Leicester Square, a renowned hub for entertainment and culture in London, is set to host the highly anticipated Inside Out Festival on August 9th and 10th. This vibrant outdoor event promises a diverse array of free activities, transforming the iconic square into a lively celebration of creativity accessible to all ages and interests.
The festival agenda is packed with engaging experiences designed to captivate a wide audience. Attendees can look forward to immersive live theatre performances that bring stories to life under the open sky, alongside unique cinema experiences that offer a fresh perspective on film appreciation. These offerings underscore the festival’s commitment to making the arts universally available.
A significant highlight for fans of fantasy and magic will be the exclusive Harry Potter wand workshops. These special sessions, led by Paul Harris, the acclaimed wand choreographer for the beloved Harry Potter films, offer a unique opportunity for young witches and wizards to learn authentic wand combat techniques, adding an interactive and spellbinding dimension to the London family events.
As evening descends on Saturday, the square will come alive with a silent disco, an innovative entertainment concept. Participants can dance to a captivating mix of film soundtracks and classic West End musical hits through individual headphones, creating a communal yet personalized musical experience in the heart of the city, perfectly aligning with the free cultural activities on offer.
The Inside Out Festival also commemorates the fifth anniversary of the much-loved Scenes in the Square movie statue trail. This popular attraction features beloved cinematic characters like Paddington Bear, Mary Poppins, and Bugs Bunny, providing fantastic photo opportunities and a nostalgic journey through film history that complements the cinema entertainment theme.
Kirsty Tullett-Jones, Director of Marketing and Communications for Discover Leicester Square, expressed immense excitement about the upcoming event. She emphasized the festival’s vision to bring the rich creativity typically housed within London’s theatres and cinemas out into the public space, allowing everyone to enjoy the unique magic of the entertainment district in an entirely new and accessible format.
Curated by Discover Leicester Square in collaboration with Westminster City Council, the Inside Out Festival is an integral part of a broader summer arts programme enriching the entire borough. Beyond the structured activities, the festival offers green spaces for relaxation and picnics, with convenient access to nearby cinemas, shops, restaurants, and hotels, solidifying Leicester Square’s status as a premier festival destination.
