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A festival of culture, creativity and technology is now underway at the somewhat unlikely setting of the Leadenhall Building, affectionately known as the Cheesegrater by Londoners.
The series of free events includes talks, workshops, live art performances and many more moments of creativity and inspiration.
Jamie Laing has already featured in a talk about mental health, and comedian Athena Kugblenu has appeared to question our relationship with social media when it comes to creativity. The likes of AI expert Dr Daniel Hulme, award winning journalist Vicky Spratt will be appearing soon.
Kugblenu said, “I spoke about how social media and content creation has opened doors for me as a creative, but also about the ways it has forced me to adapt as well. I am interested in how much content we consume online by suggestion and I hoped I'd be able to give the perspective of a creative who sees opportunities but also the less welcome implications.”
As for the unexpected venue for such an event, she said, “Art, culture and conversation belongs everywhere. But it doesn't happen by accident. It has to be intentional and loud. I think using spaces like The Cheesegrater is key to keeping the city welcoming, interesting and fun.
I think its a reflection of London finally becoming the place it was designed to be! These different offerings have always been in close proximity to each other, they just needed connecting. Events like this are a great way to do that.”
Musicians throughout the month long programme include live dance music creator Michael Sebastian and jazz singer Isobel Gathercole. And as part of its Summer of Sport, the Eastern City BID are delivering health and wellness classes and Antidote LDN are hosting a series of workshops.
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’Leadenhall Live’ has been curated by Savills with support from Ch!lled Agency and is hosted in the 30m-high public galleria at the base of the skyscraper, surrounded by other landmarks including the Gherkin (30 St. Mary Axe), Lloyds of London and The Scalpel (52-54 Lime Street). The surrounding cityscape is apt for a programme which has been curated to inspire and challenge its attendees. It is all part of the evolution of the Square Mile as a destination for the professionals, residents and visitors within the area.
Adam Goldin, Head of UK at C C Land, landlords at The Cheesegrater, says, “Through activations like Leadenhall Live we want to enhance the day-to-day experience of everyone working within and visiting The Cheesegrater. The intention is for their time in the City to be memorable beyond just work and each session has been curated to resonate deeply with its audience. As custodians of the City, we believe it is our responsibility to enrich the lives of those who work here and we hope Leadenhall Live achieves that.
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The festival is also drawing people from across the city and encouraging them to meet, and spend time, in the Square Mile. This supports the broader evolution of the City of London into a dynamic place to work and socialise. We hope that the increased footfall from events like Leadenhall Live also helps to support local businesses, as well as raise awareness for the importance of culture in the City.”
Goldin adds, “The more culture, cuisine and retail we can bring to the City, the more it will encourage workers and visitors to stay longer and fully enjoy the area's offering. Our hope is that the current momentum continues to put the City on the map as a buzzing 24/7 destination for everyone.”
Visit the website to see the full programme and follow @LeadenhallLive to be the first to hear about new additions to the line-up. Tickets are free, advance is booking required.
