Movies, food and drink, exercise classes and a sports day are among the highlights in Grosvenor’s programme of summer events.
Food, drink and ukeleles
Bakers will be able to test their cake-decorating skills, while regular party hosts can expand their drinks menu after taking a cocktail making class. Refreshments on offer range from burgers and beers to ‘fizz and chips’, from salads to pastries and a dedicated gin and tonic bar.
Anyone looking to burn off excess energy can take part in barefoot running classes and table tennis, or play a game of giant Jenga. Yoga and mindfulness classes are available for visitors who require something more sedate. There’s also a ukelele workshop on 1 July for musical types.
Special events bound to prove popular include a sports day on 8 July, where local businesses and members of the community will compete in traditional races. A children’s day on 9 July will feature games and entertainment for younger visitors.
From 3pm to 5pm on 14 July, Grosvenor will host a Royal Tea Dance in association with London-based charity the Octavia Foundation, which supports people affected by ill health, social isolation and unemployment. In conjunction with Octavia’s befriending programme, Grosvenor will honour the Queen’s 90th birthday with the party’s royal theme. Places will be limited, so arrive early to ensure an afternoon of dancing, Pimm’s cocktails and live music.
A night among the stars
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Now in its third year, the Grosvenor Film Festival returns on 7 July. Movie lovers are invited to enjoy screenings in Grosvenor Square and other outdoor venues in Mayfair and Belgravia.
“The Grosvenor Film Festival brings some of the flavour of Cannes to Mayfair and Belgravia,” says Will Bax, Grosvenor’s Director of Placemaking. “Whether you live, work or are visiting London, come and enjoy the fun in some of London’s finest garden squares.”
Audiences listen to the movies’ audio tracks on state-of-the-art headsets and can get comfy on cushions and blankets.
The action begins with a screening of ’80s classic comedy Ferris Bueller’s Day Off in Grosvenor Square on 7 July. Other highlights include remembering David Bowie in Belgrave Square Garden (Labyrinth, 10 September), time travel in Wilton Crescent Garden (Back to the Future, 13 September) and Batman appearing on the deck of Brown Hart Gardens (The Dark Knight, 23 September).
The festival is presented by Nomad Cinema, in association with Chestertons estate agents and Fully Group.
“This year’s line-up will hopefully be the best yet,” says Robert Bartlett, Chief Executive of Chestertons, “and fingers crossed the trademark Chestertons rain ponchos aren’t required too often, if at all!”
