Hammersmith & Fulham (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Hammersmith’s Summer Festival returns to Lyric Square with weeks of outdoor films, fitness, sports, and community fun in the heart of west London.
Now in its 19th year, Hammersmith BID, an independent business-led organization dedicated to enhancing our town center, organizes the annual event.
Next Tuesday, June 24, marks the start of the summer festivities. Hammersmith BID is holding a Climate Festival in Lyric Square from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. as part of London Climate Action Week.
During this event, attendees can participate in a session on planting wildflowers and gain more knowledge about Hammersmith’s biodiversity.
In addition to a free bike maintenance and marking service to encourage active commuting, Hammersmith & Fulham Council‘s Climate Alliance will be present, and between 11.30am and 1pm, there will be a community litter pick.
The Big Screen and deckchairs are returning in Lyric Square as the festival begins, broadcasting Wimbledon tennis from June 30 to July 13 and the Tour de France all summer long.
Additionally, free movie nights will begin at 6 p.m. on July 17th, followed by Wicked on July 24th, Bend It Like Beckham on July 25th, Inside Out 2 on July 25th, and, last but not least, the ultimate summertime favorite, Mamma Mia Wednesday on July 30th.
From Monday through Wednesday, July 14–August 6, there will be picnics in the square. Residents are welcome to join the crowds at the picnic benches and deckchairs in the square and eat lunch at one of Hammersmith’s many restaurants.
Every week in July, from noon to two p.m., King Street shopping center Livat will host Feel Good Tuesdays as part of the festival. All are welcome to attend these free programs, which will include yoga, breathwork, and other activities.
Meanwhile, on Thursday, June 26, Friday, June 27, and Saturday, June 28, from 1 to 6 p.m., the center’s atrium will transform into a Play Zone with augmented reality experiences and the opportunity to Spin to Win.
According to Livat, there will be a Spin to Win station featuring prizes from some of Livat’s retailers in the atrium, along with a number of immersive Augmented Reality experiences that can be accessed via QR codes inside the Meeting Place.
The stairs in the middle of the atrium lead to Ashcroft Square, where Livat’s free Community Gardening Workshops are held every Wednesday and Saturday throughout the summer. Nature enthusiasts are welcome to attend.
From summer teas and learning to identify and feed the local wildlife to general gardening, the Community Garden, in partnership with Groundwork Charity, is offering a range of fun and environmentally friendly activities that are free and available to everyone.
Throughout the summer, free monthly guided walks offer more chances to enjoy the outdoors. The topic for Saturday, July 5th, is World War II Hammersmith. Discover the borough’s experiences throughout the war and its significant contribution to the manufacture of airplanes as the world marks 80 years since the conclusion of the conflict.
At 11 a.m., walkers will gather outside the Ravenscourt Park tube station.
Walkers will get the opportunity to take in our “Suburban Belgravia” on Saturday, August 2, which features stylish homes, a number of well-known residents, and what was once known as the “free love corner.” At 11 a.m., the walk will start outside the Stamford Brook tube station.
Even though these walks are free, spots are limited, so those who like to participate must reserve a spot in advance.
What activities and entertainment are featured at Hammersmith’s Summer Festival in Lyric Square?
Major athletic events may be watched outside on deckchairs thanks to daily live broadcasts of Wimbledon tennis tournaments on a large screen, as well as coverage of the Tour de France and the Olympic Games in Paris.
In the evenings, Lyric Square hosts free outdoor movie screenings of well-known blockbusters and beloved family films including Barbie, Wonka, and Toy Story.
A lively environment is created throughout the festival duration by the live music stages, street performers, and the Make Music Day event, which features local musicians.
In the International Food Quarter, which is particularly prominent during the Hammersmith Summer Street Fest, more than 100 pop-up booths provide a range of international delicacies, arts, crafts, jewelry, vintage goods, home furnishings, and seating places.