Bloomsbury Festival 2020 was programmed with public health in mind, in the knowledge that guidance may change. In line with current government guidance we have had to make a few changes to the announced programme. The vast majority of events are still going ahead with options for in person and digital audiences. This year we have also introduced Bloomsbury Festival Radio broadcasting live from 3pm – 9pm with a mix of interviews, live events and features.
Regrettably our launch event, Sights on Store Street has been considerably scaled back. You will still be able to view the installation Opinion Pole from artists YARA + DAVINA in the Crescent outside the Building Centre on Friday 16 October, and inside the Building Centre, throughout the Festival, is the exhibition of the 2020 Art Prize winner from Claire-Ann Abi Ola, while on screens in the foyer will be video optical illusions from Andrew Stockman of UCL Institute of Ophthalmology. Further along Store Street is an exploration of the colour of words at Russell & Chapple by artist Mary Kuper.
Other events that are affected by changes in guidance are the Seeing and Perceiving Hub which will be moving online. We’ll be updating the event listing on our website for the hub shortly, with details about how to watch and engage with the hub digitally.
Unfortunately, The Beethoven Trio Cycle concert at Conway Hall and the performance by Camden Voices at Holy Cross Church have been cancelled. The experience walk, Haunted Bloomsbury, will also not go ahead, but a free audio version of this walk will be available throughout the Festival. All ticket holders for these events will be contacted shortly and offered a full refund.
The Festival team are sorry not to be able to bring some of our planned events this October but despite this unprecedented time still look forward to presenting a local, global and inspiring Festival.