Seven Dials stages successful Spotlight event

Shaftesbury’s Seven Dials hosted its second Spotlight event, the free open-air music, arts, and comedy festival, on Saturday 15th August, between 12pm and 7pm. The area was transformed into a traffic free alfresco hot spot, with a pop up lawn and a bespoke open-air stage on Mercer Street, facing the famous Seven Dials monument.

Crowds flocked to the area and enjoyed an impressive lineup with music from upcoming musicians including Wollfe, Mi’das and Leah Mason. Visitors also enjoyed upbeat performances from London brass band favourites the HackneyColliery Band, stand-up comedy from KerryGodliman; best known for her role in the Channel4 series Derek, as well as incredible music from the cast of the award winning West End musical, Beautiful. Acrobatics from Seven Dials’ own cabaret restaurant and cocktail bar ‘Circus’ (based on Endell Street) and the PDK street dancers entertained the masses throughout the afternoon. Free Pimm’s on Monmouth Street and juices from Cawston Press in the Neal Street pop – up Garden were other highlights, especially in the sunshine! Radio 1’s, Alice Levine, who was also this summer’s roving reporter at Glastonbury, compered the whole event.

In between the performances, Seven Dials independent boutiques and flagship stores offered a series of indoor and outdoor promotions and activities, including street table tennis at Murdock, a photography exhibition at Finisterre, Brazilian Bosanova music at Do Shop and see if you are up to the challenge with the slow bike race outside cycle shop Fixation.The 51% uplift in footfall, compared to the previous week, reflected the popularity of the event and visitors taking advantage of the entertainment and high quality performances throughout the afternoon. Restaurants and stores also reported an increase in sales on the day.

Commenting on the event, Clare Harris, head of marketing and communications at Shaftesbury, said: “Spotlight is a spectacular demonstration of what Seven Dials has to offer, bringing people together at an exciting and vibrant free event in the heart of London. The amazing line up of acts and performances on the day were complemented by Seven Dials unique mix of international retailers, independents, and exciting restaurants and cafes; making Seven Dials the place to be on Saturday afternoon. This year’s event was a standout success and showcased Seven Dial’s as one of the best places in the capital to shop, dine and have fun.”