GDIF2011 kicks off this weekend and as usual the most spectacular attractions are happening at Canary Wharf, Mile End Park and Woolwich. The giant giraffes (Les Girafes) that dominate the GDIF publicity can be seen at Woolwich on 2nd July.
Starting this Friday and running over the weekend, Greenwich itself will be home to Greenwich Fair, a showcase of outdoor street arts. We've posted a map (click to enlarge) to point out where to head to see stuff (since much of Greenwich is being dug up at the moment). The main venue appears to be Monument Gardens at Old Royal Naval College where on Friday at 6pm and 7.50pm there'll be a promenade programme of dance, physical theatre, circus and installations. Also here at 3pm and on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings you can catch some choreographed juggling and over the weekend there'll be contemporary dance, Bollywood Dance, a lifesized Punch & Judy, puppet theatre and lots more – too much to list here!
In Greenwich Market you may come across some giant meerkats, whilst there will aerial acrobats on King Charles Lawn (Old Royal Naval College) and dance performed by local people in King Charles Courtyard where you can also see a choreographed performance featuring a London cab. Other venues include King William Colonnade in the old Naval College grounds, St Alfege Park (entrance via Bardsley Lane off Creek Road) and Park Walk (halfway up Crooms Hill). Although all events are free, some of the performances at these latter venues require prior booking.
To see what's on where and when (including the events further afield) go to the festival site.
I went to see the Giraffes yesterday and enjoyed the unusual sight on the streets of Woolwich. It was my first visit to the Festival. If I'm in London next year, I'll come again. Good to have come across your blog.
ReplyDelete