The grand 18th century building may be closed for major works at the moment, but this weekend, 3 and 4 August, the grounds of Hampstead’s Kenwood House will be opening for their Summer Garden Fete.
Organised like a traditional village gathering, there will music, dancing and vintage stalls, as well as participate in traditional games. The weekend also marks the unveiling of Kenwood House’s newly-restored exterior (you’ll be able to venture inside from November of this year) and the completion of restoration works on the ‘Kenwood Dairy‘ – the building’s buttery will be hosting butter-making demonstrations throughout the weekend. Visitors will also be able to take afternoon tea in the octagonal tea room which is attached to the building.
Later this month Kenwood’s grounds will also be hosting Live By The Lake, a popular series of outdoor concerts which will run from 23 to 25 August and 30 August to September 1st. There’s an impressive lineup of artists appearing this year, including Suede and Keane, Michael Ball and other divas sing Gershwin and both the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and English National Opera will be participating. Rumour has it that there will be a grand firework display on the last evening too – if it’s a clear night can you imagine what that will look like reflected in the water?
You can find out all of the details of the Live By The Lake schedule over at the official website and on their Facebook page.
Keep your eyes peeled for updates on Kenwood House, as I may be venturing over there this weekend…