It's a 'Jewish Notting Hill'

London's Jewish community is launching the capital's first festival celebrating its culture and religion this weekend.

Beginning on Sunday, the four-week extravaganza aims to be a cross between Notting Hill Carnival and the Edinburgh Festival.

It will consist of a string of events revolving around art, food, history, literature, film and theatre.

Organisers are planning to import musicians from around the world, host literary lunches in the House of Lords, and recreate an East End market.

It is hoped that the event, which aims to place Jewish art and culture firmly on the map in London, will become an annual event.

Music impresario Harvey Goldsmith, one of the project's prime movers, feels there is enough momentum to make the festival take place. Famous for his rock concerts, he is convinced that Jewish life in London is a winning formula.

He said: "When they first asked me to get involved, I was not sure. It took a while to gather momentum."

He added: "I'm always searching for the impossible. I have worked with the Pope, with US presidents, why not do a Jewish arts festival?"

Mr Goldsmith will launch the festival on 28 October at the Round House in Chalk Farm, where an East End market will be recreated.

The festival will run until December 2 at venues across the capital. In separate events, Alain de Botton will debate with Chief Rabbi Dr Jonathan Sacks and Lord Hoffman will chair a literary lunch at the House of Lords.