Virtual Festivals To Tune Into

Festival season is going to look a little different this year. We sadly won’t be enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of our favourite summer fiestas – but we can still have a taste of the action by tuning into one of the virtual festivals taking place. Read on for some of the best, spanning the worlds of music, food, literature and theatre.  

Aké Festival

The world’s biggest event for creative voices from Africa and the African Diaspora, Aké Festival returns this year with over 170 speakers from the worlds of literature, poetry, music, theatre and art. It was introduced as a celebration of black excellence; this year’s theme being ‘African Time’ in recognition of the global anti-racism movement. Events are all digital, meaning people from all over the world can tune in for free – with topics set to be discussed including intersectional feminism, decolonisation of black spaces and colourism. Nigerian-born Abi Daré will talk about her latest book Girl with the Louding Voice, Canadian journalist and author Desmond Cole will lead a panel discussion on ‘Blacktivism Around The World’, Ugandan feminist and gay rights activist Stella Nyanzi will discuss ‘Why Africa Needs Feminist Giants’ and much more.

When? 22 – 25 October 2020

How? akefestival.org

Singapore Food Festival

Learn about Singapore’s eclectic food scene without leaving the country at the virtual edition of the Singapore Food Festival. Taking place across two weekends in August, the digital event will feature live masterclasses and chef collaborations from the likes of award-winning pastry chef Cheryl Koh, Julien Royer of the three Michelin-starred Odette and bartenders Colin Chia and Charmaine Thio of speakeasy bar Nutmeg & Clove. Guests can also virtually explore Singpore’s charming precincts through one of the virtual food tours: journey through the historical Tanjong Pagar and Chinatown districts, as well as the whimsical Katong and Joo Chiat, to discover the stories behind popular eats in the area.

When? 21 – 23 and 28 – 30 August 2020

How? Visit singaporefoodfestival.sg

Virgin Media’s V Festival

Olly Murs, Dizzee Rascal and Anne Marie are some of the acts set to perform at this year’s virtual V Festival, back after a three-year hiatus. The three-day event will be broadcast on ITV2, featuring live music and artist interviews, as well as a look back at the most iconic V Festival sets of all time.

When? 21 – 23 August 2020

How? Watch on ITV2

LoveCrafts Festival

Developed a new love for crafts during lockdown? Celebrate your new skill at LoveCrafts’ first ever free virtual crafting festival, running throughout August. The main stage will feature an array of established crafters showcasing their talents through live stream videos, Q&As and podcasts. Events include an Instagram live with designer Lydia Morrow on fast fashion, a crochet make-along session with Katie of The Queen Stitch and a workshop on macramé knitting with Tea & Crafting.

When? 1 – 31 August 2020

How? Register for a free ticket here and visit lovecrafts.com for more information

Edinburgh International Festival

Breabach © Mihaela Bodlovic

The world’s leading performing arts festival has unveiled My Light Shines On: a series of video works and light installations across Scotland’s capital city. The digital content will include a personal love letter to Scottish theatre from the National Theatre of Scotland, a performance from The Royal Scottish National Orchestra, and a series of films from Scottish ballet including new work from emerging choreographer Nicholas Shoesmith, as well as a revival of acclaimed American choreographer Helen Pickett’s Trace. The light installation, meanwhile, will see Edinburgh’s festival venues illuminated with beams of light.

When? Activity launches on 8 August 2020 at 9:30pm

How? You can view content on BBC Scotland TV, Edinburgh International Festival’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. For the full programme visit eif.co.uk

Foraging Fortnight

Keen to learn about wild food? Tune into Foraging Fortnight, which features a whole host of virtual events focused around foraging. Discover wild plants on a virtual walk through Binscarth Woods, learn the art of papermaking from natural materials with artist Lin Chau, paint with shore-sourced pigments and reflect on our relationship with the natural world with horticulturalist Elizabeth Woodcock. Though all events are online, they’ll equip you with skills to forage independently and responsibly afterwards.

When? 29 August – 13 September 2020

How? Events will be streamed live on foragingfortnight.co.uk

My VLF

Free global virtual literary festival venue My VLF was launched in April 2019, well before coronavirus came into our lives. It was born out of a love of books, and the desire to connect readers and authors without the need to travel or spend money attending a literary event. Now, of course, it’s more relevant than ever. Events take place frequently throughout the year: next up is a discussion with Katie Fforde and Elizabeth Noble on all things books, writing and inspiration.

When: Available to watch on the website now

How: Sign up to My VLF for free, and you’ll have access to all events via myvlf.com

Virtual Events & Tutorials / How To Host a Virtual Dinner Party