Programme

4:00

Guests arrive

4:15

Official opening and ribbon cutting

With Mayor of Islington, Cllr Rosaline Ogunro

Music

Blending authentic medieval repertoire from the 11th to 15th centuries with contemporary works inspired by the Middle Ages, the Green Dragon Guild, perform on period instruments including harp and vielle to bring centuries-old music vividly to life.

4:45

Green Dragon Guild medieval band:

This internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble blend medieval melodies, traditional folk songs and original compositions. Performing in a range of ancient and modern languages, accompanied by period and folk instruments, they create a captivating sound world inspired by the music, myths and poetry of the Middle Ages.

6:30

Mediaeval Baebes

Genius Loci (talk tent)

Animal Crackers with Clare Paul

Islington Council's local heritage officer, Clare Paul, explores a selection of the animals that appeared at the fair, revealing what drew crowds to these spectacles. (Please note: this talk features content about animal cruelty; children allowed in at parents' discretion).

5:15

~5:30

Paul Lyalls & friends

Join Islington's finest local poet and writer and celebrate the spoken word! 

6:00

A Strange Medley of Lewdness with Debbie Sims

Join Debbie Sims for a fascinating journey through some of the Museum of Sex Objects' most curious and captivating exhibits. Blending humour, history and unexpected tales, A Strange Medley of Lewdness uncovers forgotten characters, remarkable artefacts and surprising moments from the margins of history. (Please note: this talk may not suitable for children under 14. Children allowed in at parents' discretion).

KIDS AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES WITH:

• The London Museum

• The Museum of the Order of St. John

AND FEASTING WITH:

• The Roasted Uncle Rotisserie chicken with a Middle Eastern Twist

• So Delicious Gourmet burgers and fries

• Redstone Falafel Finest falafels and shawarmas

And…

1:00

Second day of festivities commence!

With Deputy Leader of Islington Council and Councillor for Clerkenwell, Ruth Hayes, and other ward councillors from Bunhill and Clerkenwell

1:30

Welcome to the Bartholomew Fayre

Music

Starting the festivities off as we mean to go on, the Bartholomew Fayre welcomes Evil Elvis - one of London’s most eclectic vinyl DJs.  

1-7

DJ Evil Elvis!

This six-piece band from Islington combine Irish flute, guitar, keys, bass, drums and vocals to deliver lively, genre-defying performances that are as danceable as they are distinctive. 

2:00

Identified Flying Objects

The Higher Planes are a psych-garage soul band whose rich harmonies blend soul, funk, folk and psychedelic rock. Their uplifting sound combines powerful vocals and infectious grooves!

3:00

Higher Planes

This award-winning community choir is renowned for its uplifting performances, rich harmonies and welcoming spirit, blending pop, soul, jazz and feel-good anthems/

3:45

Natural Voices Choir

4:30

The Yes Mess

The Yes Mess deliver a glorious blend of folk, rock ’n’ roll and theatrical pop, brought to life with quirky storytelling, accordion-fuelled melodies and irresistible energy. 

5:30

Erika & the Ravens

Serving up a lively mix of vintage rock ’n’ roll, country and folk-infused originals with soaring vocals, irresistible grooves.

Genius Loci talking tent

~1:50

Paul Lyalls

Join Paul Lyalls as he introduces the Genius Loci tent for the second day!

The Charterhouse with Peter Aiers

Find out about the fascinating history of the Charterhouse, with Peter Aiers OBE, Master and CEO.  

2:30

3:00

Animal Crackers with Clare Paul

See description in Friday's schedule

Printing Clerkenwell with Barnaby Rogerson and Oliver Bennett

3:45

Find out how this rich industry shaped the Clerkenwell area that we know today!

5:00

Smithfield Past, Present, and Future with Alec Forshaw

Architect, author and former conservation officer Alec Forshaw explores the rich and often surprising history of Smithfield, one of London's most historic districts.

Historical walks with…

Alec Forshaw (as above)

5:00

And…

Everything from Friday, PLUS…

• Balloon artist

• Magician, Ian Marchant

• And even more feasting with Finest Fayre, purveyor of the finest sausage rolls and scotch eggs

• Roaming vielle musician, Juliette Primrose