London’s combat sports scene is a chance to experience the excitement and challenge of physical and strategic games in the beating heart of the UK. Whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer eager to learn, the capital’s diverse offerings cater to all skill levels and interests.

From traditional martial arts to modern hybrid sports, London provides numerous opportunities for you to engage physically and mentally. These activities build your fitness and build discipline as you interact with fellow participants across the city.

The Rise of Paintballing in London’s Outdoor Spaces

London offers an exhilarating paintballing experience, with venues located in picturesque outdoor settings that provide both natural and artificial obstacles. These setups are ideal for you and your friends to dive into a world of strategic gameplay and physical exertion. Paintballing in London caters to various levels of expertise, from beginners to veteran enthusiasts, helping everyone to find a game that suits their skills.

The sport’s appeal lies in its ability to combine teamwork with individual skill. As you navigate through forests or decommissioned buildings, the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of a well-aimed shot contribute to a day filled with adrenaline and laughter. Paintballing is not just about hitting targets; it’s about creating memories and strengthening bonds.

Realistic Tactical Games in the Heart of the City

Airsoft is a compelling sport that simulates military engagements with a high degree of realism, using replica firearms that fire non-lethal plastic pellets. In London, the airsoft community is thriving, with various venues offering themed games ranging from historical reenactments to futuristic battles. These games demand physical agility, strategic planning, and teamwork, making them a perfect weekend activity if you enjoy challenging and immersive experiences.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the sport, getting to know the different types of airsoft guns available can help your performance in the field. Whether you prefer a sniper’s precision or the rapid-fire action of an assault rifle, airsoft offers a versatile range of equipment to suit your gameplay style and tactical preferences.

Combining Skill and Strategy for Capital Adventures

Archery tag is swiftly gaining popularity in London as an exciting blend of dodgeball, paintball, and traditional archery. Using bows and foam-tipped arrows, this game allows you and your team to engage in mock battles in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings. The primary goal is to tag opponents with your arrows while dodging those aimed at you, all within the confines of a specially designed arena that challenges your agility and accuracy.

This sport provides a unique opportunity to develop your archery skills in a dynamic and fun environment. It encourages quick thinking and teamwork, making it an excellent choice for team-building events or just a day out with friends. As you master the bow and learn to move stealthily around the arena, you’ll find both your confidence and your aim improving significantly.

London’s combat sports scene invites you to step out of your routine and dive into activities that blend physical prowess with strategic gameplay. Whether it’s paintballing, airsoft, or archery tag, each activity provides a unique blend of teamwork, skill, and fun, making them perfect for those looking to add a dash of thrill to their leisure time. Grab your gear, gather your friends, and prepare for the adrenaline and camaraderie that combat sports offer right here in the heart of London.

Which London clubs have been the most successful in their respective histories? Below, we’ll shine a spotlight on the London-based outfits that have lifted the most major trophies through the decades.

Arsenal

North London club Arsenal are currently the capital’s most successful football club, based on major trophies won. They have 30 trophies to their name, including 14 FA Cups and 13 top-flight titles. It’s been 20 years since the Gunners last lifted the Premier League trophy. However, the stars could be aligning for Arsenal to win the Premier League once again in 2023/24. Mikel Arteta’s men are one of three teams with a great chance of finishing at the summit in May.

They also have two League Cup trophies in the cabinet, as well as one major European final victory. The Gunners won the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994, edging out Italian Serie A side Parma 1-0 in a nervy final. They went on to finish runners-up in the competition the following season.

Chelsea

West London side Chelsea run Arsenal close for the tag as London’s most successful football club. This part of London is famed for its football club, as well as its iconic Flower Show. The Blues have 25 major trophies to their name, five less than their city rivals. Chelsea have six top-flight titles in the bag, winning five of these in the Premier League era between 2005 and 2017. The Blues won their first top-flight title in 1955.

Chelsea have won five League Cups as well as eight FA Cups. The Blues have had significantly more success in European competition than the Gunners. They have two UEFA Champions League titles, as well as two titles apiece in the UEFA Europa League and European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham Hotspur are a distant third in the ranking of London’s most successful clubs. They have just two top-flight titles to their name but have won the same number of FA Cups as Chelsea. In total, Spurs have 17 trophies in their cabinet, including four League Cups, one European Cup Winners’ Cup and a brace of UEFA Europa League/UEFA Cup titles.

So, there we have it: Arsenal reigns supreme as London’s most successful football club of all time. With the Gunners still in the hunt for a Premier League title and the Champions League this season, there’s every chance they extend their lead over their city rivals.

Photo by Chris Kursikowski 

From Sherlock Holmes’ Baker Street to boujee French cuisine, we track the cultural and foodie delights of Marylebone. We discovered a streetful of antique shops as well as high-end boutiques, indie bookshops and backstreet art galleries. But which are our chosen hotspots?

So, What’s Hot Marylebone?

Madame Tussauds

It doesn’t take long to find out why there’s a glitzy red carpet entrance. The wall-to-wall Who’s Who of waxwork celebrities and public figures will excite and delight, regardless of whether you’re a Star Wars fan sitting in the Mos Eisley cantina with Han Solo or protesting outside No.10 Downing Street wth suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. A waxwork of rapper Stormzy stands next to Shakespeare’s in a Battle of the Bards and the imposing and chiselled figure of boxer Anthony Joshua joins the wax-honoured ranks. The full line up of James Bonds is a visitor favourite to rival the Royal Family, who remain a big attraction even after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

It is situated at 221B Baker Street, the real address of the fictional detective and is the world’s first Sherlock Holmes museum. The museum recreates the decor and atmosphere of the Georgian townhouse he rented when hunting down the likes of Professor Moriarty. The gruesome murder finds in some of the rooms in this four-storey space make it something of a House of Horrors.

Alfie’s Antique Market

It’s situated on a street full of antique shops but Alfie’s Antique Market stands out for its bazaar-style vibe and extensive range of bohemian bits and bobs. This quaintly put together art deco building houses cheek by jowl shop units selling everything from African art and carvings to rare collectibles and curiosities. Even more curiously, the life-size Great White Shark dangling from the ceiling doesn’t look out of place in this wonderfully offbeat emporium from decades (centuries?) past.

Lisson Gallery

This hidden gem tucked away on a quiet secondary street is a remarkable find. The popping, striking works on display are curated with distinction and discovery in mind. Exhibitions by established and emerging artists on all three floors.

Aubaine Marylebone

There’s a touch of class about this French restaurant. This fine dining spot has floor to ceiling windows, a low lit romantic vibe and a wine selection that holds its own in this Gallic-flavoured corner of Marylebone. Intimate dining with that special one, for sure. The boujee prices are in keeping with the quality cuisine and the upmarket neighbourhood.

                                                                                                                                                              Croydon-based entrepreneur, author, saxophonist and fitness devotee Elizabeth Young looks remarkably young for her age (young in name and nature). So youthful in fact, that the national press sought interviews with her to find the secrets to this fountain of youth. Her stints on TV, including Supersize Vs Superskinny, have drawn even more attention to her age-defying looks.

Elizabeth Young [Photo credit, Oliver Papp]

More recently, she has launched a series of retro club nights at the Cornerhouse, Croydon with DJs playing favourites from decades past to a discerning and appreciative crowd. The latest event on the Easter weekend featured a live jazz band playing 1920s and 1930s-style compositions. Her special guest was Grammy-nominated British reggae star Tippa Irie, who signed copies of his autobiography Stick To My Roots.

Tippa Irie and Elizabeth Young, book signing at Croydon’s Cornerhouse.

We interview Elizabeth about reality TV, Croydon clubbing and her future ventures

So first of all, tell us more about your stint on Supersize Vs Superskinny

Well, I came across the advert for the show and they were seeking people who would be up for eating junk food for a week. I wanted that challenge, even though I am into fitness. I wanted to show people you don’t have to be starving yourself to be slim. But obviously it was road crash TV so it didn’t quite work out that way. But as I said to the show’s producer, no matter how you portray me, ultimately, people will see that I look young and look slim and that will engage them in the right way.

And how did your interview with the Daily Mail come about?

They were looking for people who looked young for their age and after I dd the first interview with the Daily Mail I was contacted again by the same journalist who was interested in updates and feature articles. So things developed from there and interest picked up.

What’s the inspiration behind these Croydon club nights?

I love clubbing and partying! I vowed from a young age, when I was in my twenties, I was never going to stop. The music of today isn’t that great so in order for me to enjoy myself I need to create an event where I can have fun. We will continue with the retro music because of the unique energy it brings – it’s not a fad, it never gets old, it never dies. Tonight we have a 1920s jazz band as the warm up act!

The Forest Hill Owls jazz band, Cornerhouse, Croydon

My events are free. I think it’s quite outrageous that people are expected to pay twenty, thirty or forty pounds for nightlife so I don’t charge people for entry. We have a great time! Currently, we organise the parties every three months to give people space to anticipate the next one.

And Elizabeth also play’s alto saxophone. Hence, her love of jazz music! Looking forward to the next event.

Thankfully, there are some creative ways to minimise the cost of hosting your event, whether it’s a social meet-up, a birthday bash, or a corporate soirée.

Choose the Venue Wisely

London is known for its high cost of spaces and limited availability, so you will need to be strategic with the venue as there are lots of alternative affordable options available if you know where to look. One thing to note is that the obvious locations, such as landmarks or hotels, will come with premium price tags, so consider the unconventional venue hire London options. These are spaces such as private residences, multi-use event spaces, art galleries, and lounges. These can still give you the ambience you want without having to pay a premium price.

When you identify a couple of spaces, don’t be afraid to ask whether there are any discounts or package deals. Some venues will allow you to add some of the extra services you need, such as catering or audiovisual equipment, at a fraction of what you would have to pay for an outside service. This means that you should also prioritise such venues as they may save you a lot in the budget. However, don’t forget that you’ll need to travel there, so ensure that you also consider transportation, accessibility, parking, and amenities.

Be Strategic with the Timing

In London, timing can save you a lot. Since the city has limited spaces, the pricing usually varies with the time. This includes how close to the event it is, the day of the week, and the time of the event. And if you are strategic, you can get a great hosting space for a fraction of the regular cost.

Basically, you’ll want to avoid the peak periods. This starts with the seasons, as some venues, such as outdoor spaces, are usually in high demand during the summer. You can then narrow down to the days, where you’ll find that weekends are the most expensive. To save money, you can plan for your event to take place on a weekday. If you book a space for a Wednesday evening, you will pay significantly less than what you would have paid for a Saturday evening. A daytime period will be even cheaper.

Opt for Affordable Catering Options

Besides the venue, catering is the other costly aspect of any social event. However, there are many ways to ensure that you still serve delicious food without breaking the bank. One of them is exploring budget-friendly catering companies or catering schools as they are less expensive. You can then play around with the menu to reduce some items or change some to cheaper options. If the event is not formal, you can also opt for potluck-style meals or food trucks.

Another area where you can significantly reduce the budget is beverages. First, avoid the idea of serving premium wines and spirits, as these are quite costly. Instead, you can offer a selection of signature cocktails, beer, and wine. You can even have a policy where the guests bring their own bottle and do away with a huge chunk of the budget.

Leverage Technology

Technology has proven to be a game-changer in event planning, and you can use it to cut down on planning expenses. First, you can make your work easier by using an event planning tool or platform to organise everything in one location.

But besides that, you can take advantage of social media to handle all attendee-related aspects. This starts with the invitations, as you can avoid the cost of printing, and it will even make it easier for them to RSVP. You can also communicate with them easily and let them know if there’s any change of plans. If it’s an event where you are inviting people to attend or book, social media can also provide you with a free platform. This will significantly help reduce the budget for hosting your event.

Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress wins at London’s Sur-REEL & Uncanny Film Fest

                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Surreal short film Osiris wowed the audience at the recent Sur-REEL & Uncanny Film Fest, a celebration of surreal experimentation in independent filmmaking. The London film festival, now in its 2nd year, awarded director Elliott Reeves the overall Best Film statuette for his cinematic gem about a young woman’s nightmare; a nightmare that weaves an uncanny trail in her waking life. You’ll find yourself transfixed by the edgy plot points while piecing together this eerie thriller. Lead actress Meg Clarke, who plays Nova, won Best Actress at the awards with Elliott Reeves triumphing in the Best Director catergory. He shares his production journey.

What inspired you to make Osiris?

David Lynch is one of my favourite filmmakers and amongst my biggest inspirations. I love the kind of filmmaking that doesn’t always directly explain everything that’s going on in the film and where there’s a lot going on that you might not catch on first watch. The sort of mystery that gets you coming back to watch the film over and over again.

Tell us a bit about your production experience before shooting Osiris

I studied film production at Staffordshire University, so a lot of my knowledge came from there and probably 80% of the films I have made before have come from there. I have made 10 short films up to this point but they were mostly co-written, co-directed projects, whereas this is the first short that I have fully directed and written myself. I have shot a few music videos as well – but no features as yet.

The film has a slick, professional look – alongside its jarring edginess. Could you tell us how you achieved such amazing production values?

I worked closely with my cinematographer Sam Powyer who is really talented – he’s shot a lot of music videos. We discussed the look of the film and I sent him reference images from cinema and photography close to the kind of vibe I wanted. There’s a photographer called Gregory Crewdson who is quite amazing in terms of surreal imagery, so that was certainly an inspiration for the cinematic look we wanted. Our cinematographer’s lighting had this amazing depth and also superbly created the uneasy atmosphere that we were going for. Post production-wise, the majority of the editing was done by me, toiling away over a year.

The film is very layered and has lots of hidden elements. Some film fans at the festival said they loved it but didn’t necessarily understand it. Was that your intention? Is there a hidden message in those undisclosed layers?

Well, not necessarily a hidden message but the story is in there. I did write and shoot it with the intention that the first time you watch it you are probably not supposed to understand it fully, but if you really want to know what’s happening, if you watch t again you should be able to piece everything together. The clues are all there.

Elliott Reeves, director of short film ‘Osiris’ with his Best Film statuette. [Sur-REEL & Uncanny Film Fest]

I am currently writing a horror feature film with my brother. But otherwise I will be creating more short films and hope to enter them for film festivals and screenings in the coming year.

This super-talented director is destined for great things so keep an eye out for updates on his horror feature. If it’s anything like Osiris it should be a sure-fire surreal and uncanny hit!

                                                                                                                                                                                                            What is it about Dulwich? This charming, villagey south London suburb has been making all the right news lately and prompted a WHLondon visit to check out its attractions. With the Oru Space Cafe in East Dulwich winning the Best Cafe award at the Good Food Awards 2024, and East Dulwich included in a list of best places to live in the UK (yes, the UK – not just London!) we hung out at its cultural and dining hot spots and put together our top three reasons to check out this leafy, family-friendly neighbourhood.

The Oru Space Cafe

There’s always another cool new eatery opening somewhere in London and the breadth of choice for eating out has raised our expectations to Mount Everest levels. But the Oru Space Cafe is that bit special precisely because there is no capitulation to showy competitiveness. The cafe’s wholehearted wellness and healing tenets embrace the exact opposite. The terracotta-toned colour scheme on exterior and interior walls and decor is simple, serene, centring and gently stimulating to the senses. The local community vibe puts one immediately at ease. You get the feeling all the customers know each other; it’s probably not the case, not even with the cafe’s Wellness Members Lounge and co-working hub on site. Just that sense of comfort, community and being at one with the world. The Sri Lankan influenced food is fantastic, by the way! 

The Sri-Lankan Lentil Dahl arrived as a transcendently creamy mix of lentils, garlic yoghurt, coconut sambol, pickled red chilli, coriander and topped with kale. There’s the option of a fried egg in the dish as well. And no long wait for your grub. What tends to happen with these award-winning eateries is the resulting surge in popularity has them struggling to keep up with orders but none of that here; lots of helpful and eager staff on hand. A deserved Good Food Blue Ribbon winner. 

Dulwich Picture Gallery

You’ll find Britain’s first purpose-built gallery right here in pretty, postcard-perfect Dulwich Village. It was built in 1811 when galleries were still essentially spare rooms (albeit, very large ones) in the homes of the nobility, gentry and wealthy. Designed by leading architect Sir John Soane (1753-1837), it still reminds you of an aristocrat’s pad and is preserved true to the architecture and layout of the period, right down to the deep burgundy-hued walls of the interior. The white-walled look of today’s galleries first emerged around 1897. The gallery’s magnificent collection of Old Master paintings dates from the 1600s to 1800s, so you can check out the works of Rembrandt, Poussin, Gainsborough and Van Dyck, to name a few. 

And catch the Rubens & Women exhibition if you can – still a few more days to run. Peter Paul Rubens was pre-eminent amongst the Flemish artists who came to prominence in the seventeenth century and at his peak recognised as Europe’s No.1. You may notice some of the works repeat a facial likeness to his second wife Helena Fourment. And it’s fascinating to see his preparatory chalk and pen studies for altarpiece panels alongside jaw-droppingly awesome masterpieces such as The Three Graces, and Three Nymphs with a Cornucopia. The well-muscled female forms in his paintings show he used female sitters for the head and male models for the unclothed body. We’re informed this was a practice he borrowed from the great Michelangelo and also followed seventeenth-century etiquette. The exhibition is presented and surveyed as a diversification of art history.

Dulwich Woods

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Nestled between Sydenham and Dulwich, this ancient woodland was once part of the Great North Wood and dates back to 1272. Interestingly, these woods were once so vast that Norwood, the neighbouring district, gets its name from centuries past when the Great North Wood reached far and beyond. Today, Dulwich Woods is your green sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life, an enchanting sprawl of untamed natural beauty that offers escape, recalibration and contemplation surrounded by centuries of natural heritage.

Get here. Get green. Get back to nature after your cafe and gallery visit.

Buckle up for a journey into strategies to elevate your brand’s presence and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Mastering the Visual Symphony

Visuals are the heart of social media, and mastering the art of visual storytelling can be a game-changer. Elevate your imagery by exploring Instagram Stories, diving into video content, and experimenting with eye-catching graphics. The more visually appealing your content, the more likely it is to capture the scrolling eyes of your audience.

Building Genuine Connections

Move beyond mere likes and comments. Building genuine connections on social media involves creating a community around your brand. Respond to comments thoughtfully, engage with your audience’s content, and foster a sense of belonging. Authenticity is the key to turning followers into loyal advocates.

Data-Driven Decision-Making

Take a deep dive into the world of analytics. Harness the power of social media data to refine your strategies. Understand which metrics matter most to your brand, whether engagement rates, click-through rates, or audience demographics. Let the data guide your decisions and optimise your approach for maximum impact.

Unlocking Time with a Story Scheduler

Time is precious, and the Adobe Express story scheduler can be your secret weapon. This tool allows you to plan and schedule your social media stories in advance, ensuring that your content reaches your audience at the optimal times. With the ability to schedule across multiple platforms, you can maintain a consistent presence without being tethered to your devices.

Social Media Advertising Magic

Turn your social media advertising into a well-orchestrated symphony. Go beyond basic ads by experimenting with A/B testing, retargeting strategies, and optimising your ad creative. The goal is not just to get clicks but to create a memorable brand experience.

Seizing Micro-Moments

Real-time events can be powerful opportunities for engagement. Embrace micro-moments by staying relevant to current trends and events. Your ability to capture the spirit of the moment will not only keep your brand top of mind but also demonstrate your brand’s agility.

Chatbots and AI for Stellar Customer Service

Explore the world of chatbots and artificial intelligence to transform your social media customer service. While there are both pros and cons to this intelligent revolution, there’s no doubt that automation can streamline responses, providing quick and efficient interactions with your audience. Enhance the user experience and build trust through instant and personalised communication.

Storytelling in 3D: Creating Immersive Experiences

Evolve your storytelling from two-dimensional narratives to immersive experiences. Use interactive features like polls, quizzes, and augmented reality to engage your audience actively. The more involved they are, the more memorable your brand becomes.

Community Building: The Ultimate Social Glue

Shift your focus from follower count to community strength. Cultivate a sense of community by encouraging user-generated content, creating exclusive groups, and fostering meaningful conversations. Your brand’s advocates are your most powerful asset.

Social Commerce for Modern Consumers

As social media evolves, so does consumer behaviour. Integrate social commerce strategies into your approach. Explore shoppable posts, seamless buying experiences, and other trends that align with the habits of modern consumers.

In the ever-changing landscape of social media marketing, staying ahead of the curve is essential. Embrace new technologies, be agile, and always prioritise authentic connections with your audience. Elevate your social media game, and watch your brand’s presence soar.

The 1950s was a boom period for cinema, which overtook art for the first time as the preferred choice for culture seekers and consumers. Much of this was down to leaps in film technology but these same developments also gave artists a much-needed look in. In the early 60s, Sony began manufacturing consumer film cameras which were bought by experimental filmmakers like Andy Warhol. A few years before, German artist Wolf Vostell had made creative inroads into video art with his 1958 artwork The Black Room Cycle but it was essentially a mixed-media collage with a built-in TV set rather than a video installation or video art piece. However, in 1959, he unveiled the world’s first video installation using working televisions. 

Korean American Nam June Paik is widely recognised as pre-eminent amongst video artists; stacking his television sculptures in a style later copied by 21st-century artists and introducing the video walls we often see in installation shows today. Amongst his most well-received and prominent early exhibitions was the 1963 Exposition of Music-Electronic Television, held at the Galerie Parnass in Wuppertal, West Germany. Both Paik and Vostell were founder members of the Fluxus movement. 

The Warhol Era 

Andy Warhol’s ‘anti-films’ set out to dismantle the narrative structure and aesthetic bounds of screen culture. They were essentially video recordings of performance art. His work encouraged audiences to shift from the cosy perspective of ‘watchers’ to less passive ‘viewers’. Check out Warhol’s experimental video Sleep, a five-hour film of his boyfriend sleeping. He also created some shorter ones: Eat was a 45-minute film of a man eating mushrooms! Some might argue a 45-minute horror film of giant Man-eating Mushrooms might have been a better fit with 1960s big-screen film culture.

Andy Warhol

Indeed, the 60s was a decade where the lines between popular culture and high culture was somewhat blurred as film was formally accepted as art. The Pop Art movement, led by Warhol himself, added momentum to what was already an unstoppable force and took cultural inspiration from movie icons like Marilyn Monroe and James Dean. Few realise just how important Warhol’s contribution was. If 1963/64 were pivotal years in the emergence of video art, Warhol was unquestionably one of the pioneers; he bought his first camera in 1963 and he shot his first experimental film a year later.

The 1970s

TV offerings of the likes of Wonder Woman and Charlie’s Angels were a rich source of material for artist reworkings that ranged from the playful to the deconstructive. Artists reconfigured these images into unrecognisable simulacrum. American artist Dara Birnbaum re-edited footage from the 1970s Wonder Woman TV series starring Lynda Carter to highlight how women were portrayed as either superheroes or stereotypes – but not anything in between. Birnhaum’s practice focused heavily on television culture. 

Charlie’s Angels

So, just as one would gut a fish, TV and cinema would have its central narratives similarly extracted before being reconfigured and ‘plinthed’ in a new aesthetic as sculptural works. French sociologist and philosopher Jean Baudrillard had much to say about the disassembly of overriding narrative structures. So the next time you go to an exhibition to see a video installation and ponder whether you’re supposed to glance as you pass by or ‘watch’ ‘view’ ‘stare’ or ‘study’, remember, a French sociologist called Baudrillard predicted a lot of this. 

He would have had a soft spot for these video artists who seek to present both the real and unreal as definitively unreal. He pretty much despised high-tech realism describing it as a soulless form of digital perfection. Amongst his quotes: “Reality is disappearing at the hands of the cinema and cinema is disappearing at the hands of reality.” and “‘the intensity of the image matches the degree of its denial of the real’.                                                                                                                                                    

With this influx of new ideas around art and film came waves of interpretations, approaches and aesthetic philosophies bringing new ways of seeing. You’ll never look at a Wonder Woman movie the same way again.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      If you are visiting Regents Park to catch Frieze Sculpture 2023, it’s likely you’ll also catch sight of a half-naked man wandering around the sculpture site in a dazed state. Indeed, last week from afar it looked as if park security had finally cornered him and fenced him in!

Sleepwalker, 2014, Tony Matelli.

Well, we can confirm that rather than chasing him away they were actually escorting him in. The life-like and life-size sculptural piece titled Sleepwalker, 2014, is the work of New York-based artist Tony Matelli. His playful approach to the creation of resemblant sculptures and statues comes across as a statement about being lost in society and gives the social misfit in all of us a makeshift parkland plinth. Certainly, it’s a fear everyone can relate to. The piece exposes our most guarded, innermost concerns and presents a nonplussed, fragile figure starkly exposed to the uncompromising glare of the world. Your waking dream becomes a nightmare.

A giant Afro comb wedged into the turf also catches the eye. Hank Willis Thomas’, bronze sculptural piece All Power to All People, 2023, with its Black Power fist on the handle is a simple but powerful totem of Black identity and cultural pride.

All Power to All People, 2023, Hank Willis Thomas (The Mothership Connection, 2021 by Zak Ové, can be seen in the background)

And talking ot totems, the towering, brightly-coloured The Mothership Connection, 2021 by Zak Ové, sits in the park’s elegant English Gardens seemingly out of place in the genteel surrounds but for that very reason, getting most of the attention. Its jarring irreverence is layered with motifs of Afro-Futurism and sources cross-cultural totemic structures and Black slave history.

The Mothership Connection, 2021. Artist Zak Ové,