The annual Dulwich Festival returns with a veritable smorgasbord of virtual delights, including art, music, talks and literature from tomorrow, Friday May 7, right up until the following Sunday, May 16.
Unable to be put on at its usual venues around Dulwich the virtual festival will host lively and thought-provoking live streamed events, including with Mercury-nominated folk musician Sam Lee discussing his debut novel, ‘The Nightingale’ with Harriet Lamb, author and CEO of climate solutions charity, Ashden. The Extinction Rebellion activist and conservationist will tell his story of our changing environment through this elusive bird.
It's all about to start! #virtualdulwichfestival 7th-16th May
Events, Artists' Open House, podcasts & competitions
Browse & book tickets: https://t.co/KmxHeQg3FK pic.twitter.com/l2FrBHmJUC— Dulwich Festival (@DulwichFestival) May 4, 2021
For those fascinated by local history Professor Alison Yarrington, alongside Dr Dawn Pereira and Dr Melanie Veasey, will be recounting the story of Tasmanian sculptor, Oliffe Richmond’s epoch-defining ‘Striding Man’. The impressive outdoor bronze sculpture was gifted to the presently named Charter School in 1962, however having sustained damage, it has been boxed up for many years. Tickets to the event are free, with donations in aid of its restoration.
And who knew that Herne Hill’s Velodrome played host to Basket Racing in the 1940s! Local historian Ian McInnes will be giving an illustrated talk looking at a range of different sports and sports personalities who have graced the green pastures of Dulwich from 1870 right up until 1970.
Other highlights include a Children’s Art competition and for those budding writers, the Flash Fiction competition returns after its popular debut last year.
Jennifer Scott, Director of Dulwich Picture Gallery and Alexander Moore, Curator of Unearthed: Photography’s Roots will discuss the Gallery’s critically acclaimed photography exhibition, soon to reopen on May 19.
Returning by popular demand, poet, comedian and musician John Hegley, will explore ‘Fish and Ships’ in a family workshop. Inspired by the French ‘Poisson d’Avril’, the continental April Fool’s Day tradition of fashioning and fastening paper fishes onto unsuspecting jackets; join John in the making of fish and the drawing of ships!
And over 60 artists will be exhibiting online in Artists’ Open House with ample opportunity to purchase art.
New podcasts and short films can be enjoyed on demand throughout the festival, with contributions from local ornithologistnDave Clark, and also Chair of Dulwich Society Trees Committee, David Beamish, both exploring the natural riches of Dulwich Park. Whilst acclaimed indie-folk quintet, Patch and the Giant will contribute a new song recorded specially for the Festival.
The Festival is bursting with treats for all tastes – for further details and tickets, visit www.dulwichfestival.co.uk