London Calling – Heat, Hope and the Future – Portugal Resident

To another world?

On the northern edge of the famous ‘Square Mile’ sits a loved and hated architectural ‘experiment’ called ‘The Barbican’. The name comes from the Latin word barbecana, which means a fortified outpost, and this area represented exactly that in Roman times.

The area suffered significant bomb damage during World War II and planners in post-war years seized upon such opportunities to create a new future. Huge tower blocks were created in a vision by architects Chamberlin, Powell and Bon which aimed to create a city within a city.

There are residential blocks, highwalks, a conservatory and a world-class arts centre built to permanently house the Royal Shakespeare Company and London Symphony Orchestra. A great library, concert hall and exhibition areas can be found and, right now, there is a vision of an even more extreme view of the future with a thought-provoking exhibition in the Curve Gallery called In Other Worlds.

This is the first solo exhibition by artist, director and BAFTA-nominated producer Liam Young.  Through a thought-provoking series of exhibits which includes mesmerising and immersive film, costumes, props, movie miniature models, comics and tapestries, Young creates a positive, though extreme view of just how the future might look.

Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in a series of imagined futures for our planet, rooted in real technology and climate-based possibilities. Imagine, for example, a world where all the people live in a single metropolis whilst the rest of the world becomes a legally protected park and haven for everything wild – almost a sort of Nirvana.

Luke Kemp, Head of Creative Programming at Barbican Immersive, says: “It is hugely exciting to be showing the first solo exhibition of Liam Young in the UK. It feels that now is the time to once again look for new stories, imagine different futures and create the worlds that we want to exist, rather than the ones that are being created for us. In Other Worldsopens up possibilities for what the future could hold, brought to life through fantastic environments and films, with unique stories and narratives from leading writers and creatives.”

This fantastic exhibition runs until September 6, 2026, and is well worth a visit. Also, take some time to explore the wonderful Barbican too. There are shops, bars, restaurants in what is itself something of another world.

Summer in the city

London is having a summer, the likes of which have not been seen in 50 years. 1976 is often quoted as the summer like no other in London, with little rainfall and surging temperatures. But here we are, five decades later, and the city is sizzling.

This has coincided with an unprecedented summer of entertainment in the UK capital. Pubs have been able to extend opening hours, particularly during the World Cup, and the events that have usually been making contingency plans for rain and bad weather are now enjoying one of the best summers ever.

For most of the last month or so, temperatures in the UK capital have rarely dropped below mid 20 degrees and often have been well into the 30s.

Harry Styles broke records at Wembley Stadium with a 12-night run which ended on July 4. The Together, Together tour was marketed as the definitive cultural event of London’s summer and more than a million of his fans experienced him live at the home of UK football.

The event followed the release of Harry’s fourth studio album, Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally, and followed a 10-date run in Amsterdam. Coldplay previously held the Wembley record with 10 dates.

Down in the South West London, Wimbledon, the world’s most famous tennis tournament has taken place with record temperatures and attendance numbers. Often, tournaments have been blighted by rain and miserable, chilly weather, but this year the sun shone and crowds have wilted. With ambitious plans to expand the area of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, this year will certainly boost confidence in the future for this iconic location.

British Summer Time has, once again, hosted a series of legendary artists and concerts this summer in its traditional home of Hyde Park in London’s West End. Maroon 5, Mumford and Sons, Duran Duran, and Lewis Capaldi are just some of the stars to rock the park alongside teen K-pop idols and many others.

Then, of course, Pride in London has become a feature of city life every July. This year, around 1.5 million people flooded into central London to celebrate this joyous celebration of life, inclusivity and respect. There were over 500 groups represented and some 35,000 people actually marching in solidarity. It is a spectacle to behold but not easy without a restaurant reservation!

Then, of course, there has been the World Cup. At the time of writing, England are riding high into the Quarter Finals. Pubs in London have been fast to react to fans’ needs. The Prime Minister himself allowed them to open way beyond normal hours to allow fans to enjoy matches together into the early hours of the morning. Most had limited admission to pre-booked fans only with security on the doors preventing entry to latecomers! Come on England!

Pelicans in the park

St James’s Park is a small, beautiful park in central London with Buckingham Palace and the King on one side and 10 Downing Street and the Prime Minister on the other.

It is very popular with tourists and government office workers who congregate at lunchtime there.

One of the most fascinating things in the park are the pelicans. They can always be seen preening themselves on the islands in the lakes but will often be seen on the benches or just wandering around the slightly bemused tourists.

These are big birds, and though gentle, their huge beaks can hurt (as your columnist once experienced in California!).

The pelicans have been in St James’s Park for more than 350 years. They were first introduced as a gift from the Russian Ambassador to the Crown in 1664.

This year has been extra special though – for the first time in 360 years, the sound of pelican chicks has been heard in the park! Four chicks hatched this year for the first time and great care is being taken to nurture them into adulthood. It is hoped that this will lead to an ongoing self-perpetuating colony.