Fun Palaces

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by Angela Lord (subscribe)

Freelance writer specialising in arts, travel and entertainment news, previews and reviews.

Event: 04/10/2014 - 05/10/2014

Fun-packed weekend of free activities

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Fun Palaces aim to bridge the gap between arts and science, offering a range of free cultural activities in both areas, throughout London and nationwide.

Over 100 pop-up events will be held in a celebration of the centenary of theatre director Joan Littlewood, who originally came up with the idea of "Fun Palaces" in collaboration with the architect Cedric Price. While their vision was never fully realised when it was first conceived in the Sixties, it will come to fruition on 4 and 5 October with a weekend of free entertainment.

Here are just a few of the many venues taking part:

Croydon

The Whitgift Centre in Wellesley Road, Croydon, will host hands-on activities, performances, and explorer trails around the area. Activities including ice cream making, 3D printing, urban gardening, crafts, and astronomy.

Norwood

Saturday's events, to be based in Tulse Hil, include science theatre and music workshops. Sunday's events link in with the West Norwood Feast and local charities Rathbone and L'Arche London.

Ovalhouse

Free hands-on activities and performances include music, games, theatre, art events, workshops, discussions, dancing, science, improvisation and cycling. Join in with Maths on Toast, help choreograph a dance performance, make a badge, or write a protest song. There will also be late-night live music on Saturday night.

Southbank Centre

London's Southbank offers a whole host of science and arts-themed events, talks and demonstrations, from cybernetics to dance, and promises to supply bucketfuls of materials to be used for creative activities. Their event runs on 4 October from 11am to 6pm.

Use the interactive map to find your nearest venue: Fun Palace