Soul II Soul, Yazmin Lacey and Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra are among the artists to have been announced for the line-up of the second Festival14 at Canary Wharf, which runs from July 26 to 30. Most of the acts are free to watch on a first come, first served basis. A small number of performances require a pre-paid ticket to enter.
A line-up of music headliners will take to the stage in Canada Square Park including Soul II Soul, funk and soul artist Craig Charles, jazz powerhouse Yazmin Lacey and renowned DJ Norman Jay. London’s legendary Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra will return to the main stage.
Other acts include Wayne Snow, afro-jazz band Nubiyan Twist and rising star Cherise Roberts. Live singalong band Massaoke will be setting the precedent for a weekend full of summer fun, ending the opening night with the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
Comedy lovers looking for a laugh can find Netflix TV presenter and Taskmaster contestant Desiree Burch and Mock the Week’s Mark Watson as part of the line-up, as well as high energy comedic performances of Shakespeare by 440 Theatre, and a family rave from Big Fish Little Fish.
Families can also take part in children’s art workshops from group A Line Art, before heading over to Jubilee Park to unwind with an afternoon of live music, taking in the atmosphere on cosy beanbags.
Creative collective SXWKS will also be returning to the Wharf on Saturday 29July. The group works to amplify underrepresented black voices and not-to-be-missed performances include Zimbabwe-born educator and author Belinda Zhawi, poet Lanaire Aderemi and the up-and-coming musical act Brother Portrait, who will enable audiences to learn more about black communities and heritage.
The Fandangoe Kid will be returning this year with Discoteca, a colourful disco pod hosting a series of emotive talks and workshops on grief and anxiety, curated by The Loss Project.
