Hard on the heels of the opening of its new planetarium, and ten years after it was named a World Heritage Site, Greenwich is tempting people out to SE10 again with Greenwich Alive (the italics are part of the official name, I’m afraid), a “multi-arts” festival running from the 16th to the 30th of June.
(Picture by Orhan*)
The festival is focusing on art, music and architecture; the music is probably the easiest to see, with free performances crowding out the green spaces of Greenwich. There’s a marching jazz band making its way along the riverfront; free music at the Greenwich market on the evening of the 21st, and a special sub-festival from the 26th to the 28th focusing on harp music. Even if there isn’t a festival-related event going on, it’s difficult to wander around Greenwich without hearing something, particularly in Summer - the Trinity College of Music is located in the parks around the Old Royal Naval College, and there are always a few students practicing with open windows.
Other hightlights include a panel discussion of 21st century architecture in Greenwich (a chance to see inside the new planetarium for free), and a series of tours and walks around some of Greenwich’s most interesting features. On the 20th, it’s Peninsula Square, near the O2 (previously known as the Millennium Dome); on the 24th, it’s a wander along the narrow Greenwich riverside, stopping off at locations of particular interest and finishing at the Cutty Sark Pub.
One event that’s a bit out of the ordinary but sounds strangely interesting is a talk by Professor Ed Galea on human behaviour in fires, and how this should affectd building design. Only a few weeks after the fire on Greenwich’s own Cutty Sark, it’s apt timing, including a demonstration of Professor Galea’s award-winning fire simulation computer programs.
Greenwich Alive: All around Greenwich, 16-30 June. Various prices.
