05/10/26

Canary Wharf celebrates Black History month with four new murals

Canary Wharf is marking Black History Month this October with a free public art trail celebrating Black creativity, achievement and identity through four striking new murals by interdisciplinary artist Jasmine Kahlia. Free to explore throughout the month, the temporary installations have been inspired by Kahlia’s Jamaican, Indian, Somali and Yemeni roots, alongside a series of interviews with Black entrepreneurs, scientists, artists and professionals who have built their careers or lives in Canary Wharf.

The trail begins with Folkloriq on North Colonnade, a colourful celebration of Caribbean and Central American art and intergenerational storytelling. Over on Upper Bank Street, Facin our Dreamz features portraits of accomplished individuals from fields including science, AI, sport and finance, with each subject’s personality reflected through Kahlia’s bold use of colour.

At Montgomery Square, Blaq Excellence explores liberation, belonging and the wider Black diaspora, blending a spectrum of skin tones into its central figure. Completing the trail on George Street is Heartest Truth, which follows the highs and lows of building a successful career through four themes: Downfall, Triumph, Connection and Freedom. The new works sit alongside Canary Wharf’s permanent public art collection, which includes more than 100 sculptures, murals and architectural pieces dotted throughout the neighbourhood.

Designed to be stumbled upon as much as deliberately sought out, the trail offers an easy way to combine art, culture and a wander around Canary Wharf this autumn. Jasmine Kahlia’s Black History Month trail is free to visit throughout October at North Colonnade, Upper Bank Street, Montgomery Square and George Street, Canary Wharf.

Dates: Throughout October 2026

Locations: North Colonnade, Upper Bank Street, Montgomery Square and George Street, Canary Wharf, London

For more information, click here.

Written by Enytha Peer

Mural titled Facin Our Dreamz by Jasmine Kahlia for Canary Wharf Black History Month. Photo credit Sean Pollock

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The Big Gay Brunch Returns to Covent Garden for a ‘Camp Village Fête’ This Pride Saturday

Jun 28

2 min read

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Pride without battling the crowds? The Big Gay Brunch is back, bringing all the sparkle, fabulous vibes and feel-good fun to the heart of the West End. On Saturday 4 July 2026, the beautiful gardens of The Actors' Church in Covent Garden will be transformed into a gloriously camp village fête.

Supported once again by Shaftesbury Capital, alongside new partners The Yards, Covent Garden and Westminster City Council, the festivities begin at 11am, welcoming the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a joyful day of celebration, connection and plenty of fabulous entertainment.

The day features a vibrant lineup of entertainment and activities:

Star-Studded Hosting: The festivities will be led by the fabulous headline host Ella V Ryde (@ellavryde), with enchanting storytelling sessions from the iconic Mama G (@mamagstories).
Live Performances: The stage will come alive with talent from Laine Theatre Arts and the uplifting Sing Space Community Choir.
Creative Workshops: Attendees can get hands-on with interactive pottery and drag puppet-making workshops.
The Glam Station: Guests can get Pride-ready with complimentary professional make-up sessions courtesy of the cosmetic icons at Charlotte Tilbury.
Makers Market: A curated selection of stalls showcasing goods from local LGBTQ+ creators and independent businesses.

All proceeds from the day will benefit London Friend (https://londonfriend.org.uk/), the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity. Celebrating more than 50 years of service, London Friend provides essential health and mental wellbeing support to the community.

A poignant addition to this year’s event is the ‘Ribbon Wall.’ For a small donation to the charity, guests are invited to tie a rainbow ribbon to the wall with a commemorative card, honouring a loved one, or showing support for those currently facing physical or mental health challenges. Look out for the raffle too, raising funds for London Friend, with an array of great prizes, which include: Tickets to hit shows including Magic Mike Live and The Hunger Games.

Whether you're kicking off your Pride weekend or simply looking for a relaxed spot to celebrate love, community and inclusivity, The Big Gay Brunch promises a colourful afternoon packed with good food, great company and unforgettable Pride spirit.

For more information, click here.

Address: The Actors’ Church (St. Paul’s), Bedford St, London, WC2E 9ED

Photography courtesy of The Big Gay Brunch