Four month cultural season ‘Camden Together’ set for launch
A four month celebration of Camden’s culture and diversity is set to begin on Saturday (24 July) – and Camden residents are encouraged to get involved in its varied programme of music, dance and arts this summer.
‘Camden Together’ is a season of events taking place from July to October 2021 and aims to celebrate Camden’s rich and vibrant cultural landscape through music, dance and public art. The programme will give all residents the chance to experience culture in Camden’s world-renowned venues as well as its high streets and treasured green spaces. There will be lots of opportunities for families to get involved.
The Eyukamba Foundation will provide the perfect curtain raiser on Saturday 24 July through a Gospel music and dance show. Held in Russell Square Garden, the event will include workshops and soulful showcase of the Eyukamba Foundation’s work.
Residents can expect a packed programme of events at iconic venues including the Roundhouse, and a wide variety of performances including Irish music, folk dancing and ceilidhs, live jazz, spoken word poetry, events and workshops showcasing Black culture and creativity, fashion shows, puppet performances and Mexican Day of the Dead celebrations. The vast majority of events will be free, held outside and will not require an advance ticket. The dates and locations for these events are still being finalised – a full detailed programme will be published in the coming weeks.
Another highlight of the season comes on Sunday 5 September 2021, when Camden’s Jewish Community Centre JW3 will hold a Camden Yiddish Parade. To mark the arrival of Yiddish speaking immigrants, which largely took place in Victorian Britain, participants will be encouraged to wear Victorian dress and a dressmaker’s services will be enlisted to fashion accessories from materials gathered in the lead up to the event. There will be a free workshop about Yiddish history and culture, teaching songs and chants that can be sung during the march, which will include Klezmer music and dancing.
The season is the brainchild of the borough’s cultural partnership Cultural Camden, who have been working tirelessly along with the borough’s creative industries and voluntary organisations to put together a programme amid the difficult backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Councillor Jonathan Simpson, Chair of Cultural Camden, said: “This programme builds on our belief that culture should be available for all – it should be there to be enjoyed by everyone and showcase the many diverse elements that make up our mixed communities. There will be a particular emphasis on celebrating Black culture and creative workshops that engage young people on low-incomes.
“While there will be some great performances to enjoy, this is a really interactive programme – families and children can come down and take part in the creative process, learn new skills and have a lot of fun.”
Our normally thriving creative industries have been hit really hard by the pandemic – but Camden Together provides the launchpad for everyone to get out and experience these again, and for our residents to get involved and realise their creative potential. The programme is diverse and inclusive, it represents all that is great about our mixed communities.
“Many of the events will be held outside, in our parks in our square and streets corners – making them both accessible to all residents but also in safe, well ventilated spaces which is important while Covid-19 cases remain high. All events will be following clear safety protocols, so I’d urge residents to get out and experience this and safely join in the celebrations.
More information about Camden Together will shortly be published on Camden Together | Love Camden.
Covid-19 safety: The safety of residents is our priority. Cultural Camden and event organisers will keep a careful watch on national government guidance, local guidance from Camden Council, TFL and other agencies as well as guidance from our partner organisations. The programme timeline could change if Covid-19 regulations and guidance are amended.
ENDS