Hot tub clad rooftops, open-air parks and abandoned buildings, it seems there’s not many places in London that haven’t felt the impact of the pop-up cinema revolution. A few years after its initial introduction to the world, the Floating Cinema has returned from the depths to set sail on a summer of extraordinary events.
UP Projects have teamed up with Duggan Morris Architects who have specially created a custom-built 60-ft barge with a difference. This floating entertainment system offers a whole range of unique ways to experience post-Olympic East London.
The barge comfortably seats 12 for on board screenings and events, although when docked up the possibilities substantially grow. Those behind the boat really see it as more than just a screening room. Live séances are just one example of how they see it opening up a whole new world of fun.
The on board audio-visual set-up has been developed by The Useful Arts Organisation, featuring a series of webcams alongside its high-end screening system. If you’re not able to make it down to the event then you can lock in through the web so you don’t completely miss out on the action.
From the outside the boat really stands out after the sun goes down. The on-board lighting system down the side of the boat really brings the beautiful design to life.
Of course no such concept would be complete without a conscience. The whole boat is run through a unique “hybrid” system that runs of both battery and specialised Biofuel. Thankfully, this means you don’t have to worry about any negative impact your fun is having on the environment.
The events themselves are running regularly for the next 10 weeks seeing us through to September. No matter what you’re into, there’s something for everyone, from art and comedy to industry and science. Even though the vast majority are free, they will require advanced booking.
On the 3rd of September you can undergo a day of street art spotting around Hackney Wick’s canals. There’s a fancy-dress night of chaos with a free-screening of Tim Burton’s “Frankenweenie” in Bow. One to definitely get on-board for is the Horror Weekend in August, a series of ghoulish screenings, talks and activities over two days a various locations around London.
The events all embark from different locations adding to unique experience of each. I was lucky enough to depart from the White Building in Hackney Wick where the Crate Brewery had provided us with beer and pizza for the night.
Crate’s pizza menu alone is enough to venture back to the Wick for. Sage and Truffle, Middle-Eastern Lamb and Sweet Potato, Stilton and Walnut are just a few to choose from and I promise you they taste as good as they sound. They taste even better when washed down with one of their very own brewed ales and lagers. I’d probably steer clear of the “Arrogant Bastard” though, unless you’re very comfortable with those in your company, as at 7.2%, it’s probably stronger than the stuff used to power the boat.
Tickets are on sale now and planning ahead is highly recommended.
– www.floatingcinema.info
– https://www.facebook.com/pages/UP-Projects/40781837114?fref=ts
– www.cratebrewery.com
– Twitter – @upprojects
