Most people would be content with a one-off gig, or maybe even a festival lasting a few days, not so for the people behind the Create Festival in London. After a successful run in 2009, the multi-arts and entertainment festival is back, for six whole weeks of summer fun from June 19th to August 1st. During that time over 200 events will take place in East/South East London, in the 5 boroughs hosting the 2012 Olympic Games. Cultural events are an important part of the Olympic story, and with so much home grown talent on display at CREATE10, this festival is sure to be a feast for the senses!
Details released so far show that venues and locations will be used throughout Greenwich, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Waltham Forest during the festival, with events including talks, workshops, music, art, film, dance, theatre, and carnival. If you’re lucky you might find well known artist Tracey Emin in a disused Post Office, The Punchdrunk Opera Company, performing their new show The Duccess Of Malfi, and there’s even an underwater soundscape happening at London Fields Lido which sounds like fun! Also happening at the event is Young London: Into Music, a great idea that brings together some stars of the Urban Music Scene, and up to 150 young people between the ages of 14-25 years old.
As part of CREATE10, Young London: Into Music was set up to provide opportunities for the young people to work with, and be mentored by well known producers, choreographers, and singers, before performing alongside Hip Hop, Grime, Soul, and Rap singers at music venues and festivals. Some of the big names involved this year include Nate James, Kele Le Roc, producer Fraser T Smith, Mz Bratt, and Shola Ama. Islamic Hip Hop group Mecca2Medina will also be involved hosting workshops, and there will also be a DJ Showcase, where 1 Extra, BBC Radio 1, Kiss, and Choice FM will be among the stations choosing their ‘Ones To Watch’ for 2010.
The culmination of all the hard work by the people at CREATE10, and Young London: Into Music can be seen at a series of events taking place from 19th June to 28th July. These include: Paradise Gardens (19 June), Lovebox (16 July), Young People’s Caribbean Carnival (18 July) and at prestigious arts and music venues Indigo02 (17 & 29 July) and Theatre Royal Stratford East (22-23 July). It’s a great opportunity for the young people chosen (many of whom are out of work/education) to learn from the best, be inspired, and embrace all the arts scene in London has to offer.
These are just some of the many projects/events taking place during the six weeks of the CREATE10 Festival. For more information, and to be kept up-to-date with all the latest news and listings, please visit www.createlondon.org, or you can find out more about the youth music project at www.createlondon.org/events/young-london-into-music.
Don’t forget the countdown to the London 2012 Olympics is on too. So to find out more about the games, events in your area, and the cultural Olympiad visit www.london2012.com.