There’s events a’plenty in Wandsworth this June, from a literary festival and a tap takeover in Clapham to open gardens and a bake off in Tooting. Here are our 10 favourite things to do, see and enjoy.
Wandsworth Heritage Festival, various around Wandsworth
Explore the life and times of our very own borough at the annual Heritage Festival in Wandsworth this June. The packed programme includes guided walks, family drop-in sessions, fascinating talks and tours of some of Wandsworth’s well-known venues. We love the open weekend at Wandsworth Prison Museum and ‘Over the Road’, an exhibition celebrating the lives of 15 extraordinary women who lived in Roehampton.
Until 11th June, wandsworth.gov.uk/events
Balham Literary Festival, Balham
Dulwich Books and the Bedford Pub perform hosting duties in Wandsworth this June to present four days of exceptional talks and literary sessions for book lovers. On Friday, Laura Barnett, author of ‘The Versions of Us’ will be discussing her new book ‘Greatest Hits’ in the company of Mercury Prize nominated singer-songwriter Kathryn Williams who will perform a series of songs inspired by the novel. Sunday sees surgeon-turned-writer Henry Marsh CBE talk about his extraordinary memoir ‘Do No Harm’ with local GP Rosemary Leonard (a writer herself).
8-11 June, balhamliteraryfestival.co.uk
The King & Co. x Gypsy Hill Brewing Company, Clapham
The Gypsy Hill Brewing Company are coming to Clapham’s innovative King & Co. pub for a ‘tap takeover’ this June. On the 1st, the lads from GHBC will be at the venue in person to chat about their uniquely-named brews including ‘Beatnik’, ‘Southpaw’ and ‘Dissident’ then the beers will be on rotation at King & Co. throughout June.
From 1 June, gipsyhillbrew.com/events-archive/king-co/
Open Garden Squares Weekend, various
For one weekend only, more than 230 private, secret and little known gardens will be opening up to the public. In Wandsworth, a single ticket will get you access to the sustainable Bramford Community Garden, Wendlesworth Community Garden – where you’ll find a community-run orchard – and Paradise Co-op Urban Farm, a thriving educational space built on a patch of land that was once derelict and overgrown.
17-18 June, opensquares.org
Live at the Bandstand, Battersea
We’ll be hoping for sunshine as a weekend of live music, food and – well, dogs – kicks off at the bandstand in Battersea Park. On Saturday, expect a great line up of local bands then head down on Sunday with your four-legged friends. Bring the two-legged variety if you must.
17-18 June, enablelc.org/events/
The Big London Bake Off, Tooting
Ever fancied a star-turn in the Big White Tent? ‘GBBO’ may have moved to Channel 4 but if you want to rise to the challenge a little closer to home, try a cake-making session in Wandsworth this June at The Castle pub. Book for two and compete against local competitors or nab the entire tent, whip up a group of mates and get cracking to see who can beat the others and taste the stiff peaks of sweet victory. And if those aren’t enough baking puns for you, I dough know what is.
Until 14 July, designmynight.com/london/whats-on/something-a-little-different-events/the-big-london-bake-off
Fizz Tasting, Battersea
Early winemakers used to let the natural CO2 escape from their wine to stop the bottles exploding. Then along came the fearless French who refused to let the chance of getting glassed in the face come between them and the good stuff. They donned heavy iron masks, called this delicious but dangerous drink ‘Le Vin du Diable’ – The Devil’s Wine – and got on with it. If you know your Cava from your Crémant, or if you’d like to find out, Battersea’s Humble Grape hosts a night of bubble tasting this June. The menu features six different delectable libations from Prosecco to Brut.
June 20, humblegrape.co.uk/events/fizz-tasting-806.html
The Grand Presents.., Clapham Junction
Clapham Junction’s The Grand has really upped its game of late, hosting a series of cool and creative events that you actually want to go to. The Grand Presents… is a series of movie screenings followed by a themed party so for June, catch ‘Step Up’, ‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Mama Mia: Sing-a-long’ where you will can practice your fandango to a live ABBA tribute band and eat popcorn for a pound.
Throughout June, the-grand-presents.designmynight.com
Neverland, Wandsworth Bridge
Not usually known for its scenic views, this month Wandsworth Bridge Road is transformed into Neverland, a BYOB urban beach that boasts its own food market. There’s a real sand beach for Thames-side sunbathing, complete with deck chairs and beach huts that can be booked out for groups of six or more. You can even hire your own ‘Beach Butler’ to bring the drinks if all the relaxing gets a bit too much.
Until 3 October, neverlandlondon.com
Sunday Jamm, Brixton
Whether your Sunday is reserved for winding down or charging up, Sunday Jamm at Brixton Jamm has something for everyone. The iconic Brixton venue showcases new reggae and serves up delicious street food, while happy hour from 2-5pm and bottomless Bloody Marys will keep the party going until Monday morning.
Sundays in June, sundayjamm.designmynight.com
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