The annual Mayfest Festival returns once more in 2011 – from 14th May to 2nd June – with a packed programme of music and arts events that will surely delight crowds of all ages. As ever, the Festival will be held in and around St John’s Church (on Lansdowne Crescent, W11 2NN) with the main purpose of celebrating diversity in the local area, as well as encouraging creativity amongst the local community.
One of the central events of the Festival and the one that kicks the whole thing off is the May Fair, taking place on Saturday 14th May (starting at 1pm). St John’s Church will be transformed into a traditional indoor market, with plenty of additional entertainment besides that is suitable for all. The following Saturday (21st May) is Family Day, which will see music and entertainment for all the family to enjoy, including the Family Day Show, an interactive afternoon for children.
Another of the main parts of the Festival is the Mayfest Exhibition, which will run in St John’s Church through the Festival. The Exhibition intends to display works from both the local community and from artists based all over London. (If you would like to submit your work for inclusion, please see our post, Calling all artists – a chance to exhibit at this year’s Notting Hill Mayfest!)
Musical highlights will include Requiem in Blue (7pm, Friday 20th & 3pm, Saturday 21st May), a piece written by Harvey Brough (of Harvey and the Wallbangers fame), that will bring together children from local primary schools, the Kensington Vocal Ensemble and a variety of musicians. The Silk Road Trio (7.30pm, Wednesday 18th May) will be performing with their wonderful mix of sitar, table and oud instruments to present Middle Eastern and North Indian music through the means of improvisation.
Opera will be making an appearance at the Festival, with emerging opera company Open Door Opera presenting a double bill of L’Enfant et les sortilèges (The Enchanted Child) by Maurice Ravel and The Medium by Gian Carlo Menotti on Tuesday 31st May and Wednesday 1st June. (Both concerts at 7.30pm.)
Of central importance to the Notting Hill Mayfest is the opportunity to present and promote up-and-coming talent to the public. This year, performers such as the The Choir of Queen’s College, Oxford and young, new ensemble The Gallery Singers will enrich the line-up.
Ticket prices for the Notting Hill Mayfest vary from free for some events to £15, with some discounts available. Tickets can be booked online at or by telephoning 020 3219 0078 (open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm).
The full line of the Notting Hill Mayfest and other details about the Festival can be found at www.nottinghillmayfest.org.uk.
Notting Hill Mayfest
14th May – 2nd June 2011
Notting Hill Mayfest team:
Michael Duffy – Director
Marie-Pascale Ragon – Event Manager
Lois Marshall – Event Coordinator
