WHAT’S ON
May to August 2024
A seasonal programme of FREE events from Brent Libraries, Arts and Heritage
Advance booking required for some events
EXHIBITIONS
The Road to Freedom: Ending slavery in Britain
Until Sunday 1 September
Exhibition Space, Second Floor, The Library at Willesden Green Free
Inspire To Achieve
Until Sunday 2 June
Harlesden Library
Free
Presented by the Jason Roberts Foundation, this exhibition uncovers the untold stories of 18 footballers from Brent who paved the way and inspired a new generation.
Commemorating the 1833 Slavery Abolition Act and the 190th anniversary of the end of slavery, this exhibition provides insight into the nature of the slave trade, resistance and its relevance to modern day slavery.
BOOKING
A Day Out at Wembley Park, 100 Years Ago
Friday 7 June –
Wednesday 25 September
Kingsbury Library Free
In 1924 Wembley Park hosted the British Empire Exhibition. Attended by millions, it gave the chance to experience part of what was then seen as the British Empire. In its centenary year, this exhibition showcases a one-day outing to the exhibition through souvenirs and photographs.
The Brent Reggae Album Covers Exhibition
Monday 1 July –
Thursday 31 October
Harlesden Library
Free
Curated by historical musicologist Kwaku, this exhibition provides an opportunity to see a range of reggae album covers photographed at locations across Brent.
All events are free. Unless stated as drop in, all events require advance booking via the Brent Libraries, Arts and Heritage Eventbrite page. All events take place at library sites unless otherwise stated. Google or scan the QR code for more information and to book.
Here and Queer in Brent Monday 17 June –Friday 13 September
The Library at Willesden Green Free
As part of Pride month, Brent’s Heritage Team presents a brief historical timeline charting key moments of Brent’s LGBTQ+ community.
Becoming Brent Autumn 2024
This autumn, a new project to mark the 100th anniversary of the British Empire Exhibition at Wembley Stadium will give you the opportunity to share stories about your heritage and all those who have helped make Brent the thriving cultural capital it is today.
Becoming Brent will be a series of events, each exploring the impact of the British Empire in Brent, Britain’s colonial past and the harsh realities and ugliness of racism. Opportunities to get involved will include workshops, exhibitions and walking tours. Look out for more information.
UNDER 5 s BOOKTRUST STORY AND RHYME TIME
Weekly story and rhyme time sessions for children under 5.
Kilburn Library Tuesdays, 11 – 11.30am
Kingsbury Library Wednesdays, 10.45 – 11.15am
The Library at Wednesdays, 11 – 11.30am
Willesden Green
Harlesden Library Thursdays, 11 – 11.30am
Ealing Road Library Thursdays, 11 – 11.30am
Drop in Term time only unless otherwise stated.
SPECIAL BOOKTRUST STORYTIME AND RHYME TIME SESSIONS
These sessions will take place on your library’s regular under 5s session day in the weeks beginning:
Week beginning
Monday 3 June
Empathy Day 2024
Superhero Superpowers –make super-duper all-seeing super specs!
Wednesday 12 June
10.45 – 11.15am
Maggie the Dragon and friends snap happy healthy teeth under 5s workshop
Kingsbury Library
Join Maggie the Dragon, Al the Alligator and Flossie the Flossisaurus and find out how to keep your teeth happy and healthy.
Week beginning Monday 22 July
Summer Rhymes: Fun in the sun
Come and celebrate summer with stories and songs for our last session before the summer break.
Kilburn Library
Throughout the summer sessions will continue Tuesdays 11 – 11.30am
Friday 14 June
9.30 – 10am
Autism-friendly Booktrust rhyme and story time
The Library at Willesden Green Enjoy songs and stories in a relaxed environment and discover our library and heritage services including accessible stock and the Brent Museum. Aimed at children aged 0-5 years with additional needs, but older children welcome.
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©BENEDICT JOHNSON/BRENT MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
BRENT LIBRARIES
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L
T-Rex, Fabulous Medusa, Pegasus the winged horse, plus weird robotics!
Reading Hack: your library wants you! Volunteers aged 15-24 wanted to help run the Summer Fun Festival. Download an application at www.brent.gov.uk/libraries or email libraries@brent.gov.uk
Discover our summer fun reading festival programme featuring dinosaurs, Greek mythology in celebration of the Olympics, robotic workshops, The Jolly Lolly Sticks Show and lots of fun craft activities to get you reading this summer. Certificates and prizes for busy readers!
Children aged 4 – 12 can sign up for their Summer Fun passport from 1 July at any Brent Library. Library membership and book borrowing essential.
Greek myths craft workshops
Make a Trojan horse or design a mosaic Greek vase in honour of the Olympics!
For ages 5 – 11.
Saturday 27 July, 2.30 – 3.30pm
Ealing Road
Harlesden Kilburn
Kingsbury
Willesden Green
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L CELEBRATION!
Saturday 31 August
The Library at Willesden Green 12 noon – 1pm Wembley Library 2.30 – 3.30pm
Join renowned international artist and founder of Storie Storie, Alim Kamara who will bring his passion for storytelling through rhythm to celebrate the close of the festival. Prizes for best book reviews. For ages 4 – 12.
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L - CRAFT FUN !
For ages 5 – 11. All sessions are 2.30 – 3.30pm, except Kilburn library 11am – 12noon
Pegasus the winged horse: Greek myths designer workshop
Ealing Road Tuesday 30 July
Harlesden Thursday 1 August
Kilburn Wednesday 31 July
Kingsbury Wednesday 31 July
Willesden Green Thursday 1 August
Rings of Olympics: collage craft fun
Ealing Road Thursday 8 August
Harlesden Thursday 8 August
Kilburn Wednesday 7 August
Kingsbury Friday 9 August
Willesden Green Wednesday 7 August
Ealing Road Library
STEM CLUB
Wednesdays 4 – 5.30pm
Misson to space: Robotmania designer fun!
Ealing Road Tuesday 13 August
Harlesden Tuesday 13 August
Kilburn Thursday 15 August
Kingsbury Friday 16 August
Willesden Green Tuesday 13
August
Dinosaurs roar! Build a T Rex model
Ealing Road Tuesday 20 August
Harlesden Thursday 22 August
Kilburn Wednesday 21 August
Kingsbury Friday 23 August
Willesden Green Tuesday 20
August
Under the sea: favourite storybook characters
Ealing Road Tuesday 27 August
Harlesden Thursday 29 August
Kilburn Wednesday 28 August
Kingsbury Friday 30 August
Willesden Green Tuesday 27
August
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics workshops for children aged 8 – 11
Engineering creativity: Machines that fly 29 May
Build an aeroplane that does not need a motor.
A stroll down sensory lane 26 June
Fun activities to explore the senses.
STEM design fun!
Light boxes
24 July
Get creative at this last workshop for the summer term. Delivered by Learning Through The Arts. learningthroughthearts.com
Family Gardening Workshops
Saturday 13 July
11.30am – 1pm
Saturday 27 July 11.30am – 1pm
Join educator and author
Michael Holland to learn fun garden techniques and help develop Ealing Road Library’s garden into a green space for the local community.
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L
The Jolly Lolly Story Sticks Show
Wednesday 31 July 2.30 – 3.30pm
Join writer and performance poet Justin Coe to rhyme, rap, recite, sing, draw, dance and act out your own creations. Plus discover the seven secret storytelling powers of the humble lolly stick. For ages 4 – 14 S
Build a dinosaur
Friday 2 August 2 – 3pm
Family craft: Make an anti-modern slavery poster
Tuesday 6 August
2.30 – 4.30pm
How did the abolitionists use posters to campaign against slavery? Find out and design your own poster. Age 5+
Flower Craft
Wednesday 7 August 11am – 12noon
Design and make your own flower art print. Hosted by the Learning Department from Gunnersbury Park and Museum. Ages 5 – 11
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L Medusa!
Wednesday 14 August
2.30 – 4pm
They say her hair was made from living snakes! Learn the story of Medusa and make some of her snakes to take home. For ages 5 – 11
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L
Day with Robo!
Thursday 15 August 11am – 1pm Fun learning workshop building LEGO robots. For ages 8 – 11
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U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L
AIM Literary Festival 2024: Magic of stories
Tuesday 20 August
11am – 12.30 pm
The AIM Literary Festival is a celebration of cultural diversity for all. Take part in a creative story-building workshop led by an author, where children craft their own tales and bring characters to life. For children aged 7- 12. aimlitfestival.com
AIM Literary Festival 2024:
Mindfulness and art journaling
Wednesday 21 August
4 – 6pm
Join this hands-on adult workshop led by award-winning artist and author, Ashima Kumar for an enriching evening where literature meets mindfulness and creativity. Part of the AIM Literary Festival 2024. aimlitfestival.com
Ealing Road Library
FILM CLUB
2.30- 4.30pm
Screening of animated films for children aged 5 – 12 Drop in.
The Mitchells vs The Machines
Thursday 22 August
Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget
Thursday 29 August
KUMON
Mathematics and English
Children’s handwriting competitions
For age 7+
Learn how to write in beautiful cursive script. Plus, handwriting competition, with prizes to be won!
Summer half term
Saturday 1st June 2 – 4pm
Summer holidays
Thursday 25 July 2 – 4pm
Monday 29 July 2 – 4pm
Fun maths marathon For ages 4+
Join this ‘mathathon’ day for timed challenges and and a times table quiz. Prizes to be won!
Summer half term
Wednesday 29th May, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Saturday 1 June 2 – 4pm
Saturday 15 June 2 – 4pm
Saturday 6 July 2 – 4pm
To book please call 074 2461 8724, or email: gracefulhandwriting @gmail.com
EXPLORE LEARNING
English and Mathematics workshops
Maths KS1
Saturday 3 August 3 – 4 pm
Safari shapes - 2D shapes, problem solving. Investigate the properties of the shapes and the relationships between them.
Introduction to verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Saturday 17 August 3 – 4pm
Pattern recognition and problem-solving skills. Years 4/5 – 11+
To register email wembley@ explorelearning.co.uk
Harlesden
Library
Harlesden Coffee Morning
Betwixt 2 Shores
Tuesday 18 June 11am – 12noon
To commemorate Windrush Day join Antiguan author William Henry to discuss his book Betwixt 2 Shores. This poignant reflection delves into his life journey, growing up in Antigua to relocating to the UK.
S U M M E R F U N
F E S T I VA L Medusa!
Tuesday 30 July
2.30 – 4pm
They say her hair was made from living snakes! Learn the story of Medusa and make some of her snakes to take home. For ages 5 – 11
Learning Through The Arts workshops Friday 2 August
Learning Through The Arts is devoted to creativity, imagination, arts development and educational support geared towards community development learningthroughthearts.com
Design a wonderful windmill
12noon – 1pm
Make a colourful paper fan 2.30 – 3.30pm Craft activities for ages 5-11
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L
Build a dinosaur
Tuesday 6 August 2 – 3pm
Meet ZooLab’s own live animals to discover some hands-on evolutionary clues. For ages 5 – 11
Learning Through The Arts workshops Friday 9 August
Make an amazing self portrait 12noon – 1pm
Design colourful costume props
2.30 – 3.30pm Craft activities for ages 5 – 11
The Brent Reggae Album Covers Exhibition curator talks
Monday 12 August, Monday 2 September and Monday 14 October
6:30 – 8:30pm
Monthly evening talks, with an opportunity to hear expert special guests and share your local Brent musical memories. Excerpts of videos either made or compiled by the exhibition curator Kwaku will be shown. Bring along your own reggae albums with a Brent connection for discussion. All welcome.
Family workshop: Reggae music and craft
Thursday 15 August
2.30 – 4.30pm
Join music historian and The Brent Reggae Album Covers Exhibition curator Kwaku to listen and learn about some key reggae musicians linked to Harlesden and create your own album cover designs. Plus try your hand at playing some instruments! Ages 3+
Create an aquarium of fish, frogs and more!
Tuesday 20 August
2.30 – 3.30pm
Craft activity for ages 5 – 11
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Wildlife animals
creative fun
Tuesday 27 August
2.30 – 3.30pm
Craft activity for ages 5 – 11
Learning Through The Arts workshops
Friday 30 August
Design a lovely pompom bracelet 12noon – 1pm
Make a colourful kite
2.30 – 3.30pm
Craft activities for ages 5 – 11
Wembley Library
Wembley library is currently closed for refurbishment. A new library, featuring a specially designed children’s space, will be reopening at Brent Civic Centre in autumn 2024.
For more information about alternative library facilities visit our website brent.gov.uk/libraries
Kilburn Library
Kilburn Coffee Morning HS2: Building Britain’s future
Friday 7 June 11am – 12noon
Hear from a chartered civil engineer working on the scheme about the evolving nature of HS2, the first new intercity railway to be built north of London in over a century.
Kilburn Coffee Morning
Healthy living and eating in our local communities
Wednesday 10 July 11am – 12noon
Join Salma Mehar, a Consultant Dietitian specialising in global nutrition, health and wellbeing, to learn about cultural diets and staying healthy in today’s busy world.
Learning Through The Arts workshops
Thursday 1 August
Design a wonderful windmill
11.30am – 12.30pm
Craft activity for ages 5 – 11
Make a colourful paper fan
2.30 – 3.30pm
Craft activity for ages 5 – 11
Learning Through The Arts workshop
Thursday 8 August
Make an amazing self portrait 11.30am – 12.30pm
Craft activity for ages 5 – 11
Garden party
Thursday 8 August 2 – 5pm
Come and party with summer crafts, hula hooping, face painting, games, costume props and more! For ages 5 – 11. Supported by Learning Through the Arts.
Learning Through The Arts workshops
Friday 16 August
Design a fabulous headdress
11.30am – 12.30pm
Make a colourful lantern
2.30 – 3.30pm Craft activities for ages 5 – 11
Learning Through The Arts workshops
Thursday 22 August
Design an amazing carnival costume
11.30am – 12.30pm
Make a colourful carnival mask
2.30 – 3.30pm
Craft activities for ages 5 – 11
Board Games meet-up
Wednesday 14 August 11am – 12noon
Come and play Dr Eureka, Rhino Hero and Loony Quest at this board gaming meet-up. Hosted by the Learning Department from Gunnersbury Park and Museum.
Learning Through The Arts workshops
Thursday 29 August
Make lovely pompom bracelet
11.30am – 12.30pm
Design an amazing kite
2.30 – 3.30pm
Craft activities for ages 5 – 11
Kingsbury Library
Kingsbury Coffee Morning Your Sight Matters
Tuesday 4 June 11am – 12.15pm
Join the Macular Society during HiVis Fortnight for a talk about macular eye conditions with a focus on AMD (age-related macular degeneration). Brent Libraries staff will be on hand with information about our accessible library stock for people living with visual impairments.
BookTrust Under 5s
Maggie the Dragon and friends snap happy healthy teeth under 5s workshop
Wednesday 12 June
10.45 – 11.15am
See p3 for details
Kingsbury Coffee Morning
Day out at Wembley Park, 100 years ago
Tuesday 9 July 11am – 12noon
In 1924, Wembley Park hosted the British Empire Exhibition. Attended by millions, it gave the chance to experience part of what was then seen as
the British Empire. Join Philip Grant from Wembley History Society for a one-day tour of the exhibition from a 1924 guidebook.
Build a dinosaur
Friday 2 August 2 – 3pm
Meet ZooLab’s own live animals to discover some hands-on evolutionary clues. For ages 5 – 11
Flower Craft
Wednesday 7 August
2.30 – 3.30pm
Design and make your own flower art print. Hosted by the Learning Department from Gunnersbury Park and Museum. Ages 5 – 11
Medusa!
Wednesday 14 August 11am – 12.30pm
They say her hair was made from living snakes! Learn the story of Medusa and make some of her snakes to take home. For ages 5 – 11
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S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L
S U M M E R F U N F E
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I VA L
Family workshop: transport and journeys craft
Tuesday 20 August
2.30 – 4.30pm
How did people get about in Brent 100 years ago? Learn about some of the journeys people have made to Brent from places such as Iraq, Somalia and the Caribbean. Drop in. For ages 3+
Spider Craft
Wednesday 21 August
11am – 12noon
Have fun with pipe cleaners, pompoms and googly eyes to make your spider. Hosted by the Learning Department from Gunnersbury Park and Museum. Ages 5 – 11
The Library at Willesden Green
The Clowns’ Station
Sunday 26 May
3.30 – 4.30pm
Experience the enchanting magic of the Luceafărul Theatre from Romania. Lose yourself in laughter as the charming story unfolds, bringing the whimsical world of clowns to life. For ages 3+. Directed by Ana Craciun Lambu.
Getting back into work with Shaw Trust
Thursdays 6 June,
4 July, 1 August 11am – 12noon
Robot Craft
Wednesday 28 August
11am – 12pm
Rescue junk from the recycling to make a sci-fi robot of your own creation. Hosted by the Learning Department from Gunnersbury Park and Museum. Ages 5 – 11
Join one of our information sessions to find out how the Shaw Trust can help you join the 13,000 people they have supported back into work so far. Drop in.
Legacies of British slaveownership with UCL
Tuesday 4 June
6.30 – 7.30pm
The UCL Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slavery has developed an
open access digital database containing the identities of slave-owners in the British colonies at the time slavery ended. Discover more about this work at this session.
Under 5s autism-friendly Booktrust rhyme and story time
14 June
9.30 – 10am See p3 for details
The Willesden Green Library story
Thursday 18 July
6.30 – 7.30pm
Join Philip Grant from Willesden Local History Society to discover how the original Victorian public library came about.
Sophia: A screening
Thursday 25 July
6.30 – 8pm
As part of South Asian Heritage Month the film,
Sophia discovers the life of Asian suffragette, Sophia Duleep Singh and her passionate fight for the rights of all women to vote.
S U M M E R F U N
F E S T I VA L Medusa!
Tuesday 30 July 11am – 12.30pm
They say her hair was made from living snakes! Learn the story of Medusa and make some of her snakes to take home. For ages 5 – 11
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L
The Jolly Lolly Story Sticks Show
Wednesday 31 July 11.30am – 12.30pm
Join writer and performance poet Justin Coe to rhyme, rap, recite, sing, draw, dance and act out your own creations. Plus discover the seven secret storytelling powers of the humble lolly stick.
Learning Through The Arts workshops
Monday 12 August
Design a fabulous headdress
11.30am – 12.30pm
Make a colourful lantern
2.30 – 3.30pm
Craft activities for ages 5 – 11
Board Games meet-up
Wednesday 14 August
2.30 – 3.30pm
Pan-Africanism by an eminent community historian, chaired by community activists
Kwaku and Nana Asante, interspersed with videos and music and community stalls.
Learning Through The Arts workshops
Monday 19 August
Design an amazing carnival costume
11.30am – 12.30pm
Come and play Dr Eureka, Rhino Hero and Loony Quest at this board gaming meet-up. Hosted by the Learning Department from Gunnersbury Park and Museum.
S U M M E R F U N F E S T I VA L
Day with Robo!
Thursday 15 August
2.30 – 4.30pm
Fun learning workshop building LEGO robots. For ages 8 – 11
For ages 4 – 14
S U M M E R F U N
F E S T I VA L
Build a dinosaur
Tuesday 6 August 11am – 12noon
Meet ZooLab’s own live animals to discover some hands-on evolutionary clues. For ages 5 – 11
The Marcus Garvey annual Pan-Africanism presentation 2024
Saturday 17 August
6 – 9pm
With the UN’s IDPAD
(International Decade for People of African Descent) 2015-24 initiative coming to an end this year, this event promises to be particularly thought-provoking. Featuring an introduction to
Make a colourful carnival mask
2.30 – 3.30pm
Craft activities for ages 5 – 11
Spider Craft
Wednesday 21 August
2.30 – 3.30pm
Have fun with pipe cleaners, pompoms and googly eyes to make your spider. Hosted by the Learning Department from Gunnersbury Park and Museum. Ages 5 - 11
Robot Craft
Wednesday 28 August
2.30 – 3.30pm
Rescue junk from the recycling to make a scifi robot of your own creation. Hosted by the Learning Department from Gunnersbury Park and Museum. Ages 5 – 11
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