Citadel is London's brightest new festival, a day which looks set to encapsulate the perfect summer Sunday afternoon – bursting to the seams with live music, fine dining, debates, comedy, dancing, arts, craft, boutiques and much more.
From the creators of the award-winning multi-arts Wilderness Festival, Citadel boasts an impressive musical programming headlined by Ben Howard and Bombay Bicycle Club…however, the event looks set to offer much more than your standard music festival.
In between performances from the likes of Nick Mulvey and Neneh Cherry, duck in to the Sunday Papers Live, grab a Bloody Mary and nestle into a comfy sofa to listen to talks and debates from some of the UK's finest minds. Politician Tessa Jowell, activist Maajid Nawaaz, satirist Jolyon Rubinstein and journalist Ben Judah are amongst the speakers at the special edition of this much-loved gathering.
It wouldn't be the ultimate summer Sunday without a lazy lunch. Richard Turner (of Hawksmoor, Meatopia, Pitt Cue Co. fame) will host a series of lovingly crafted long table banquets with slow roast shoulder of lamb, chocolate tarts and crudités all on offer.
London's finest dining institutions will also be onsite to satisfy stomachs, and there's some-thing for everyone – from Le Bun's French-American cuisine to Constancia On The Road's Argentinian steaks – via Voodoo Ray's tasty pizzas. Wash it all down with cold beers from Meantime Brewery and Kozel.
For some comic relief, head over to the Comedy Tent, which is presented by none other than Underbelly – a fixture both in the city and at the Edinburgh festival. Some of the best London comedians on the circuit will feature on the billing – from rising acts to esteemed performers. Expect to witness some real gems ahead of their Edinburgh performances as well as handpicked upcoming acts. You chuckled at them here first…
Make sure you pay a visit to the Park Bandstand, hosted by Continental Drifts and Global Local, which will feature a melting pot of traditional music, from folk ceilidhs to hoedowns. It's set to be an incredibly lively pocket of Citadel, with swing dancing, brass bands and sets from bands such as Perhaps Contraption, The Brass Funkeys and Cut A Shine.
Dust yourself off and get stuck into our Sunday Sports Day, which features nostalgic fa-vourites with a twist…think Musical Sack Races, Disco Dodgeball and Rum Relay Rac-es complete with cheerleaders, mascots and spoof medal ceremonies. You can also gath-er your friends and register for The Ultimate Victoria Park Volleyball Championships. Be warned, this is not your usual Sports Day…expect the unexpected, from theatrical pitch invasions to inebriated referees.
If you prefer your games more leisurely than lively, take in a spot of croquet, badminton and Giant Jenga whilst you sip a cocktail. It's the taking part that counts…
Your little ones are welcome at Citadel too…arrive early in the afternoon to make the most of family-friendly games in the Park. From 12-2, the Rock ’N Roller Disco will host a Kid’s Disco, and from 12-2 the brilliant Arcola Theatre will host a Kid’s Sports Day, with sack races, space hoppers and much more. There’ll also be a child-friendly activities in-cluding Giant Jenga, face painting and dance workshops throughout the day to keep the young ‘uns entertained.
Elsewhere, explore your creative side at the Citadel Art Studio in partnership with The Indytute, with classes including Get Rich or Tie Dying, Origami Masterclass and Fight-er Kite Making. There’s also something for the little ones, with an Indytute Kids teacher and illustrator Sophie Ward running art classes all afternoon.
Meanwhile, our Dance Workshops will ensure you can become a master in the likes of capoeira, body percussion, swing dance, hoop hop and more.
Bust a move and try out your new dance moves to the soundtrack of blues, soul and rock ’n roll at the Rock ’N Roller Disco, hosted by legendary Camden club night Cherry Cola.
For the sartorially-inclined, there’s plenty of fashion and beauty stalls to transform yourself. Sift through beautiful clothing and accessories at Dancing Leopard, OOTO Clothing, Vi-olet’s Box, The Wick Market, Gypsy East, Mystic Moon and Tallulah Minxy, then re-ceive a makeover from experts of all things glamour Miss Lippy, In Your Dreams and Glint & Glory Tattoo Bar.
Citadel will be the day when the city comes together and takes a collective breath. If only every Sunday could be like this…