East London Food & Culture

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George Michael live! (Kind of). What to expect at Leytonstone Festival 2022

Nine days of mostly free gigs, shows, walks, tours and arty stuff

After two years of Covid, the Leytonstone Festival is thankfully back in early September for nine days of events, many of which are free.

In fact, the whole event is organised by volunteers – lest we forget. This is purely for the community, with a whole bunch of local talent taking a turn, from live music and performance to kids’ events, gigs, talks, culture and more.

North Star
Catch the festie here: North Star. Photo: SE

Taking place from Saturday 3rd to Sunday 11th September, venues include Filly Brook, Leytonstone Library, The Social (Leytonstone Ex Servicemen’s Club) Luna Lunge, Northcote Arms, Heathcote & Star, The North Star, The Red Lion and Le Parisien cafe. Check out the map here and click on each venue to see what’s on.

And as for the events?  They range from an interactive George Michael Experience tribute act (we have to see this!) at The Northcote to funk acts at the always brilliant Luna Lounge (main pic, above), and jazz at the Red Lion (pictured below).

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There’s also a Blue Plaques Walking Tour (details here) and even a Leytonstone Bar Crawl starting at Filly Brook, which takes in newer E11 arrivals like Arch Deli, Solvay, Mammoth and more, on 8th September (info here).

Red Lion
There’ll be jazz at Red Lion. Photo: SE

Want to know more about the festival? It has a bit of history, dating back to the 1990s. Today,  it’s run by the Leytonstone Festival Association, which elects its trustees and officers annually, its objectives being to present a balanced programme and promote local talent. (It’s worth reiteraing that none of those involved in the Association receive remuneration of any kind, and all are volunteers.)

So get involved, people – and don’t miss the opening event at St John’s Church High Road Leytonstone on Saturday, 3rd September from 12midday, with live music and a load more. It’s set to be the perfect antidote to any post-bank holiday blues.

A comprehensive programme of the Festival venues and events is available here. You can keep up to date @leytonstonefestival and online here.

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