Hello Summer! As we gear up for our Summer Season, headlined by the return of our iconic Summer in The Ditch series, our building is buzzing with excitement for SXSW London. Plus, back by popular demand is our History Tour, and our regular Tea Dance has its final iteration before Autumn. Read on for our #FriendsAtSTH blog – your monthly round up of exciting people passing through our building. 

Live Events

SXSW

2 – 7 June

SXSW London takes over our building for six days as a part of their epic European premiere. The event, usually taking place in Texas, will see our Assembly Hall become The House of R&B; and our iconic underground space, The Ditch, transform into a hub for stunning classical music performances. During the day, attendees can enjoy thought-provoking talks on a range of dynamic topics from sports, tech, the music industry, chocolate and more! Click here for more 

History Tour 

16 June

Back by popular demand, join us on the 16 June for our History Tour. As you journey through the history of our building, led by a brilliant member of our team, you will see spaces never usually open to the public. Explore the building’s hidden secrets as you trace history, from Sylvia Pankhurst and Mary Kelly to boxing events in the 60s and Whirl-Y-Gigs in the 90s. Plus, it’s your chance to see the backdrop for many standout TV programmes and films including Baby Reindeer, Gangs of London and A Quiet Place Day One. Come and see it for yourself and explore more here. 

Town Hall Tea Dance 

16 June

The Summer Tea Dance is just around the corner and what better way to enter the best of the British weather than to put on your dancing shoes and have a boogie with Mr Wonderful. Twirl around the Assembly Hall with people from all over London and beyond, or grab a slice of cake with your friend; the choice is yours! Don’t forget the beginner’s dance class with our favourite former world champion Raymond Root before the session. Want to give our Tea Dance a go? It’s never too late! First-time visitors can join us for just £3! Book now by clicking here. 

Tea Dance returns in the Autumn with dates from the end of September. Tickets will be released in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on our website page here. 

THAMES Celebration Concert 2025 

23 – 24 June

THAMES (The Tower Hamlets Arts & Music Education Service), works with schools and cultural organisations to provide music and arts opportunities for young people who live or go to school in Tower Hamlets. The Celebration Concert features a range of groups from their annual programme including various instrumental groups such as Children’s Choir, the Tower Hamlets Youth Orchestra and the THAMES Awards Orchestra. 

Supporting Artistic Work 

Fag Packet 

13, 15 & 30 June 

Award-winning comedy duo Fag Packet returns to Shoreditch Town Hall to rehearse their upcoming Edinburgh Fringe show, DYKE Systems Ltd. A prestigious seminar that could help you get filthy rich, the show will be on at Pleasance Courtyard Cellar between the 30 July and 25 August. Explore more about the show by heading to their website. 

Theatre Re: Monthly Training Classes 

15 June

Exploring Corporeal Mime technique, internationally acclaimed Theatre Re return for their monthly Sunday training class. In these sessions participants get to learn about the creative process behind Theatre Re’s work including conditioning the body in preparation for: rigorous training, improvisation and composition inspired by the company’s current projects. Interested? Book your space by heading to our website here.

Local Lounge

Our Local Lounge initiative is back, and we’re offering free use of our Front Room space for Hackney-based grassroots organisations, charities and not-for-profits to use for meetings, social events, training sessions, creative workshops, and more. Over the past year of the project being open, we have given space to 31 different community groups to host 165 different events and yours could be next. Sessions can be booked for one-off or multiple dates, based on availability.  

We have a variety of exciting organisations using the space throughout June already. Keep reading to discover who they are. For more information on Local Lounge and to submit your interest, head to our website. 

Kava Therapy 

12, 19 & 26 June 

Kava Therapy is a self-care, self-massage and holistic therapy platform. Kava Therapy has a large community of people who suffer from stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and mental health. They use Local Lounge to provide Self-awareness and self-reliant wellbeing activities mindful practices as a preventative health care platform. 

Xenia Group 

14 & 21 June 

Xenia brings together women from different backgrounds to connect, share and learn. In particular they welcome women learning English to participate, alongside women who speak fluent English, using Xenia sessions as a time to connect with people you wouldn’t otherwise meet and learn about each other’s perspectives through friendship and shared learning. A regular staple of our Local Lounge, the team have also used the initiative for their staff and Trustee away days. 

Queertopia Consortium Hackney CVS 

16 June

Local Lounge regulars Queertopia Consortium, is a grassroots community group which provides a safe space where individuals from LGBTQIA community can gather, connect, and provide mutual support. In the past they have used our Front Room space to facilitate steering groups, and in June they are using it as a space for community business forums.