Last week, hundreds of shoppers at the London Designer Outlet based next to Wembley Stadium enjoyed the poetry showcase developed by Word Up and local poets from Brent, alongside the magnificent Royal Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the Wemba’s Dream festival.
The fifteen minute poetry performance that featured at the festival took you through a journey of surreal, nightmares, and aspiration – themes that have run through many lives since the pandemic started, and continues to impact the locals of Brent and beyond. Performers included the founders of Word Up, Charlie, Desiree, and Hannah who were supported by poets Tannika Taylor, Sharmay MItchell, and Rakaya Esime Fetuga. The spectacular display of classical sound against the powerful words spoken captivated audiences over four separate performances that were nothing short of exceptional.
Other amazing acts that featured at the festival included FUBUNATION, a brent based dance company and Brent Youth Theatre who collaborated with Mahogany Carnival Arts and All Angels Steel Pan Band. Both produced stunning displays of the arts that originated in the borough of Brent alongside the spectacular musicians that make up the Royal Philarmonic Orchestra who complimented each performance with the classical sounds including the cello and flute. To catch a full recap of all performances that took place on the day visit the RPO website here.
Word Up have been a Brent based poetry organisation that has provided safe spaces for poets to express both online and through live events. Their Words Down writing workshops encourage people to connect through their words which in turn can aid mental health. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has worked with over 9000 young people in Brent over the last 15 years, and will soon be making Wembley Park their new home. For all those interested in experiencing classical music in unique ways, this is the perfect organisation to get in touch with whether it is just to be entertained, or to explore your hidden talents.
Wordplay & Flow 