Notting Hill MayFest

The annual Notting Hill MayFest, formerly known as the St John's Festival after the 19th century parish church which acts as its centrepiece, brings together traditional musicians and contemporary artists to showcase their talents over a fortnight in one of London's dreamiest areas. Now in its seventh year, the event galvanises an already diverse community with a selection of classical, opera, acoustic rock, jazz and folk concerts, as well as a series of workshops, children's events, lectures and religious services. One of the highlights of the programme is a talk on raising children given by one of the area's luminaries, the director Richard Curtis, whose film Notting Hill did so much to promote Portobello Road and its environs. All the events take place on the premises of St John's Church, on the ornate Lansdowne Crescent behind Holland Park, with all profits going to work done in the community. For more information on the programme of events please consult www.nottinghillmayfest.org.uk.