Outdoor programme
From outdoor theatre and dance to film and music, the spectacular events programme offered something for everyone!
Pyrodise, Firebirds – Summer of Culture 2024 Launch and 10th Anniversary of Bell Square
Summer of Culture 2024 kicked off on 8 June with an incredible performance in Bell Square of Pyrodise by the Firebirds circus group, with fire, movement, and manipulation.
We also celebrated the 10th anniversary of Bell Square – the exciting outdoor arts space in the heart of Hounslow, a place where everyone can come to see some of the best outdoor performers in the world, for free.
Firebirds - Pyrodise
Brentford Canal Festival
Saturday 22 June, Basin, Gauging Lock, Brentford Lock Piazza and Market Place
The Brentford Canal Festival, which recognises the importance of the waterways in establishing Brentford, took place on 22 June. The annual festival again brought our community together for a day of fun where everyone was able to appreciate and enjoy life by the water.
Streets Alive
21-22 June, Bell Square
Streets Alive showcased a full weekend of free, participative outdoor events on June 21-22, open to all ages at Bell Square and Hounslow High Street.
Paul Ramirez Jonas – Public Trust
Saturday 22 June, Hounslow High Street and Bell Square
How serious are the promises we make to one another, the vows we take, or the pledges made by our civic leaders? Public Trust asked participants to examine the value of their word. Participants made a promise that was recorded in a drawing they could keep. That promise was then displayed on a monumental marquee board, placed amongst promises made by politicians, scientists, economists or companies.
Diana Gadish – Handle With Care, Bell Square
Artist Diana Gadish brought her charming street show to Hounslow for families of all generations to enjoy with a tender message that we should all take care of each other. Her two performances surprised and delighted her audience, encouraging them to help an engaging yet unconfident character face her fears and start a party that everyone is invited to.
Taken by: Cris Palomar
Company Chameleon–Amarnthine
Combining a rich mix of dance styles and drawing from an amalgamation of dance techniques including contemporary dance, b-boying, capoeira and partner work, Amaranthine explored a male and female relationship and followed a couple in conflict as they desperately tried to reconnect and find resolution.
Anhad, South Asian Festival
20 July, Hounslow High Street and Bell Square
In July, the Anhad festival brought a uniquely colourful and vibrant celebration of contemporary South Asian outdoor arts to Hounslow High Street and Bell Square. Free and open to all, the festival aimed to provide a platform for UK South Asian creativity across all arts and included performance, dance, music, family shows and more.
Party on the Pier
21 July, Chiswick Pier
A great day out for all the family, the annual Party on the Pier took place on 21 July at Chiswick Pier. A free event, with all ages welcome, the party included boat trips along the river, Amanda’s Action Kids, music, food stalls, artisan craft stalls and more.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
29 July to 18 August, Walled Garden (Boston Manor Park)
Boston Manor Park’s walled garden hosted al fresco performances of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream over three weeks from the end of July.
Rhythm and Sound
17 August, Lampton Park
A day-long free event to celebrate local South Asian musicians and creatives was held on 17 August at Blenheim Park.
Boston Manor Beer Festival
24 to 26 August, Walled Garden (Boston Manor Park)
The second Boston Manor Beer Festival took place over the August Bank Holiday weekend where attendees were able to meet local breweries, taste some local cuisines and enjoy live music in the beautiful walled garden in Boston Manor Park.
Creative Mile – Brentford Art Trail
30 August to 1 September, Brentford
Brentford’s annual Art Trail was held from 30 August to 1 September, connecting venues with exhibiting artists, creatives and makers including painters, ceramicists, printmakers, hat makers, mosaic artists, jewellery makers, poets, musicians and sculptors. The free weekend of open studios and exhibitions included artists and makers from Brentford and across the borough of Hounslow.
Summer of Culture 2024 Finale
28 September, Bell Square
The finale of the 2024 Summer of Culture took place on 28 September in Bell Square with the incredible Orchestre International du Vetex as we said goodbye until 2025.
Feltham Arts – Summer Programme
Feltham Arts played a major role in the Summer of Culture 2024, bringing dance, theatre, workshops and much more to the local community.