Cheryl Kuczynski on this year’s mix of music, literature, comedy and family events

Flyer for the screening of Metropolis as part of the Proms at St Jude's Music & Literary Festival 2023

Proms at St Jude’s Music and Literature Festival is back!

Featuring a jam-packed programme of live music, literature, comedy, heritage walks and fun family events to start the summer with a bang. The festival takes place in and around Central Square and runs from 24 June to 2 July, with a programme that includes traditional Proms’ favourites as well as performers that are brand new to the Festival.

Some events are free and there is truly something for everyone.

Evening Concerts feature opera, jazz, the classics and Broadway tunes. Silent movies make a welcome return to Proms with a screening of Fritz Lang’s Expressionist silent movie, Metropolis, accompanying music performed by the Covent Garden Sinfonia (see flyer above).

On Saturday 1st July, the refreshment marquee will also host a stand-up comedy night and Irish traditional music.

Lunchtime concerts are completely free of charge with choral music as well as organ, piano and trumpet. What better way to while away an hour or so?

LitFest promises a sell-out weekend of talks and interviews. This year LitFest authors include Valentine Low, Henry Dimbleby, Justin Webb, Paul Hayward, Polly Toynbee, Daniel Finkelstein, Henry Marsh and Alan Philps. Heritage Walks are hugely popular and one or two have already sold out – so book now to avoid disappointment.

This year Proms is really pushing the boat out for kids this year with its first-ever Family Festival on Sunday 2 July. There will be music, story-telling, an art workshop and face painting. Not to mention pizza and ice cream! One or two events free and it is an absolute must as a day for the whole family to enjoy.

Great food and refreshments are available at all events. If the sun is shining, bring a rug and enjoy a picnic. Proms at St Jude’s raises funds for North London Hospice and Toynbee Hall.

Tickets are now on sale so go to check out the programme details and to book your seats right away – you know it makes sense!

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