The Gentleman Magazine Issue 15 | June 2019 | Page 57

Moon Festival, a week-long cultural extravaganza, makes its
debut in the Royal Borough of Greenwich this July with an out-
of-this-world programme celebrating our relationship with the
Moon.
The festival, hosted in partnership with the Royal Borough of
Greenwich, will showcase an eclectic programme of art, music,
politics, astronomy and gastronomy – all seen through a lunar
lens. Among the Moon-mad personalities appearing are: The
Handmaid’s Tale author Margaret Atwood; space scientist, The
Sky at Night presenter and self-confessed lunatic Dr Maggie
Aderin-Pocock; and London’s Night Czar Amy Lamé.
Moon Festival creator Livia Filotico says she was inspired to
produce the event after a vision of Londoners partying in the
moonlight. “We come from different cultures, we have different
ideals, different politics, but we all know what it feels like to
raise our heads and look at a full Moon. The Moon allows us
to use the Mayor’s words, remember that in London we don’t
simply tolerate each other’s differences, we celebrate them.”
Events being held in honour of this celestial sphere include:
19th – 21st July: Opening night and weekend
The first night will consist of a Street Party (free entry until
10:30pm) and lunar market with Moon-themed music, street
art, astronomy, spoken word and food – plus a once-in-a-
lifetime art spectacle! Then the Midnight Moon Run (or
walk) is a bespoke theatrical all-night tour of Woolwich. Don’t
miss the Moon Cocktails Masterclass, where you can learn
how to make Moon-inspired cocktails from Woolwich’s most
glamorous mixologist, and Maverick Women and the Moon, a
fascinating talk headlined by Margaret Atwood.
23rd – 25th July
Posh Club Late is a special night-time edition of the legendary
cult cabaret for elegant elders, presented by Duckie and hosted
by Amy Lamé (for over-60s – dress code Posh). Everyone’s
welcome at Witches Worshipping the Moon for spellbinding
memories and Wiccan history from practising witch and
founder of the famed Treadwells Bookshop Christina Oakley
Harrington. Or check out Politics and the Moon, a special
debate in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Moon Landing:
what legal, ethical, political rights do we have over the Moon?
26th July: Closing parties
The festival draws to a close with a closing party underneath
the Cutty Sark with live-music, projection mapping and an
astronomy tour. Alternatively, catch evening vibes at the
Queen’s House with Youth Take Over, a unique party created by
young producers. And make time for the Moon Garden where
you can bliss out amid magical blooms that only blossom at
night.
Moon Festival is the recipient of Arts Council England’s,
National Lottery Heritage Fund and Royal Borough of
Greenwich funds and is part of Royal Borough of Greenwich’s
Festivals for summer 2019 to raise the profile of Woolwich by
delivering an arts and heritage led events programme.
The aim is to increase local residents’ pride and engagement
in where they live, and to position Woolwich as a developing
tourism destination.
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