLICK HERE!
MAKESHIFTS & REALITIES – 8th August to 2nd September 7.30pm (+ 3pm on Fridays and Sundays)
Aardvark Theatre presents a triple bill of Makeshifts and Realities by Gertrude Robins, and Honour Thy Father by H. M. Harwood. In Makeshifts – a moving and unexpectedly humorous look at the sexual double-standards and the pressures imposed on women in the early twentieth century – two unmarried sisters face uncertain futures unless they can find husbands. In Realities, we catch up with Caroline two years later as she reviews the choices she has made. And in Honour Thy Father an upper-class English family, ruined by the father’s gambling habit, have fled to Bruges in 1912 where they live in exile in straitened circumstances, anxiously awaiting a visit from their eldest daughter, woman whose career provides them with their only income. £23 (£20 concessions). CLICK HERE!
CONFLUENCE (Live music) – 25th August 7.30pm
Expect the unexpected in this unique meeting of mind and soul, bringing together a confluence of artists and blending musical genres, experiences and artistry to explore cultural interconnectedness. In this family friendly show, tabla player Sanju Sahai will be joined by harp guitarist Jason Carter, award-winning pianist Rosabella Gregory and Kathak dance artist Jaymini Sahai, presenting Kathak Dance in a new light. Pay what you want. CLICK HERE!
ALLEYNE DANCE, BONDED – 26th August, afternoon
Bonded is an outdoor production that explores the construct of human dependency – especially that of siblings – and how time and external conditions can affect the synergetic connection. Performed by twin sisters, Kristina and Sadé, the work takes the audience through a transitional journey of inter-and-independency through abstract dance narrative. Outside The Chelsea Theatre. Free. CLICK HERE!
JUSTICE IN MOTION – CODE – 26th August, afternoon
CODE is a spectacular blend of physical theatre, parkour and trial bike stunts with live rap music that shines a light on issues of exploitation, county lines and knife crime. A very poignant topic, in particular for younger audiences, but relevant and engaging for all ages. Also features a skate park – bring along your skateboard to take part. World’s End Place. Free. CLICK HERE!
KICKMOUSE MYSTERIUM (Physical theatre) – 26th August 2pm
Set in a homemade world of cardboard, contraptions, illusions and mystifying objects, this comedy fable follows Jon (the chaotic student of Frank the Dog) as he breaks a precious artefact and has to redeem himself through a series of challenges and games. A funny, stylish, challenging, yet accessible, physical comedy show Suitable for age 3+. the show explores the process of mastering one’s body, acquiring physical coordination and confidence through practice and repetition. Pay what you want. CLICK HERE!
THE TREE RINGS (Physical theatre) – 29th August 7.30pm
Trees hold stories, in more ways than one. They hold memories and myths. The rings within a tree’s trunk are archives of changes and events in our environment. What if they could tell you those stories? What if a tree could ring you? Using physicality, shadow puppetry, music and quirky humour, The Tree Rings explores a boy’s relationship with a tree over several decades, combining a childlike delight for magic and myths, stories from trees around the world, and a concern for our natural environment. Suitable for age 8+. Pay what you want. CLICK HERE!
THE MARINER’S SONG (Theatre) – 30th August 7.30pm
This award-winning ‘round the campfire’ verse storytelling experience from London-based writer-performer Rajan Sharma, takes audiences aged 12+ on a lyrical voyage, navigating ancient myth, family history and life at sea. Contemplating humanity’s primal connection to oceans, rivers and seas – and our connection and responsibility to one another – Sharma’s narrative odyssey is directly inspired by his unique first-hand experience crewing on a Deep-Sea Challenge, interweaving his grandfather’s timeless wisdom and familiar characters from Greek mythology. Pay what you want. CLICK HERE!
KENSINGTON + CHELSEA ART WEEK ART TRAIL 6TH EDITION to 31st August all day
Throughout the festival, visitors are invited to explore Kensington + Chelsea Art Week (KCAW)’s Public Art Trail, delivered in partnership with Kensington and Chelsea Festival with assistance from Kensington and Chelsea Council. Located across nine zones, the Art Trail will take up residence at some of West London’s most beautiful and iconic sites, including Duke of York Square, Sloane Street, Royal Avenue on the King’s Road, Earl’s Court, North Kensington, Holland Park, High Street Kensington, and Knightsbridge. The final line-up for 2023 was chosen by an esteemed select committee following an Open Call, and includes Ai Weiwei, Misha Milovanovich, Baker & Borowski, Josephine Chime, Satur Chong, Lucy Oates, Malgorzata Lisiecka, Norma D Hunter and Peter Morris. Free. CLICK HERE!
Kensington and Chelsea Festival was established in 2021 with a firm goal of ensuring the myriad events offer everyone in the borough and beyond a chance to experience the widest variety of culture on their doorsteps. The festival is run and funded by Kensington and Chelsea Council.
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