DAYTIMERS Festival at the Horniman

The Horniman has invited DAYTIMERS to curate and programme a family-friendly day festival in the Horniman Gardens.

Come along for arts and crafts, workshops, food, live music, DJs and more.

DAYTIMERS are the collective at the forefront of the South Asian Underground movement’s resurgence.

Scroll to the bottom of the page for a map of the Gardens or see a map here.

See more detailed information about the day in our Social Story.

Music in the Bandstand

Joining us in the Horniman Bandstand are an incredible range of bands, artists and DJs representing the widest variety of South Asian musical talent.

Jawari | 2pm

Drawing on the eclectic musical and interdisciplinary backgrounds of its members and collaborators with an emphasis on the Indian Classical tradition, JAWARI is cultivating a distinct identity within the global jazz scene. Following sell-out gigs in London, including a headline gig at Servant Jazz Quarters, they are currently releasing their debut album, ROAD RASA.

Tara Lily | 3pm

Growing up in south London, British-Bengali musician Tara Lily has a unique perspective on music and global culture. She has spent her life absorbing a multitude of sounds and genres from her surroundings, ranging from electronica to classical jazz and Indian classical music.

Robert Luis (founder of Tru Thoughts record label) | 4pm

Robert Luis is the founder, co-owner and A&R for the Tru Thoughts record label based in Brighton, England. He has worked with and introduced a whole host of acts into the musical world, signing Quantic, Bonobo and Alice Russell and releasing their debut albums. His eclectic DJ style has resulted in him DJing everywhere from underground clubs in Moscow to SXSW and Love Supreme Festivals.

Sharan b2b Kaya M | 5pm

Vinyl specialists Kaya M and Sharan come together for an exciting b2b, celebrating reggae and dub in all it’s glory. Sharan was one of the most committed figures in reggae legend Shaka’s following, with 20 years of experience documenting the reggae community. Kaya M has made a great mark with her bold sets, honing in on soulful sounds of rocksteady, ska, and early stepper music.

V.I.V.E.K. | 6pm

Artist, label owner, world-touring selector and system building soundman V.I.V.E.K is a lifelong frequency student dedicated to sound system culture. He has total respect for the heritage, value and rich variety of true music, an ability to totally arrest your full attention and imagination with his music and has done so since he emerged in the early 2000s.

Music in the Sunken Garden | 3-6pm

NTS Radio DJ and presenter Sway of The Verses soundtracks the Sunken Gardens digging deep into his crates with Ragas, Hindustani classical, Qawalii, Indo jazz and so much more. Discover the intricacies of this ever-evolving ancient musical tradition as he weaves his way through musicians, instruments, ragas and time-cycles.

Talks in the Sunken Gardens

Errol Reuben Fernandes and Annette Foerger | 3pm

Hornimna Head of Horticulture Errol Reuben Fernandes and Senior Gardener Annette Foerger present Chilli Chaats.

Misery Party | 4pm

Misery Party presents Misery Medicine: Plant Magic Workshop and Walk. Do you love the idea of foraging but don’t know where to start? Are you curious about medicinal herbs & their histories of healing? Come and join Maymana for a gentle introduction to the plants and herbs all around us at the Horniman.

Drop-in craft workshops

• Eco-printing with Shama Kun from Oitij-Jo | 3pm
• Indigo Ink Intentions with Sheyamali Sudesh | 4pm
• Block Printing with Paaras Abbas | 5pm

Chai tasting in the Dutch Barn | 3pm and 4pm

Join Punam and the Khao Suppers team for a chai workshop where she will demonstrate the fundamental ingredients and processes for creating the ideal cup of Masala Chai. Guests will have a chance to watch a demonstration and enjoy a cup of chai as you watch along. Sessions start at 3pm and 4pm and last 45 minutes.

Food activities in the Pavilion | 4-6pm

The pavilion will play host to chai tea tasting and a Sri Lankan Supper Club ahead of Refugee Week 2024 hosted by SUP? Supper Club.

Please note: tickets to the supper club are limited and ticketed separately on the SUP? website.

Arts Crafts and Food stalls

Browse a selection of arts and crafts stalls throughout the Gardens including Jazzy Hats, Happy Clay Productions, Sahani Saani, Semira Badesha Art, Krishma Sabbarwal, SILVERMELT, Sister Midnight, Shunayna, Kushiaania and Anisha Parmar Studio.

There will also be a wide variety of amazing food on offer from En Root, Goodness Gracious Feast, OITIJ-JO Kitchen, Dishoom, KB Eats & Vegetarian Brown Girls.

Dance and music in Gallery Square

The Bhavan Bharatanatyam Dance Group | 3.30pm

Head to Gallery Square for an offering of South Indian dance and classical performances from the Bharat Vidya Bhavan’s Bhavan Bharatanatyam Dance Group, including a Bharatnatyam Dance and Classical Carnatic Violin and Mridangam.

Nagaraju Lanka | 4.30pm

The incredible Nagaraju Lanka will also be performing a Carnatic violin solo in this intimate setting.

Events in Gallery Square are free for the public and non-festival goers.

Music in the Hands On Base | 12.30-5.30pm

Broadcasting live from inside the Horniman, Lewisham-based radio station Sister Midnight FM invites their residents and some special guests to bring the festival to the airwaves. They’ll be broadcasting all afternoon, live on SMFM, and visitors can watch the hosts and DJs carry out their shows from inside the Museum! They’ll be joined by:

4RESH | 12.30pm

Amar Patel | 1.30pm

Solidarity Tapes, and SMFM crew and residents | 2.30pm

4RESH | 3.30pm

Iti | 4.30pm

Talks and Workshops in the Conservatory

Situating Cultural Curatorial Practices panel talk | 2pm

Deen and Dunya | 3.30pm

In the Belly of the Beast Race and Resistance Workshop with Amardeep Singh Dhillon and Amrit Wilson | 4.45pm