World Premiere of Es Devlin and Nico Muhly’s choral installation 360 Vessels

New art installations by AI pioneers Refik Anadol and Anna Ridler

500-seat Sohmen Concert Hall to be inaugurated by the Scottish Ensemble

250-seat theatre opens with performance by ZooNation

2026 programme includes Cynthia Erivo, Nitin Sawhney, Lil Buck, Edmund de Waal, Sigur Rós, Aurora Orchestra, Headlong Theatre, Brian Eno & Kae Tempest

Installation View of Refik Anadol, Archive Dreaming: Large Nature Model — Oxford, Schwarzman Centre, University of Oxford.

The cultural programme, directed by John Fulljames, places experimentation and co-creation at its heart. The free, day-long Open House festival on Saturday 25 April includes the launch of the new 500-seat Sohmen Concert Hall, with performances by the Scottish Ensemble. Audiences can see the world premiere of 360 Vessels by artist Es Devlin and composer Nico Muhly with chamber choir Schola Cantorum, to be performed beneath the glass dome of the Great Hall. Artists and AI pioneers Refik Anadol and Anna Ridler each present new digital works that have been created using AI and an excerpt of The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party by ZooNation will be staged in the new 250-seat theatre.

The festival will also include pop up performances throughout the day in the Great Hall with Professor Jieun Kiaer exploring the cultural world behind the story of KPop Demon Hunters, award-winning poet Yomi Ṣode will curate a series of live spoken word performances, and Head over Wheels, Justice in Motion, Body Politic YOUTH and The Cocoa Butter Club will perform special extracts, while Richard Curtis’s bespoke sketch for the Schwarzman Centre What have the humanities ever done for us? will be performed by the actor Tim McInnerny.

The Schwarzman Centre’s inaugural programme for 2026 spans visual arts, theatre, dance, music, literature and talks, with a range of free and ticketed events. Audiences will have the opportunity to see a host of internationally renowned artists and performers including Cynthia Erivo, Nitin Sawhney, Lil Buck, Edmund de Waal, Brian Eno and Kae Tempest.

Central to the programme are the Schwarzman Centre Cultural Fellows, a group of outstanding artists from around the world who are collaborating with Oxford’s leading academics to create pioneering new work. The initial cohort of Schwarzman Centre Cultural Fellows are: Refik Anadol; Lil Buck; Anna Clyne; Bryce Dessner; Rhiannon Giddens; Sarah Jones; Taylor Mac; Sir Wayne McGregor; Suzan-Lori Parks; Anoushka Shankar; Dan Smith; Kae Tempest; Nitin Sawhney; and Bloomberg-Oxford Fellows Es Devlin, Hans Ulrich Obrist and Marshmallow Laser Feast.

The Schwarzman Centre’s 2026 programme presents two major focus themed seasons: Unfinished Revolutions (May to June) explores the legacy of the 1776 US Declaration of Independence, featuring Cécile McLorin Salvant, Taylor Mac, Anna Clyne and American street dance superstar Lil Buck. Utopia Now! (October – November) invites audiences to be inspired by Utopian thinking and imagines bold futures with highlights including a new commission by Nitin Sawhney and a History of Utopia, led by Brian Eno and Kim Stanley Robinson.

Other keynote performances throughout the year include a talk with Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo; an evening with Kae Tempest; ROBOTA, a new staging of Karel Capek’s R.U.R. by Headlong Theatre; a day-long exploration of the psalms curated by Edmund de Waal, in collaboration with Oxford scholars, the Aurora Orchestra and the Colin Currie Group. Sigur Rós will collaborate with spatial sound specialists Loss><Gain to create and present a new immersive 360-degree spatial audio experience. Local collaborations include the Leys Festival, as well as dance company Body Politic, Oxford International Song Festival and early music specialists Instruments of Time and Truth. Oxford alumna Samira Ahmed, journalist and broadcaster, will chair a series of conversations exploring topics including AI and creativity, music, democracy and representation on stage and screen.
Alexandra Vincent MBE, Managing Director of Schwarzman Centre, University of Oxford, said: “We are thrilled to welcome audiences into the Schwarzman Centre to experience the building alongside students and academics of the University. Our incredible performance spaces will create a stage like no other to present our rich and varied cultural programme, drawing inspiration from the work of our world-leading academics, and welcoming audiences of all ages and backgrounds to the Centre throughout the year.”

John Fulljames, Director of the Cultural Programme, Schwarzman Centre, University of Oxford, said: “I’m delighted to see audiences engaging with such a breadth of work by internationally renowned artists. At the Schwarzman Centre, we bring together researchers, artists, and public communities to spark new collaborations that open up and deepen the University’s research, and help us explore what it means to be human today.”
Lord Hague of Richmond, Chancellor, University of Oxford, said: “This extraordinary investment by Stephen A. Schwarzman represents an enormous vote of confidence in the humanities. The launch of the Schwarzman Centre comes at a time when the perspectives of humanities experts have never been more important in confronting the big challenges facing the world, including AI, human rights and the environment. The benefits of bringing together outstanding students and researchers from so many disciplines in a state-of-the-art building will be felt for generations to come.”

Stephen A. Schwarzman, Patron, The Schwarzman Centre; and Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder, Blackstone, said: “I’m deeply proud to see students and faculty from across disciplines bring this incredible Centre to life. Its impact will further grow with the launch of the cultural programme next year, creating more opportunities for the public to engage with Oxford. When announcing this gift in 2019, I shared my belief that the study of the Humanities and Ethics were critical to addressing some of the most fundamental questions society faced, including the impacts of AI. The pace of change since then has only made those questions more urgent and reinforced the importance of Oxford’s global leadership in navigating today’s dynamic world.”

The Schwarzman Centre is not only an exemplary new architectural landmark for Oxford, but also an outstanding example of the highest standards of environmental sustainability as the largest Passivhaus certified university building in Europe.

The public performance spaces include: the 500-seat Sohmen Concert Hall, the world’s first Passivhaus concert hall complete with state-of-the-art flexible acoustics; a 250-seat theatre; a black box immersive performance space and a white box exhibition gallery; a dance studio; cinema; the Great Hall, a museum for the display of the renowned Bate Collection of historic musical instruments; a café and bar, all set in landscaped gardens.

The state-of-the-art spaces co-locates seven of Oxford University’s internationally recognised Humanities faculties for the first time: Music, English Language and Literature, History, Linguistics, Philology and Phonetics, Medieval and Modern Languages, Philosophy, and Theology and Religion. The Centre will also house the Institute for Ethics in AI, created in 2019 as part of the announcement of the Centre, the Oxford Internet Institute and the new Bodleian Humanities Library.

The Schwarzman Centre’s new collaboration with Bloomberg Connects, which supports the sharing of new and historical perspectives from the cultural programme’s renowned artists, writers, and thinkers, enables visitors to access exclusive content via the Connects app to add to their experience.

www.schwarzmancentre.ox.ac.uk


LISTINGS INFORMATION: OPEN HOUSE LAUNCH
SATURDAY 25 APRIL 2026

Open House Launch: 25 April 2026

This free-entry celebration brings the Schwarzman Centre to life with pop-up performances and events, from chamber choir Schola Cantorum with Nico Muhly and Es Devlin, poetry and spoken word from Alice Oswald and Yomi Ṣode,and more, taking place across the building.

Scottish Ensemble: Rising Sound with The Choir of Keble College, Oxford
25 April 2026: 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm
Sohmen Concert Hall
Free, ticket required
The Scottish Ensemble perform music for strings from memory, including an excerpt from Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Serenade for Strings. The Choir of Keble College join Scottish Ensemble for Caroline Shaw’s And the swallow which explores antiphonal textures and imitative effects. From moments of despair to euphoria, this music embraces the full spectrum of human emotions.

ZooNation: The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
25 April 2026: 11.30am, 1.15pm, 4pm, 5.45pm
Theatre
Free, ticket required
Step into the enchanting world of ZooNation’s The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, a high-energy, 20-minute adaptation of the acclaimed production. Highlights of its original, hip-hop inspired numbers include “Wonderland”, “M.A.D”, “Hatter’s House” and “Funk It Up”. This vibrant remix of Alice in Wonderland reimagines Lewis Carroll’s classic with the Queen of Hearts battling anger issues, Alice navigating her ever-changing size, and the Mad Hatter lost in an endless tea-time frenzy. Created by ZooNation’s Founder and Artistic Director, Kate Prince, this family-friendly showcase celebrates individuality through electrifying choreography and original music by Josh Cohen and DJ Walde.

Great Hall Stage
25 April: 12pm
Great Hall
Schwarzman Centre
Featuring pop up performances throughout the day, the Great Hall Stage is at the heart of Open House. Professor Jieun Kiaer will explore the cultural world behind the story of KPop Demon Hunters, while award-winning poet Yomi Ṣode curates a series of live spoken word performances. Throughout the day, Head over Wheels, Justice in Motion, Body Politic YOUTH and The Cocoa Butter Club will perform special extracts, marking a display of culture, creativity and shared experience.

Is there such a thing as ethical AI?
25 April 2026: 4pm
Cinema
Schwarzman Centre
The Institute for Ethics in AI brings together leading voices to explore what ethical AI mean in practice, inviting visitors to engage with one of the most pressing questions shaping technology and society. The panel includes Kenneth Cukier (Deputy Executive Editor, The Economist), Ray Eitel-Porter (Senior Research Associate for Responsible AI, Intellectual Forum, University of Cambridge), Edward Harcourt (Director (Interim), Institute for Ethics in AI, University of Oxford), Philipp Koralus (McCord Professor of Philosophy and AI, Institute for Ethics in AI, University of Oxford), Amanda Stent (Head of AI Strategy and Research, Bloomberg).

Scottish Ensemble: Impulse, Music in Motion
25 April 2026: 5pm
Sohmen Concert Hall
Free, ticket required
The Scottish Ensemble perform music for strings from memory, Tchaikovsky’s much-loved Serenade for Strings and Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony, in a unique, personal, and deeply human performance. Playing from memory, the musicians are unleashed through choreographed movements, devised in collaboration with choreographer Örjan Andersson. The emotional power of the music and the expressive gestures of the musicians will create an exhilarating experience that will make you see and hear these two iconic works afresh.

Es Devlin in Conversation
25 April 2026: 7.15pm
Sohmen Concert Hall
Free, ticket required
As part of 360 Vessels – A Choral Installation, artist Es Devlin convened a day-long studio encounter with leaders across technology, academia, media, culture and policy. In this conversation Es Devlin reflects on the ideas and provocations that emerged from working hands-on with earth and clay, exploring the ethical and creative questions of what remains uniquely human in the act of creation amidst the rise of artificial intelligence.

Es Devlin and Nico Muhly with Schola Cantorum: 360 Vessels – A Choral Installation
25 April 2026: 8.30pm
Great Hall
Free, Ticket Required
Artist Es Devlin, who is a Bloomberg-Oxford Fellow, and composer Nico Muhly join forces for 360 Vessels, a new choral installation created for the Schwarzman Centre’s launch day. Beneath the Great Hall’s glass dome, 360 hand-made clay vessels will form a circular landscape amidst the audience as Schola Cantorum, the Oxford University Chamber Choir, conducted by Stephen Grahl, perform a specially commissioned choral work by American composer Nico Muhly. The texts within Muhly’s choral work are drawn from the Dominican roots on which the study of humanities at Oxford University is founded, as well as the words of Thomas Traherne, 17th century theologian and poet who graduated from Brasenose College in April 1652. The vessels were shaped in a series of workshops developed by Es Devlin in collaboration with the Institute for Ethics in AI as part of her Bloomberg-Oxford Fellowship.

Anna Ridler: A Perfect Language of Images
25 April – 25 May 2026
Open daily
Great Hall
For nearly a decade, Anna Ridler has explored the creative and societal possibilities of artificial intelligence, building her own datasets to ask questions about how knowledge is made and shared. For her latest commission, Ridler draws on cutting-edge scientific research happening at Oxford to create a new screen-based work for the Great Hall, continuing her exploration of natural history, science, and society. An Oxford University alumna, her work has been shown at major institutions worldwide, from the V&A to the Centre Pompidou, and she has been recognised by Ars Electronica and by Artnet as one of nine “pioneering artists” exploring AI’s creative potential.

Refik Anadol: Archive Dreaming: Large Nature Model — Oxford
25 April – 6 June 2026
Open daily
White Box
Archive Dreaming: Large Nature Model — Oxford is an immersive fusion of data and machine intelligence. This installation transforms a vast digital archive into a dynamic, dream-like experience, using AI algorithms to reimagine millions of documents in real time. As viewers enter the space, they are surrounded by a flow of visuals, constantly shifting patterns, text, and images that evoke the sensation of walking through a living, thinking mind. The work uses Refik Anadol Studio’s Large Nature Model, the first generative AI model dedicated entirely to nature, and reflects on how archives are no longer static repositories, but living entities that can be explored and visualised through technology. Anadol’s use of machine learning turns raw data into a poetic experience, challenging the boundaries between human memory and artificial intelligence. Refik Anadol is a Schwarzman Centre Cultural Fellow.

Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities
University of Oxford
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Oxford OX2 6AH
schwarzmancentre.ox.ac.uk

Cllr Erbil said: "We’re delighted that Edmonton Green has been chosen as one of the locations for the High Streets Place Labs project, and we thank the Mayor of London for this important funding.

"This money will help us move forward with our long-term plans for Edmonton Green. It builds on past successes, like the award-winning Pavilion on The Green and improvements along Fore Street and Hertford Road. Our goal is to create a beautiful, friendly and sustainable town centre that works better for people who live and work here - both now and in the future."

To read more about the High Stret Place Labs programme, visit the Mayor of London's website.

 
Visit https://www.london.gov.uk/mayor-london-invests-ps600000-boost-12-high-streets-across-capital for the High Street Place Labs press release from the Mayor of London

The evening's musical programme commenced with a traditional meşk performance — a method of oral transmission in Ottoman-Turkish classical music — featuring sacred hymns (ilahis) in Hüseynî, Uşşâk, and Beyâtî makams. This was followed by a rare full-length rendition of Acembûselik Mevlevî Âyin-i Şerîfi, composed by Abdülbâkî Nâsır Dede (1765–1821). These pieces, traditionally performed during the month of Muharrem, offered the audience a deeply spiritual and musically rich experience.

The second half of the evening was devoted to the Sema Ceremony, performed by the internationally renowned Konya Metropolitan Municipality Turkish Sufi Music and Sema Ensemble. As the semazens began their graceful turning, accompanied by ney, kudüm, and sacred recitations, the theatre was transformed into a space of stillness, contemplation, and inner movement. Far from a performance in the conventional sense, the Sema unfolded as a living ritual — one that continues to speak across time and culture.

This special event marked not only a milestone in the Institute’s 2025 cultural programme but also formed part of a wider UK tour by the Ensemble. In addition to this London performance, the group also appeared at the Bradford Literature Festival and the West London Turkish Festival, where they introduced audiences to the meditative beauty and spiritual philosophy of Mevlevi Sufism.
For those who attended, Rhythms of the Divine was more than a concert — it was a deeply felt invitation to pause, listen, and reconnect with the timeless message of Mevlânâ: that beyond all distinctions, we are one.
 

"Shall we pour roses on the paths of mothers?"

"Mixed Emotions"

AVRUPA GAZETTE-Tarkan remembered his mother at his London concert... Shall we pour roses on the paths of mothers?" Famous artist Tarkan, who said "Happy Mother's Day" to his fans towards the middle of the concert, remembered his mother, whom he lost recently.

"Mixed Emotions"

World-famous artist Tarkan said: "Mixed Emotions of course... Ahh... Happy Mother's Day, my mother...." Tarkan continued his concert by saying, "Then let the next song be for mothers. Shall we pour roses on their paths?" All London Turks sang along to the Mother's Day song, "Gül Döktüm Yollarına".

The song “Gül Döktüm Yollarına” is from Tarkan’s famous album “Aacayipsin” released in 1994.

Notes: Tarkan’s concert started off great. The London O2 hall where the concert was held was practically falling apart. Tarkan fans were thrilled. Magnificent views. Tarkan is feasting on his fans who came to the concert with his songs.

“If I catch you,  muck”
“You nutcracker…”

Tarkan: “London London, what have you done? Awesome.. You are awesome, you are amazing London Ahh thank you You made me smile”

Tarkan: “London Thank You Very Much! You are Awesome, awesome… Amazing… Let’s see you Next time:) I love you! Bye bye Londooooon!”

Tarkan: “Let the water flow, please! Okay? Don’t get too upset, don’t worry about everything!… Everything is going to happen anyway… I love you

Tarkan’s ‘Kuantum 51’ Marks the Arrival of Summer

Tarkan’s long-awaited eleventh album, Kuantum 51, was released on June 14th tothe excitement of his global fanbase. The album, available on all digital platformsvia the Hitt Music label, was announced by Tarkan with the message: “Let this summer be full of hope, joy, fun, and smiles.”

A New Chapter in Tarkan’s Career

With Kuantum 51, Tarkan breaks new ground by releasing visualisers for each of the 12 tracks, offering listeners a multi-sensory experience of the album. This innovative addition allows fans to experience the music not just through sound, but through visual performances by Tarkan himself.

Tarkan as Producer

Taking on the role of producer for the first time, Tarkan collaborates with a diverse team of arrangers, including long-time partner Ozan Çolakoğlu, with whom he has created countless hits. Other notable arrangers on the album include İskender Paydaş, Ateş Berker Öngören, Murat Matthew Erdem, Turaç Berkay Özer, and Mert Kemancı. Tarkan’s vision for Kuantum 51 reflects his growth as an artist, blending his musical talent with his newly assumed role as a producer.

Lyrics and Music by Tarkan

Tarkan is deeply involved in the creative process, contributing the lyrics and music for many of the album's tracks. Other notable songwriters include Aysel Gürel, Güler Özince, and Günay Çoban, who each brought their unique voices to the project. The album also features contributions from composers Turaç Berkay Özer, Murat Matthew Erdem, and Serkan İzzet Özdoğan.

The Quantum Connection

The title Kuantum 51 reflects the album’s central theme: interconnectedness. Quantum spirituality, which emphasizes energy, vibration, and universal unity, underpins the album’s emotional and artistic vision. It represents the understanding that everything in the universe is connected, with each song resonating with the idea of spiritual growth and transformation. Quantum is about aligning with the flow of universal energy, and this theme is woven throughout the album’s lyrics and music.

Track List and Credits1 YO

Lyrics – Music: Tarkan

Arrangement: Ozan Çolakoğlu

2 İLLALLAH

Lyrics: Tarkan

Music: Tarkan – İskender Paydaş

Arrangement: İskender Paydaş

3 OLAY

Lyrics – Music: Tarkan

Arrangement: Ozan Çolakoğlu

4 ŞERBETLİ

Lyrics: Günay Çoban

Music: Turaç Berkay Özer

Arrangement: Turaç Berkay Özer

5 MÜTEŞEKKİR

Lyrics – Music: Güler Özince

Arrangement: Ozan Çolakoğlu

6 DARMADUMAN

Lyrics: Tarkan

Music: Murat Matthew Erdem – Tarkan

Arrangement: Murat Matthew Erdem

7 AYRILIK TÖRENİ

Lyrics: Aysel Gürel

Music: Tarkan

Arrangement: Ozan Çolakoğlu

8 KALPTE SAVAŞ

Lyrics – Music: Tarkan

Arrangement: Ateş Berker Öngören

9 ÇINAR

Lyrics: Aysel GürelMusic: Serkan İzzet Özdoğan

Arrangement: Mert Kemancı

10 ENSEYİ KARARTMA

Lyrics – Music: Tarkan

Arrangement: Ateş Berker Öngören

11 SORMA GİTSİN

Lyrics: Günay Çoban

Music: Tarkan

Arrangement: Ateş Berker Öngören

12 VATANIMSIN

Lyrics – Music: Tarkan

Arrangement: Ateş Berker Öngören

Album Details

Production: Hitt Müzik

Distribution: DMC

Producer: Tarkan

Mix-Mastering: Utku Ünsal – Turquilla (Istanbul)

Studio: Hazel Müzik (Istanbul) – Floor 6 (Düsseldorf) – Beat Garden (Barcelona)

– Pay Records (Istanbul-Bodrum)

Vocal Recording and Editing: Elber Tutkus

Instrument Recording: Ünal Aşkın

Kuantum 51 Visualiser Credits

Video Camera/Director: Can Karabulut

Video Editor: Çisem Baydar Çetinkaya

Video Post Producer: Osman Çetinkaya

Video Supervisor: Erdi Sevinç

Video General Coordinator: Volkan Atay

Kick off the festivities with the unmissable, fun-filled Spring Celebration! This lively event brings the
show to our guests, stopping off in several locations to perform a surprise routine, bringing a fun and
exciting atmosphere to the resort.

Then embark on a thrilling adventure by hunting for LEGO® Eggs hidden around the resort where
families need to successfully find the eggs to claim an exclusive Easter-themed treat. Guests can also
spot the Easter scenes in Miniland while on the hunt too.

If that hasn’t left little ones ‘egg-hausted’, then hop over to The Brick, collect an exclusive Easter POP
Badge and unleash creativity with thousands of LEGO® bricks. Join in Easter-themed build challenges
and come together to build the world’s largest LEGO® vegetable patch by creating LEGO®
Vegetables, Easter eggs, and bunnies before proudly displaying them in the LEGO® patch.
Ramesh Ganeson, Vice President at LEGOLAND Windsor Resort, said: “Easter at LEGOLAND
Windsor Resort is one of the most exciting events of the year. This celebration is all about bringing
the joy of Easter to life with a unique LEGOLAND twist. It’s a fantastic opportunity for families to
come together, explore, and make unforgettable memories. We look forward to welcoming
everyone for a day filled with adventure, creativity, and, of course, lots of eggs-traordinary
celebrations!”

And this Easter, along with more than 30 rides and attractions to enjoy don’t miss out on the newly
re-opened LEGO® City Deep Sea Adventure. The submarine attraction, featuring hundreds of real-life
creatures such as Squeak the zebra shark, Pablo the Blackchin Guitarfish and Homer, the Southern
stingray, also boasts a collection of amazing LEGO® built creature displays including a giant octopus,
brightly coloured crabs and a giant magical treasure chest.

Spring into savings with the second day free sale and double the fun on a LEGOLAND® break. Guests
can extend the fun and immerse themselves in the magic by staying overnight at one of the three
onsite family hotels. Overnight stays start from £56pp per person, including entry to the Theme Park,
bed and brick-fast, and Early Park Access. Plus, every room features a treasure hunt with a special
LEGO® surprise.

Day tickets to the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort® start at £37pp and must be pre-booked online
at www.legoland.co.uk. Children under 0.9 metres get free entry to LEGOLAND. Please visit the
website for more information.

 
FACTBOX
Easter
- Easter at LEGOLAND takes place from 5th – 21st April
- Tickets are from £37pp and must be pre-booked online at www.legoland.co.uk
- Children under 0.9metres get free entry
- A full list of activities for Easter can be found on the LEGOLAND Windsor Resort website
LEGOLAND® Short Breaks Spring Sale
Offer bookable from 10th -31st March
Packages can include:
- An overnight hotel stay in a LEGO®
-themed room
- 2-day entry to Theme Park
- Early Park Access* on a selection of rides including Flight of the Sky Lion
- A LEGO Gift for every child
- A delicious breakfast in the morning
- Evening entertainment
- Free parking and Wi-Fi
- Prices start from £56pp for more information and to book please visit www.legoland.co.uk

 LEGOLAND

• LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configurations, the Minifigure, DUPLO, DREAMZzz and
LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2024 The LEGO Group.
• The LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort is a unique family theme park where children aged 2 -12 can take to
the road, soar through the skies, and sail the seas in complete safety. With interactive rides,
attractions, live shows, building workshops, and driving schools, not to mention a staggering 80
million LEGO® bricks, all set in 150 acres of beautiful parkland.
• There are nine other LEGOLAND® parks in the world – LEGOLAND® Billund in Denmark, LEGOLAND®
California, LEGOLAND® Florida, LEGOLAND® Deutschland in Germany, LEGOLAND® Dubai, LEGOLAND®
Malaysia, LEGOLAND® Korea, LEGOLAND® New York and LEGOLAND® Japan.

Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of
resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND® Resorts which span across the UK, US,
Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection,
Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its diverse global estate in over 20 countries. An expert
in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO® Group,
Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, DreamWorks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can
immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides and uplifting learning experiences.
See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

The evening was a testament to the power of music to transcend cultural barriers and bring people together in celebration of their shared humanity.
 

 
Muhammed Recai Çiftçi, a renowned scholar and musician, specializing in Turkish religious music and Sufi traditions. He is a member of the Istanbul Historical Turkish Music Society and the Istanbul Municipality's Sufi Music Choir. With expertise in Quranic recitation and Turkish makam music, his contributions to Turkish religious music are highly respected.
Baha Yetkin, a master oud player and composer, known for his unique fusion of Istanbul and Middle Eastern music. He has collaborated with renowned Turkish and European musicians and made history as the first Turkish oud player invited to perform flamenco in Spain and to give a solo recital at Royal Albert Hall. Based in London, he continues to perform internationally, releasing critically acclaimed albums like The Pearl (2019) and The Turkish Oud (2021), blending intricate rhythms, emotional dynamics, and spiritual themes in his compositions. He teaches at the Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London
Muammer Sağlam, a skilled percussionist, who plays a variety of instruments such as darbuka, bendir, and riq, and has a wide repertoire of rhythms and styles.
Serdar Yılmaz, a brilliant qanun player, who has collaborated with many famous artists and orchestras in Türkiye and the UK..
Yunus Emre Enstitüsü (Turkish: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü) is the Republic of Türkiye’s cultural institute. Established in 2007, the organisation has over 90 branches worldwide. Through cultural diplomacy, the Institute aims to increase awareness of Turkish culture, support the learning of the Turkish language and to stimulate greater exchange in the fields of arts, culture, science, education. Since opening its doors in London in 2010, Yunus Emre Enstitüsü - London has become an improving the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and the United Kingdom. 
 

Special recognition was also awarded to Jenny and Anh for ‘Stage Presence Winner’, Ethan for ‘Crowd Interaction’, and Skye for ‘Performance Winner’.  

Enfield Youth’s Got Talent aims to celebrate the limitless potential of today’s youth while inspiring the next generation of performers. 

Cllr Abdul Abdullahi, the Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I would like to thank the Council Youth Development Service for organising such a great event, our Youth Workers Talisha Anderson-Wright and Stacey McKnight, and our partners Steppaz Performing Arts Academy and Every Loves Music, for their hard work in supporting this event. Their dedication to mentoring has allowed our talented young people to flourish and deliver performances with great passion. 

“Our participants have been putting in enormous hard work by rehearsing weekly with trained professionals. I would like to congratulate them on filling the talent show with love, energy, and enthusiasm. As a Council, we will continue to support their skills and help further their talent so they can reach their full potential.” 

Enfield Council is committed to empowering young people and helping them sharpen their talents to create opportunities for success.

 
Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, said: “Initiatives like ‘Chatty Cabins’ provide a lovely opportunity to share experiences, exchange ideas, and celebrate what makes our city so special. Loneliness can affect anyone, but small moments like this remind us of the power of human connection. I’d like to encourage Londoners and visitors to take a ride on the IFS Cloud Cable Car, enjoy the stunning views, and help to foster a sense of community as we continue to build a better London for everyone.”

Trish Ashton, Director of Rail and Sponsored Services, said: “TfL is committed to fostering inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all Londoners and these ‘Chatty Cabins’ on the Cable Car offer a chance to celebrate what makes London special and bring people together as we mark our 25th anniversary year. London’s only Cable Car offers visitors a chance to enjoy spectacular views of the Thames as they fly across it, and we hope that ‘Chatty Cabins’ encourages those who use them to spark new conversations and bring Londoners and visitors together.” 

The ‘Chatty Cabin' initiative will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays only, from Tuesday 11 February until Thursday 13 March, apart from the February half-term. Operating from 10:00 to 12:00, tickets to the ‘Chatty Cabins' are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/74674879523 

Each Chatty Cabin ticket can be used by up to three people and includes a free round trip on the IFS Cloud Cable Car and a hot drink for participants.  

TfL is marking 25 years of supporting London’s growth and development with a series of events and activities this year including asking Londoners to share their favourite moment on London’s transport network. People are invited to share their photos and special memories relating to TfL from the last 25 years, whether they are a lifelong Londoner, have adopted the city as their home or are a visitor.

The transport network has played a role in many people’s big moments, from meeting their partner, to visiting the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, to their first time using Santander Cycles or a marriage proposal on the Cable Car. Their stories will be told throughout the year on TfL’s social media channels, TfL’s blog and in stations.  

To submit a memory as part of the 25th anniversary celebrations, contact TfL25Memories@tfl.gov.uk. 

London Transport Museum will also mark TfL’s 25th anniversary with a programme of activity throughout the year including a creative competition for schools and events for the public to enjoy, school holiday activities for families at Easter and at its first Museum Depot Open Days of the year from 4 to 6 April in Acton, west London. 

Seizing the moment, Samie asked Luca: "Do you think things would’ve been different if I came in here three weeks ago?" hinting at whether he would have pursued a connection with her instead. However, Luca shut the conversation down, making it clear he was focused on Grace.

During their interaction, other islanders started to gather near them, but Ekin-Su called across the garden, urging them to leave and come over to where she was sitting, ensuring Luca and Samie had time to talk alone. This move didn't sit well with Luca, who later fumed over her actions.

Luca shared that he did not appreciate Ekin-Su getting involved. He talked to Grace about it and reassured her. Despite this, at the end of the episode, the public decided who bombshell Samie would be paired with. They chose Luca. Grace later revealed that when Luca got up, he was shaking. She felt upset about no longer being in a couple with him and said, "Why does this happen to me every time?"

Fans quickly reacted on X (formerly Twitter), with many accusing Ekin-Su of playing producer. One user wrote, "Ekin is literally a producer," while another added, "Ekin-Su loves to stir things up." A third penned: "Ekin the head producer." And a fourth praising Ekin-Su wrote: "EKIN YOU SNEAKY SNEAKY GIRL I LOVE YOU."

Do you have a story burning within you?

A message you believe can spark change? Whether it's about the climate crisis, social injustice, or any other issue that occupies your mind, now is your opportunity to amplify your voice! 

You don’t have to have previous writing experience – in fact, we don’t want previously published or staged works. 
Submit your 20-minute short play and join us in making a meaningful impact!
Three winners will be staged by us in London in 2025 and the three runner-ups will be invited to an online dramaturgy workshop by Secil Honeywill of Write Now Berlin.

Serpil Delice, Co-Founder of Meteatra says: “It’s the story of three friends who met on stage years ago… This journey, which began with a love of theatre was paused for a while due to the pandemic. But the fire of theatre within us never went out. And out of its embers, METEATRA is born. This journey is not just ours, but the journey of everyone who believes in the magic of theatre. Our approach is very clear: to work with an amateur spirit but with professional discipline. We will become even richer with everyone who joins us.”

Ece Ozdemiroglu, Co-Founder of Meteatra says: “We are thrilled to bring METEATRA to life as a bridge connecting different languages and cultures. For me, theatre is a space where I find the courage to say what I cannot express in everyday life. I hope METEATRA will host many meaningful dialogues.”

Abdullah Tercanli, Co-Founder of METEATRA says: "Whether they are stories told for the first time or reinterpreted ones, we want to create a space where all kinds of narratives can flourish. In my busy and stressful work life, one of the greatest sources of strength and inspirationhas always been art and theatre. For me, theatre is not just a passion, but a way of understanding life and forming emotional connections with people. We are determined to continue producing, performing, and maintaining our commitment to theatre on this path."
 

METEATRA 
Meteatra’s objective is to create extra ordinary productions that bring different voices and experiences together. Meteatra will be a place where everyone feels represented, and everyone can see a piece of themselves on stage. 
to create space for everyone, committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility,
to work with an amateur spirit and professional discipline,
to be open to all theatrical approaches including classics, reinterpretations of classics, and new devised pieces and more
to bring passion and care to everything we create,
At METEATRA, every story matters. We believe our differences make the world more interesting, resilient, and joyful.
For more information, please visit: www.meteatra.co.uk or contact info@meteatra.co.uk 

METEATRA SHORTS
As METEATRA begins its journey, we want to use theatre to start important conversations, raise awareness, and encourage positive change. 
This competition is an opportunity to showcase stories that deal with the real issues humanity is facing today. From climate change to social inequality, we believe theatre can help highlight these topics and get people talking.

What we’re looking for
We welcome submissions for short plays (maximum 20 minutes long) that address current global challenges. While there’s no set theme, we’re looking for plays that make people think, raise awareness, and, most importantly, inspire action. These works should reflect the world we live in today and imagine a better future.
We look forward to seeing how your play can make a difference!

Competition details
Open to everyone, from anywhere in the world 
No previous playwriting experience is necessary – just have a story to tell 
Submissions in Turkish, English, or a mix of both
Maximum length: 20 minutes
Plays must not have been staged or published before
Translations, children’s plays, adaptations of classic plays or existing works in other media, musicals, music theatre, TV or film scripts are not eligible.
One entry per person

Prizes
Three winning plays will be staged as part of Meteatra Shorts later in 2025 in the UK. 
Up to three runner-ups will be invited to an online dramaturgy session with Secil Honeywill of Write Now Berlin. 
The competition will be judged by an expert panel comprising Secil Honeywill, Ece Özdemiroğlu, Seray Genç, İrem Cavuşoğlu, and Philip Arditti.
Important Dates
Submissions close: Friday, 21 February 2025
Winners announced: Monday 10 March 2025 (on our website) 
For more details and submission guidelines, visit www.meteatra.co.uk or email info@meteatra.co.uk 

 
A particularly memorable moment came with the performance of Fikrimin İnce Gülü, where the audience enthusiastically joined in, singing along to this cherished melody, creating an atmosphere of unity and warmth. Audrey concluded the concert with the lively Çeçen Kızı, leaving everyone in high spirits and celebrating the dynamic essence of Turkish music.  
Throughout the performance, Audrey masterfully demonstrated her years of dedication to understanding and embodying the nuances of Turkish musical traditions. She shared personal reflections on the transformative nature of her decade-long journey into meşk, a path that not only challenged her Western-trained musical perceptions but also expanded her understanding of cultural identity and artistic expression. Her ability to infuse her performance with both technical precision and emotional authenticity captivated the audience, creating a bridge between seemingly distinct musical worlds.

 
Through her music and words, Audrey shared the challenges and triumphs of retraining her Western-trained ears to embrace the intricacies of Turkish musical traditions. She detailed how this immersion required not only learning a new musical vocabulary but also unlearning certain ingrained habits of listening and playing. This process, she explained, opened new pathways for artistic creativity and brought her closer to the spirit of Turkish music, which celebrates the interplay of individuality and tradition. Her journey illuminated how music can transcend boundaries, providing a space where cultural understanding and artistic innovation thrive.
 
The evening was further enriched by Audrey’s engaging storytelling, which brought to life her experiences with master musicians in Turkey, her practice of meşk, and the profound insights she gained along the way. These narratives added depth to her performance, allowing the audience to connect not only with the music but also with the cultural and historical contexts that shape it.
 
The evening culminated in a thought-provoking Q&A session, where audience members enthusiastically engaged with Audrey on a wide range of topics. Questions ranged from the technical aspects of microtonality, such as the interpretation of Turkish makamlar (modes), to broader discussions on the role of music in fostering intercultural dialogue.  
This event was more than a concert; it was a celebration of music’s power to connect, transform, and inspire. Audrey Wozniak’s performance and her reflections on cultural immersion left an indelible mark on all who attended. The evening underscored not just the beauty of Turkish musical traditions but also the potential of art to build bridges, deepen empathy, and encourage exploration across cultures.

 
AUDREY WOZNIAK:
Audrey Wozniak started playing violin at age six after seeing internationally renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman perform on the children’s television show Sesame Street. After years of formal training in Western classical music, she won the prestigious Thomas J. Watson Fellowship and spent a year working with musical masters in Türkiye, China, and Indonesia. Since that time, she has emerged as a genre-defying performer of diverse styles and traditions from around the world. She has performed in over 12 countries with multiple Grammy Award-winning ensembles and artists. Audrey's collaborations span from cutting-edge contemporary classical to performances of traditional Ottoman and Turkish classical music featuring microtonality and improvisation. She runs a popular Instagram page (@audreywoz) sharing musical and cultural content related to Türkiye, and is looking forward to serving as the host as well as creator of “Türkiye'yi Dinliyorum [I’m Listening to Türkiye],” a musical travel documentary series for Turkish National Television. Audrey is also an accomplished interdisciplinary scholar with a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from Harvard University. She has received numerous academic fellowships, published peer-reviewed academic research in multiple fields, and served as an expert for documentaries, podcasts, and research institutes. Her unique approach to music-making and scholarship invites audiences to reimagine community, sound, and space through innovative and cross-cultural experiences. For more, please see www.audreywoz.com 
 

Yunus Emre Institute (Turkish: Yunus Emre Enstitüsü) is the Republic of Türkiye’s cultural institute. Established in 2007, the organisation has over 90 branches worldwide. Through cultural diplomacy, the Institute aims to increase awareness of Turkish culture, support the learning of the Turkish language and to stimulate greater exchange in the fields of arts, culture, science, education. Since opening its doors in London in 2010, Yunus Emre Institute has become an improving the bonds of friendship between Türkiye and the United Kingdom.  

The Story Behind the Music

The songs in Love’s Company reflect Djanan’s complex emotions and experiences, tackling topics such as displacement, war, and resilience. With lyrics in both Turkish and English, Djanan paints a vivid picture of hope amidst hardship. One standout track, "Diamond In Black," captures the devastating impact of war on innocent lives, inspired by her childhood memory of hearing Nazım Hikmet’s poem Hiroshima. Other songs like "Yangın" (Fire) express a burning discontent with political oppression and societal complicity.On a lighter yet equally moving note, the title track "Love’s Company" reminds listeners not to be crippled by fear but to find strength in love and solidarity. “This album is my personal reflection on the world we live in. There’s pain, but there’s also beauty, and we must hold onto both,” says Djanan. Her voice carries this message, moving effortlessly from low, introspective tones to soaring highs that invoke Turkish classical traditions.

A Deeply Personal Journey

Born in Adana, Turkey, Djanan Turan’s journey to becoming a musical force is as complex as her sound. She grew up in Samsun, Turkey, before making her way to Istanbul’s Marmara University, where she studied Labour Economics—an early indicator of her social awareness. However, her passion for music soon took over, leading her to study with famed composer Timur Selçuk. Her path eventually brought her to London, where she quickly integrated into the city’s global music scene, performing in clubs, festivals, and forming collaborative ties with a variety of musical acts.
Djanan has been a leading voice in London’s Turkish music scene, particularly known for her regular performances at Jazz Café, where she pays tribute to Turkish psychedelic rock legends. In addition, she leads an all-female Turkish classical music choir, proving her deep connection to her heritage.

The Album and the Launch

Love’s Company is more than just an album—it’s a reflection of Djanan’s emotional and political journey. Tracks such as "Gurbet" (Abroad) offer an honest look at the migrant experience, a theme that resonates deeply in today's political climate. Her song "Diş İzleri" (Bite Marks) delves into personal pain and resilience, reflecting the struggles of healing while carrying the scars of life.

To celebrate the album’s release, Djanan’s performance at Jamboree will undoubtedly be an unforgettable night. With her eclectic mix of styles, Djanan will take the audience on a journey through hauntingly beautiful melodies, bold political statements, and a rich musical heritage that bridges cultures and experiences.
The album is now available for download, and attendees of the launch will have the chance to experience Djanan’s live performance of these new tracks in an intimate setting.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024

Venue: Jamboree, 6 Saint Chad's Place, London WC1X 9HH

Time: Doors open at 7:00 PM
Tickets are available now, and early booking is recommended to ensure a place at this extraordinary event.

The 2024 award winners were: 

Comfort Boadu – Care Worker of the Year 
Amy Metcalfe – Unpaid Carer of the Year 
Care UK, Forest Healthcare and Whittington Health Trust - Outstanding Team Collaboration 
Maximilian Shopay - Shared Lives Carer of the Year 
Jeanne Pring - Volunteer of the Year 
Sue Beveridge – Special Recognition 
Comfort Boadu, who was named Care Worker of the Year, said: "I feel honoured to have been nominated. Being nominated has really made me feel valued, and it has motivated me to want to work harder." 

Amy Metcalfe, winner of the Unpaid Carer of the Year award, has spent the last few years looking after her sister, who has complicated mental health issues. She said: “So many carers have made my sister’s life better over the last few years and I’m so grateful to all of them – and quite surprised to be nominated myself.” 

She added: “It's easy for me to care for my sister; she's a wonderful human and she is worth it. I know that there are places where caring is not that easy or straightforward and again, I'm so grateful to carers for still doing it and continuing to get up and look after people and make sure they can be a part of community.” 

Talking about the care sector and the awards, she said: “This is such an important industry; it papers over all the cracks in NHS and social care and it's literally been the difference between life and death for my sister in the last year. I’m so pleased that they’re being recognised.” 

Maximilian Shopay, who won Shared Lives Carer of the Year, welcomed an 18-year-old autistic man into his home a year ago. “At the time, he couldn't even travel by himself,” said Mr Shopay. “I encouraged him to take charge of things that he wants to do by himself as much as possible. Now he goes to do his shopping, he goes travelling by himself, he's looking for jobs – he's going to Tottenham [Hotspur] to apply for a job today. He said, ‘You go to the award, I go to the interview,’ and he's just becoming a young independent lad and I'm very proud of him.” 

He said that caring has changed his life, and to “put yourself in service of someone else is so meaningful, so rewarding”. He added: “It's great to be acknowledged, it's great to be nominated, and it's even more amazing to win the award.” 

Cllr Flora Williamson, Executive Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We’re working hard to support people to be healthier for longer, so they can live the lives they want and enjoy a higher quality of life. For those with care and support needs, we’re making sure they receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time – and carers are an essential part of that. 

“The Dignity in Care Awards shines a light on this often underappreciated yet hugely valuable work that goes on every day in our borough. It’s been a pleasure to read the many lovely nominations from residents, and these awards are an important way of saying a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to Islington’s carers. The lengths you all go to each and every day to make Islington a better place for our residents is invaluable.” 

The judging panel, which included Islington parent carer Carly Stechman, chose six winners from more than 60 nominations, many of which were made by service users themselves and their families. Attendees to the event were treated to music chosen by artists at Daylight Studio, an Islington-based charity supporting people with learning disabilities. 

In episode four of the Mind the Gap podcast, presenter Tim Dunn visits Barking Riverside London Overground station, in east London, where he speaks with Helen Pankhurst. Helen is the great-granddaughter of Suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, who was one of key Suffragette leaders from east London who campaigned for women’s rights. During the interview Helen talks about the impact her great-grandmother and family had on her views on women’s rights and her own work, the history of the Suffragette movement and current women’s rights issues and challenges. Helen also talks about the work of her grandmother Sylvia Pankhurst, who was also a key figure in the Suffragette movement and had strong links to the working classes in the East End of London.

In the second part of the episode, Tim speaks with British comedian and writer Cally Beaton at Gospel Oak London Overground station. Cally talks about her journey of becoming the first female board member at ITV and a champion for women in business. Cally then speaks about how she became a comedian, the influence of comedy legend Joan Rivers, and how perceptions of women in comedy still have a way to go.

The London Overground Suffragette line has been named following engagement with local communities and honours how the working-class movement in the East End paved the way for women's rights. Barking, at the eastern end of the line, was home of the longest surviving Suffragette Annie Huggett, who died aged 103.

London's Deputy Mayor for Communities and Social Justice, Dr Debbie Weekes-Bernard, said: “This autumn, the London Overground line connecting north west and east London will be named the Suffragette line to commemorate this historic campaign, which helped gain women the right to vote. I encourage Londoners to tune into the latest episode of TfL’s Mind the Gap podcast featuring Emmeline Pankhurst’s great-granddaughter Helen Pankhurst to learn more about the history behind this pivotal movement and the inspiration behind the line’s historic name change.”

Emma Strain, Customer Director at TfL, said: “We hope that our new podcast episode with Emmeline Pankhurst’s great-granddaughter, activist and scholar, Helen Pankhurst and comedian and podcaster, Cally Beaton will inspire our customers to find out more about the fascinating history of the Suffragettes.

“The podcast highlights the profound impact Suffragettes had to transform women’s rights across the UK and beyond. Both women are truly inspirational, and we hope that our customers enjoy discovering more about this rich part of our history.”

Helen Pankhurst, activist and scholar, said: “People travelling on the what will become the London Overground Suffragette line will be connected to a local, national and global movement for gender equality and women’s rights, one that demanded that women should be counted as citizens and that their views should be represented in parliament. The line honours the past and I hope it will inform the present and the future. In terms of gender equality and political representation, we are not yet at the end of the line, there is still work to be done and the name of this TfL line will encourage discussion and remind us of how of far we have come."

Cally Beaton, comedian, podcaster and writer, said: "Wouldn’t it be nice to think Emmeline Pankhurst would look at us now, over 100 years since some women got the vote, and think we’d got it sorted in terms of women’s rights and equality. We still have work to do, building on the foundations she and her fellow activists laid, and I reckon they’d love that there’s a Suffragette line to celebrate all they achieved. Until the day I never again hear the sentence ‘women aren’t funny’, I’m all aboard."

The legacy of women’s empowerment lives on, as Arriva Rail London (ARL), which operates the London Overground on behalf of TfL, makes strides in recruiting more women. The operator recently appointed Anjuli Ramburuth as its Finance Director, and she joins Engineering Director Kate Marjoribanks and Customer Experience Director Charlotte Whitfield, who together make up half of ARL’s management team.

London Overground customers were treated to a surprise this week as an actress dressed as Suffragette leader, Emmeline Pankhurst joined them on what will become the Suffragette line this autumn to mark the release of Transport for London’s (TfL’s) new Mind the Gap podcast episode.The final two episodes of the Mind the Gap London Overground series will delve into the stories of Weaver and Windrush lines later this autumn.The 'Mind the Gap' podcast series was produced by 18Sixty and is released today on all major podcast platforms. 

Joy Gregory, A Taste of Home, 2024. Heathrow Terminal 4 Underground station. Commissioned by Art on the Underground. Photo Thierry Bal 3
 
The artwork offers a space for the stories of newly arrived Londoners, displaced people whose realities are increasingly maligned and misrepresented, and explores how people carry a sense of home with them in the plants and food they cook, share and remember.

The artwork is installed on a series of 24 billboards in the Piccadilly line ticket hall rotunda of Heathrow Terminal 4 station. It brings together excerpts of a poem from the Poetry Translation Centre by Khaled Abdallah, ‘Seeds in Flight’, and Warsan Shire’s poem ‘Home’. These poetic fragments sit alongside ingredients which were discussed as ‘tastes of home’ during a series of photographic workshops Gregory facilitated in the temporary accommodation, and collaged over botanical artworks Gregory created using techniques such as cyanotype and monotype printing.

The 24 artworks expand on the photographic collage technique used for Gregory’s 2023 pocket Tube map artwork A Little Slice of Paradise, which was inspired by TfL’s history of staff-cultivated station gardens.

Rooted in solidarity, A Taste of Home mediates on the ways that compassion and food connect people, across oceans and beyond borders, and celebrates the cultures, languages and hopes which coalesce in London. The project marks the beginning of an ongoing creative relationship between Art on the Underground, REAP and refugees and asylum seekers living in the Heathrow area throughout 2024.

Joy Gregory, artist, said: “I have long been fascinated by the journeys of food and plants, how they traverse continents and cultures, weaving stories of migration and resilience. Plants are central to our being, they sustain our bodies, heart, and soul. They embody the essence of human migration, reflecting our innate desire for new beginnings - sometimes chosen, but all too often, imposed by circumstances beyond our control. In the words of the poet, Warsan Shire, ‘No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark’. This poignant line encapsulates the harsh realities faced by those forced to flee their homes in search of safety and refuge. A Taste of Home is a project that honours the richness of diverse cultures and the shared humanity that binds us all.”

Eleanor Pinfield, Head of Art on the Underground, commented: “The ticket hall rotunda at Heathrow Terminal 4 station is an expansive site at a symbolic location - the gateway to London for so many millions. Joy Gregory’s new commission is an exploration of nature, food and plants in our city, exploring the histories and futures of both those who have lived in London for generations, and those newly arriving. Gregory’s photographic installation will be a contemplative reflection of the city seen by thousands of people each day, rooted in the experiences of refugees and asylum seekers living in the Heathrow area.”

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, so it’s a fitting tribute that Joy Gregory’s A Taste of Home will welcome visitors and tourists as they arrive to the capital at Heathrow. The work uses plants to celebrate the communities that have settled in London and made their home, enriching our lives with food, culture and art.”

James Reed CBE, Chairman and Chief Executive of Reed, sponsor of Art of the Underground, said: “Heathrow is a wonderful location to represent Joy Gregory’s work which highlights elements of cultural diversity in our city. Reed began just around the corner in Hounslow and still supports local communities and those looking for work in the area, so this exploration feels meaningful for me for many reasons. I hope all those passing through Heathrow enjoy this installation as much as I will.”As ridership continues to return to pre-pandemic levels across the TfL network, the three London Underground stations serving Heathrow Airport are now regularly seeing a combined total of more than one million entries and exits each month.TfL recently celebrated the second anniversary of the Elizabeth line, which also calls at Terminal 4. By May this year the line had seen more than 350 million journeys since its 2022 opening.

Cllr Abdullahi said: “I am delighted to have opened our second Youth and Family Hub – delivering on our manifesto commitment to ensure children and young people in Enfield have a great start in life, and allow families to flourish at every stage of their lives.

"Our new hub will help us deliver a holistic approach to supporting families, with a range of services and trained professionals, alongside engaging and fun activities to promote good health and wellbeing."

Enfield Council is committed to creating community hubs for stronger and safer neighbourhoods.  

The new Youth and Family hub is at 2 Lawrence Road, N18 2HN and has been supported by grant funding from the Department for Education.  

Click here for an up-to-date activity schedule for Craig Park Youth and Family Hub. 

Joe Namy works across sound, performance, radio and video. His new project, ‘Radio Underground’, involves creatives from different cultural and community spaces in London to create a 10-minute sound work, focusing on Namy’s interest in the politics of listening, music and translation.

‘Radio Underground’ has been developed in collaboration with Colour Factory, a live music venue and nightclub in Hackney; PalMusic UK, a music education charity supporting young Palestinian musicians and celebrating Palestinian music; and Sister Midnight, a cooperative community radio station in south London. Spoken word and segments of speech from each organisation are layered with original music from flautist Wissam Boustany (PalMusic), oud player Saied Silbak (PalMusic), flautist Ruth Montgomery (Audiovisability), and theremin by Lenny Watson (Sister Midnight).

The work can be heard at Waterloo Underground station from 15-28 July, through the station speakers along the moving walkway connecting the Northern and Jubilee lines. Echoing the style of a radio broadcast, ‘Radio Underground’ brings a new sonic experience to the station, a public broadcast that calls on people to listen to each other in new ways, to new rhythms and to shared interconnections.

Joe Namy, 'Radio Underground, 2024. Waterloo Underground station, Commissioned by Art on the Underground. Photo GG Archard-2
 
The work creates a space to find solidarity, and for culture and community to express resilience and an understanding of the socio-political power music holds. ‘Radio Underground’ can also be accessed through a QR code on a poster campaign across the London Underground, with a link to imagery that gives visual rhythm to the sound and constellation of the many parts, people, places and histories that make up the work.

Eleanor Pinfield, Head of Art on the Underground, said: “We are delighted to launch the second in a series of sound commissions from Joe Namy, utilising the speakers of the moving walkway at Waterloo for the first time. ‘Radio Underground’ has been developed through dialogue and collaboration with three partners across the city, with contributions from each sonically woven together into an artwork akin to a radio broadcast. This soundscape for London calls us together in a collective space, one where we are well used to regular public announcements. Namy’s audio soundtrack asks us to become more attuned to our surroundings, to take a moment to listen and share space with the people around us.”

Joe Namy, artist, said: “This project was a dream, a deep dive into the fascinating history of the sound of the Underground, at times offering moments of peace, at other times transforming the travelator into a catwalk, and other times making space for the brilliant organisations that contributed to the project. We were able to bring in so many different voices to resonate with the unique architecture of the station.” 

Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “Culture is the beating heart of London and I know Joe Namy’s ‘Radio Underground’ will entertain and inspire passengers as they travel on the Tube. I’m delighted that Art on the Underground is working closely with many grassroots arts organisations we have supported at City Hall, it’s a wonderful opportunity to have their work displayed in one of London’s busiest Tube stations, as we build a better and fairer London for all.”

In addition to providing fans with entertainment and insight, My Game is also a priceless resource aimed at educating and sharing technical knowledge with the European football community. The films will be distributed to all UEFA national associations, offering educators, coaches, players and technical staff valuable insights to help their development and understanding of the beautiful game.

Additionally, My Game is available to stream globally, free of charge, on UEFA.tv.

​​​​

“I could have watched like three hours of the quick dialogue, you really nailed what the style of
deconstructive writing is and what makes it sing.”

- From Thistle & Rose Theatre’s International
Women’s Day event at Actors East, March 2024
 

FUSE International
29 June 2024, 7pm | Rose Theatre Studio (24-26 High St, Kingston upon Thames KT1 1HL)
Tickets: https://creativeyouthcharity.org/event/the-womb/

Camden Fringe Festival
2 & 3 August 2024, 9pm | Camden People’s Theatre (58-60 Hampstead Rd, London NW1 2PY)
Tickets: https://camdenfringe.com/events/the-womb/

Stockholm Fringe Festival
28 & 29 August 2024, 21.15, 19.45 | Tegelscenen (Söndagsvägen 9, 123 60 Farsta, Sweden)

Who are we?
Co Theatre is an international female-led collective that aims to encourage and inspire women of all ages, bringing bold and provocative newly written original plays of women's stories to the stage. Aylin Rodoplu and Elise Xiaqi Eriksen are the co-founders of Co Theatre and creative team of The Womb, which had its debut at East 15 Acting School,