Let’s be honest, summer’s fast approaching expiration date feels like a bit of a buzzkill. The fresh flowers and summer showers are drying up, dying down, and the gruelling cold front will soon set in. But not to worry, because before the winter blues sets in, for the month of August Somerset House welcomes you to its wondrous new biosphere celebrating community, culture and championing the spirit and strength of community – see you there?
Erected in collaboration with Somerset House Studios residents Gareth Pugh (darling of British fashion) and his partner Carson McColl, the estate’s historic alfresco courtyard transforms into a magical gardenscape.
The month-long programme is a democratic effort encouraging collaboration and providing an imperative platform for both established creatives and grassroots communities.
From dawn to dusk, the festivities will be full to the brim with music, dance, workshops, talks, interactive installations, experiences and more. With wellness and self-care services as well as complimentary makeovers available in the MAC Cosmetics Clubhouse, you’ll be hard pressed not to find the optimal activity for you. Situated parallel to the futuristic beauty salon sits the Wonder Garden, a botanical, open-air conservatory created in partnership with Jo Malone London where your senses will diffuse into the mesmerising soundscape it bestows, and transcend. From Friday night parties hosted by the likes of Daytimers, Movimientos, ESEA Sisters and Nine Nights to Sunday street parties, sizzling, Vogue Balls from Shoreditch’s Vogue Rites, and a pop-up street food market from Black Eats LDN, This Bright Land is set to be the soireé of the summer.
If parties aren’t your cup of tea, there’s also a 35 metre Observation Wheel which rises over Somerset House’s iconic dome and presents those on board with a breathtaking view of London’s skyline. Strap in! This Bright Land is no ordinary adventure.
This Bright Land is open until August 29, 2022: Free daytime entry to the site Monday – Friday; Pay What You Can entry, Monday – Thursday evenings & Saturday daytimes. Special events and programming tickets from £5 (plus transaction fee). £5 per person for rides on the Observation Wheel.
