Sounds of Spitalfields

The Spitalfields Summer Music Festival returns to Tower Hamlets this weekend with an eclectic range of shows in venues all around the area.

Described as “a family event for music lovers”, the festival offers a wide range of shows for all ages from adults to toddlers.

This Friday sees the first event in the Sounds of Spitalfields season.  Starting the east London festival with a blast of tubas and euphoniums will be a showcase of London’s finest brass players.

Other highlights include a performance by the Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, who are making a rare appearance in London performing some of Bach’s famous works.

For kids the tale of Musical Rumpus offers the chance to explore the world of animals and fairies in a magical forest, created especially for a toddling audience and arranged to the music of celebrated composer Henry Purcell.

Abigail Pogson, chief executive of Spitalfields Music, said: “I think the thing I’m looking forward to most of all is the finale.

"It’s on Saturday June 23 and during the day we have a Spitalfields-style street party – lots of music, stalls, games, workshops, visits from the animals from Spitalfields Farm – a real family day.”