23 Aug Celebrating Lyric Fest in Hammersmith
This weekend, one of the highlights of the Summer Festival 2021, Lyric Fest, took place in the town centre.
The Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham, Cllr PJ Murphy, welcomed the audience to Lyric Fest on Friday night, commenting that two of his favourite organisations, Hammersmith BID and Lyric Hammersmith Theatre had come together to produce the event; and noting that the Summer Festival, presented by the BID, was now into its 15th year.
Lyric Fest started at 6pm with live acoustic music sessions from performers from the Young Lyric; and also a variety of local musicians. The latter had been sourced by the Lyric Hammersmith, who were looking to give local and emerging musicians a platform to perform.
Following the individual performances, the activity moved down to Lyric Square, with live band John Kelly and Friends rousing the crowd. This was followed by Ultimate Anthems, delivered by Sing It Back – with plenty of support from Hammersmith’s crowds, and a bar and barbeque on the Square.
The Family Day on Saturday attracted many families despite the lack of sunshine. The packed programme included beatboxing workshops, presented by Conrad Murray; the Bewonderment Machine, an artist-built cycle-powered carousel; craft workshops; stilt walkers and face painting. Live theatre was provided by Garlic Theatre and Theatre of Widdershins; with the day concluding with ceilidh dancing. The Mayor of Hammersmith & Fulham again supported the event, mingling with the crowds and trying his hand at a number of the activities.
Lyric Fest was completely free to attend; and Hammersmith’s businesses, residents, shoppers and passers-by were all welcomed to the event.