One of the glorious things about our collective summer breaks are having those unprompted, shared moments of awe, wonder, or just some 'understated fun' with total strangers. We all cherish that common ground, that connection. Chances are, you seek it where it thrives most, and you know where it's at.

Allow us to help you a little with our usual haut tips (sign up for free for our next newsletter) from the worlds of free outdoor events, art, theatre, music, club nights, and a fair few wild cards. 

Let's get started with those Wild Cards. Saving the planet and the UK economy, with a spot of patriotism might not be everybody's cup of tea. But for those of you fired up to do your bit, the post-summer recess provides a few ops in central London. First up is March to Re-Join (10 Sept). Yep, the pro-EU gang making steps towards helping the economy and getting our freedoms back. Then there's the Extinction Rebellion Extravaganza (10-13 September) pushing the climate agenda. Your call.

Right now, we're running a bunch of ticket competitions for September. Win tickets to party Gatsby-style at the Candlelight Club! Or see Welsh chanteuse and electronic producer Gwenno at the Village Underground (as part of the venues 15yr anniversary!). Or, win tickets to head to Camden's KOKO to see Mr Jukes (Bombay Bicycle Club) and London rapper Barney Artist! Finally, we have tickets to see Word-Play at the Royal Court theatre, written by the brilliant Rabiah Hussain. Her intensely topical play is set in the Downing Street Press Office during a moment of crisis triggered by the use of some ill-chosen language. Awks.

And now, introducing our Guest Editor, Artistic Director Bradley Hemmings MBE, who is the founder of the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF). 

GDIF is London's award-winning, free, annual outdoor theatre and performing arts festival, taking place across Greenwich, Thamesmead and East London from 26 August - 11 September.

For 2022, the festival welcomes a record number of international artists from Spain, Germany, Flanders, Italy, France, The Netherlands, Ukraine and The United States. Some of the highlights include Peter Hudson’s 32ft high zoetrope Charon, originally created for Burning Man Festival. Plus, SPARK, the creation of Dutch artist and innovator Daan Roosegaarde, who takes inspiration from the natural phenomenon of fireflies, to create a reimagined and environmentally responsible public celebration, which updates the ritual of fireworks.

In Bradley's Run Riot Interview with writer Naz, they chat about the festival theme - Common Ground - setting out to remind us of the importance of shared values, rituals and togetherness. Hemmings says, "I hope that this year’s festival will offer audiences a moment of sanctuary from the anxious times that we’ve been living through. It’s heartening that many of the incredible artists we’re working with this year are using the outdoors to offer us a glimpse of collective possibility and purpose".

Well, dear player, engage how you can, and enjoy yourself! We'll write again soon. Bottoms up! RR x