Featured Events in Greenwich in December 2024 (May Updated)

The artwork is displayed on powder-coated steel gates, designed by Whittle and made at Glasgow Sculpture Studios. It was unveiled on 5 October 2023 at the Queen’s House in Greenwich. Feeling Blue has been developed in response to RMG’s large and varied collections, as well as the history and cultural significance of Greenwich. The 160 x 155 cm tapestry is filled with richly evocative textures, symbolic shapes, and tropical colours. It was woven by hand over a period of six months by Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios. They used a variety of techniques, yarns, and over 150 colour mixes to add variety and depth to the surface of the tapestry. Dominating the tapestry is the phrase ‘feeling blue’ which stands out from a background of blues and greens, the combination of different shades resembling water in motion. Blue is immediately associated with oceans and seas but there are also more emotive connotations which Whittle chose to explore. The colour blue, and in particular the term ‘feeling blue’, is used to describe sadness or depression. While the exact origin of the term is uncertain it has been suggested that it comes from the tradition of ships flying blue flags and officers bearing a painted blue band when a captain or officer died. For others, blue symbolises tranquillity. In the Queen’s House the colour blue is used throughout for decoration, notably the balustrade of the Tulip Stairs. Drawing on her research of the British naval uniform, Whittle also reflects on the legacies of British colonialism. From the mid-eighteenth-century, the Royal Navy introduced a uniform for officers made from a deep blue fabric. The colour was achieved using a dye from the indigo plant that was native to India. Until the end of the eighteenth century the indigo plant was grown, harvested and processed by enslaved people on North American plantations. Indentured labourers in India and modern-day Bangladesh also produced indigo for the East India Company. Today, Navy blue endures as a colour of authority from police to military officers, though the history of the colour and connection to colonialism is little known. Whittle continues her exploration of maritime worlds by the inclusion of coloured ropes – reminiscent of those used on ships. For Whittle, rope is a symbol of both hope and oppression. Ropes are associated with bondage, imprisonment and even execution but are equally symbolic of lifelines for people in distress. Whittle’s ongoing engagement with the climate crisis is found in the decorative coral that frames the tapestry. The delicate pastel pinks and vibrant yellows evoke the beauty of tropical oceans and are a reminder of the importance of reefs. Decorative cultured freshwater pearl beads have also been stitched onto the tapestry. As well as representing an oceanic realm, Whittle connects Feeling Blue with two sixteenth-century paintings the Armada Portrait and Sir Francis Drake which will be displayed alongside the tapestry. In both portraits, pearls are used as a symbol of wealth, some of which was derived from colonial trade and exploitation. The tapestry is hung on a set of blue ‘gates’, which are an important component of Whittle’s work. Whittle sees the ‘gates’ as reminiscent of fencing, suggesting containment and control. Placed within the gallery space the gates no longer act as a barrier. Instead, Whittle uses the gates to expand rather than restrict as visitors are free to walk around them and view the tapestry from both sides. The decorative fretwork on the panels evokes the architecture of the Queen’s House, in particular the Tulip Stairs. Alberta Whittle, said: “The commission has been a wonderful opportunity to think deeply about maritime histories and consider the powers in place that decide how these histories are portrayed. This new tapestry is a chance to explore these ideas of power alongside the rhythms of the ocean and its vulnerability under climate colonialism. The commission has also provided me with the opportunity to continue to work with Naomi Robertson and Elaine Wilson at Dovecot Studios and the rest of the fantastic weaving team.” Celia Joicey, Director of Dovecot Studios, said: "This commission represents the contemporary significance of tapestry as a collective medium. Started in the midst of the 2021 lockdown, it is testimony to a group of people responding creatively and collaboratively to the Museum collections. Feeling Blue embodies the passion, focus and skill of Dovecot’s weavers, Alberta Whittle’s endlessly interesting ideas and the care and enterprise of the commissioning team." Katherine Gazzard, Curator of Art, Royal Museums Greenwich, said: “At Royal Museums Greenwich, we are committed to working with contemporary artists whose practice engages with our historic sites and collections, as well as with the present challenges facing our communities and our planet. The opportunity to commission a contemporary tapestry from Alberta Whittle and Dovecot Studios spoke powerfully to this ethos. The finished tapestry will go on public display in the Queen’s House, our flagship art gallery. When the Queen’s House was built in the early 17th century, it was at the cutting edge of art and design. Commissions like Feeling Blue help us to honour that legacy, ensuring that, four centuries after the building’s completion, the Queen’s House continues to showcase artistic innovations and new perspectives.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Feeling Blue Alberta Whittle Tapestry by Dovecot Studios 2023, cotton, linen, synthetic yarn, cultured freshwater pearl beads Tapestry woven for Dovecot by Naomi Robertson, Master Weaver, and Elaine Wilson Displayed on powder coated steel gates made by Glasgow Sculpture Studios Purchased with assistance from the Contemporary Art Society

Welcome to the 1VS1 Tournament hosted by Juventus Academy London for U8,U10 and U13! Come and join us for an exciting day of competitive soccer matches at Goals Eltham. Show off your skills and compete against other players in thrilling one-on-one games. At this tournament will partecipate professional, semiprofessional and very talented players- it will be under the supervision of our partnered professional clubs- take this challenge and be ready to show your personality! Mark your calendars for Sat Dec 14 2024 at 11:00 AM GMT and get ready for a day filled with intense challenging competition. Don't miss out on this chance to be part of the Juventus Academy London community and being on the big stage! There will be three category for this 1VS1 tournament: U8,U10,U13.Starting time is 11:00 for U8, 12:00 for U10, 13:30 for U13. Time slots are indicative, pending on stages timing.To have a chance to partecipate you have to purchase the ticket and fill the questionaire , after a member of the staff will be in touch to confirm if you have been selected or not.The cost of the event is 5£ that will be collected at the door before starting, you do not have to pay if you haven````'`t been selected.Rules are easy, best of 5 of 1vs1 in a cage with 30seconds for the attacker to score, direct eliminatory stage till final.Sports direct Voucher for the winner! Information Source: Juventus | eventbrite

The Snowman in Concert What would Christmas be without the magic of The Snowman? Multi-award winning actor Clare Corbett narrates the timeless classic to the accompaniment of a live musical score. ‘The Voice Kids’ finalist Sebastian Collins will joins us for a magical rendition of ‘Walking in the Air’. This event is perfect for families and anyone who loves the holiday season. Don't miss out on this special opportunity to experience The Snowman like never before! Please note: This is a one hour long concert performance with narrator and soundtrack and is NOT a screening of the film Free admission under 2 years, sharing adults seat Telephone bookings: 0333 666 3366 (Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-5pm) Information Source: eventbrite

Life savers, fundraisers, trailblazers: discover the vital roles that women play in saving lives at sea. Women of the RNLI at the National Maritime Museum celebrates the work of women in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. Featuring striking photography, personal testimony and breathtaking film, the exhibition offers a window into the lives of volunteers across the UK and Ireland. Visit the National Maritime Museum for free and be inspired by the women of the RNLI.

ISIF MATCH OF THE DAY IS BACK!⚽️🥳 Let’s kick off the festive period in high spirit with a classic 5-a-side football tournament!🏟️🎉 In our last football event we saw a host of ballers, skill & team-work! Our current & first-ever champions ‘Grandads’ will be the team to beat🌟! Will they be able to retain the title? or will we be crowning new champions! 🏆😆 Round up your team & head down to Eltham Goals, on the 1st December 2024, from 6PM we’re live!🗓️🤩 The tournament will be made up of 8 teams, limited spaces available, so grab a ticket before it’s too late‼️ Information Source: Iron Sharpens Iron Fitness | eventbrite

The UK’s biggest Christmas party is back and this year’s line-up is even better! We can’t wait to reveal the amazing artists taking to the stage at London’s O2 Arena this December, it’s set to be an unforgettable weekend. Capital’s Jingle Bell Ball is returning in 2024 with Barclaycard. The iconic event will take place at London’s O2 Arena over a weekend on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 December, featuring performances from the world’s hottest music stars! Capital fans will be treated to two nights of unforgettable shows, festive fun and a star-studded line-up of world-class artists. Fans will also be able to stream the show on Capital’s official fan app, Global Player.