Music, Jerk ‘n Tings

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Join us for a family-friendly day of food and music in the Gardens celebrating Caribbean culture.

Happening across the Horniman Bandstand, we will be celebrating the contribution of Caribbean culture to Britain with family activities, live music, dancing and food.

The Bandstand will be hosting music and dancing for all the family to enjoy, plus some of the UK’s top Caribbean and African chefs will be cooking up a storm with jerk, vegan and vegetarian food.

This event is in partnership with Fairweather Productions and supported by The Voice, The Gleaner, and The Windrush Collection.

Event information

Bandstand line up

Donna Spence

Donna Spence will be returning as your host for Music Jerk n Tings!

DJ Daddy Ernie from Vibes FM | 1.05pm

Bringing fresh sounds in reggae, soul, dancehall, soca, afrobeats, rap and R&B – the perfect summer soundtrack.

Delphina James Steel Ensemble | 1.35pm

Steel pan players.

DJ Daddy Ernie | 1.50pm

Floetic Lara | 2.15pm

R&B and poetry from Floetic Lara, contestant on BBC’s The Voice.

Moxie Academy Dance Group | 2.35pm

Youth dance group.

Horniman talent competition | 2.45pm

Step up for an open mic session and show off your talents!

Melody Compton Pegasus Opera Company | 3pm

Opera comes to the Horniman.

African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust | 3.10pm

Hear from our charity of the day.

DJ The Legendary and Ordinary Neville King | 3.15pm

A rare appearance.

Lee Payne | 3.40pm

Tap dancer and Sky One ‘Got to Dance’ semi-finalist.

True Identity | 3.50pm

The melodic trio Joanna, Rowena, and Pamela bring their reggae harmonies to the Bandstand.

J’s Dance Factory | 4.05pm

Performances from South London’s amazing young talent.

Universal V | 4.15pm

Reggae, lover’s rock and Windrush music.

Janet Kay MBE | 5pm

The queen of lover’s rock returns to the Horniman Bandstand to perform her biggest hits.

Dennis Bovell MBE | 5.35pm

A British reggae legend, Dennis Bovell MBE is one of the originators of lover’s rock. He is the producer of huge hits such as ‘Silly Games’ (Janet Kay) and ‘After Tonight’ with his band Matumbi.

Meadow Field DJ stage line up

DJ Teachers Crew | 1pm

R&B and soul.

Surprise DJ | 2pm

DJ Teachers Crew | 3.30pm

Dance, soul, lover’s rock

DJ Owen ‘Stash’ Thompson | 4.30pm

Get down to funky beats with the No. 1 DJ in Forest Hill and surrounding areas

Activities

Bouncy castles | 1pm – 5pm

Bounce as high as you can on giant bouncy castles. Prices from £3. Suitable for ages 3+.

Caribbean Carnival Headdress Workshop | 1pm – 5pm

Join us in celebrating Caribbean culture through vibrant carnival art!

Families of all ages can create their own headdresses using decorative materials, colours, and collaborative creativity. Learn about carnival traditions and culture and enjoy a special carnival dress-up booth. This workshop is being run by Sunshine International Arts, a prominent artistic, educational, and carnival production company based in south London that is committed to inspiring the next generation through the vibrant art of carnival and traditional folklore.

Jerk ‘n Bee Interactive Tour | 2pm and 3pm

From chillies to beans, papaya to plantain, many of our favourite foods wouldn’t be on our plates without bees. Find out how to spot our essential insect friends in an interactive tour of the Horniman Gardens. The tour will last around 30 minutes.

Animal Walk | 12.30pm – 4pm

Visit the alpacas, say hello to the rabbits, or wave ‘hiya!’ to the goats.

Butterfly House | 1pm – 4pm (last entry 3.30pm)

We have a discounted price to visit the Butterfly House during the Fair. Tickets can be purchased from the Butterfly House on the day which is only open for Fair goers. £2.50 per person.

Mini Golf by UrbanCrazy | 11am – 4pm

Tickets can be purchased from the golf stand on the day which is only open for Fair goers. Adult £7, Child £4.50, Family £17.

Suitable for families with children ages 3+

Plus

  • The Horniman Kiosk will be open for drinks and snacks. Ice cream stand open as usual
  • The Horniman Cafe will be open as usual, stamps will allow re-entry to the event
  • Variety of African and Caribbean food traders including delicious vegan and vegetarian offerings
  • Vibrant arts and crafts market
  • Children’s crafts and storytelling
  • Old school games including GIANT dominoes

And more to be announced!

Map of the Horniman Gardens

 

Portrait of Janet Kay
Janet Kay MBE
Dennis Bovell
Dennis Bovell
True Identity
True Identity
Lee Payne
Lee Payne
Melody Compton
Melody Compton
Floetic Lara
Floetic Lara
People enjoying music on the Horniman Bandstand, sat on the grass
Enjoy music, food and more

Terms and Conditions

  • Parents remain responsible for their children at all times.
  • Tickets are non-refundable.
  • Each member of your group must have a ticket.
  • The event will be busy with over two thousand people attending. The dancefloor is for adults and children to dance together.
  • The over 60s tickets are limited and once the allocation is gone they will be removed from sale. Please note that you may be asked for proof of eligibility on the day.
  • Please be aware that the event is standing/dancing with limited seating. It is also outdoors with no shade or rain cover so dress appropriately for the weather on the day. The event will take place whatever the weather and refunds will not be offered in the case of bad weather.
  • A licensed bar will be open during the event. This is a ticketed event and one of the conditions of entry is that all bags and personal belongings will be searched and no alcohol can be brought into the grounds. If alcohol is found it will be confiscated. Failure to comply may result in refusal of entry
  • Filming and photography will be taking place at this event.