Welcome to the World

All roads lead to…Shoreditch Park as the Festival races out of the blocks in true sporting and party style.

As always, there are activities for all ages — whether you’re feeling active or artistic, peckish or parched; in need of relaxation, fun or a shimmy in the sun.

Throughout the afternoon, The Lift Stage will be rocking with world rhythms; check out the Afro-Brazilian funk of Saravah Soul and the Cuban salsa of Raices Cubanas featuring violinist Omar Puente. Plus, don’t miss the Festival return of the Congo Faith Healers. There’ll also be exciting and imaginative performances from The Fontanas, Portico Quartet, beat boxing flute player extraordinaire Nathan ‘Flutebox’ Lee, and the legendary blues and soul outfit Little George Sueref & the Blue Stars. For more special musical guests, head over to Rising Tide’s EQ Stage, or twirl away in Mr Wonderful’s legendary Tea Dance.

Try out local sports, drop in at the SportInspired Club Showcase for tennis, basketball, dance fitness, rock-climbing, sailing and even beach volleyball. If you’re in need of a relaxing pick-meup, visit Shoreditch Spa’s Oasis of Calm and try out relaxation remedies from around the world or wander over to the Green Area with loads of free, environmentally-friendly workshops and stalls. For younger audiences, play in Hackney City Farm’s Pets Corner. And canine lovers can unleash the fun by entering their pooches into a special Dog Show — Shoreditch Bark.

At the heart of the park, explore the world on your doorstep with Shoreditch International Villages: a themed area of catering, stalls, performances and marquees from many of the nationalities and cultures that make up Shoreditch. Here, you’ll also find Out of Africa at Shoreditch Festival, produced by Hatch Events.

There’ll also be a Magical Playground just for under-fives: lots of stalls and activities for toddlers, including mini-football, street dance classes, baby massage, story-telling, music and movement workshops and ‘make and take’ workshops with the Geffrye Museum, puppet show performance…and the ever-popular Teddy Bears’ Picnic.

And that’s really not all. Our opening party has everything you need for world class fantastic day out.

Supported by Fitzpatrick Construction Ltd.