Saturday 8 November
12pm – 5pm
Allama Iqbal Centre, 157 Cromwell Road, PE1 2EL
Free + Drop In (activities suitable for ages 5+)
Take part in free creative activities inspired by Allama Iqbal and South Asian cultural and creative traditions.
Calligraphy, poetry, open mic, mixed media, food
What to Expect
Creative workshop stalls will run 12pm – 4pm
Drop in and spend ten mins or all afternoon taking part in a variety of creative activities, which have all been inspired by Allama Iqbal’s poetry and philosophy.
Like a mini craft fair or community fun day, expect a buzz of family-friendly things to have a watch, play, make and experience.
All materials provided, suitable for beginners and first timers.
Learn new drawing skills from professional artists, and take inspiration from some incredible new artworks and poems made by resident artists Zain Awan & Seyyed Naqvi. Over the last month, Awan & Naqvi have been making a brand new series of artworks and poems which take inspiration from Iqbal and users of the centre. Expect to see an outstanding display of these artworks, which capture themes of nature, khudi (self confidence), Islam and faith, and freedom.
As well as Zain & Seyyed, local artists will be running South Asian arts & crafts activities – learn more about the cultural traditions whilst being creative with calligraphy and craft!
Performances & open mic will run 3pm – 5pm
Headline performance from Zain Awan, sharing some new poems created while in residence at the Allama Iqbal Centre.
Featuring a special performance from The Beeches Primary School students, who have been working on a new group piece after a workshop with The National Literacy Trust and poet Imran Hafeez.
Following on from this we will have an open mic poetry zone, which will be a chance for anyone to share their own rhymes or musings. All languages welcome! Or, if you’d prefer, you can share your favourite Iqbal verse, or another favourite. As long as it’s suitable for a family-friendly audience, anything goes!
This event is part of The Allama Iqbal Project.
Join us for the whole weekend by coming along to Chand Ali Khan Qawwal & Party on Sunday 9 November!
Access Information
The Allama Iqbal Centre has step-free access and an accessible toilet.
Parking extremely limited – please walk or use public transport. The nearest pay & display car park is a 5-10 minute walk from the centre: Queensgate.
The nearest bus stop is on Craig Street.
Activity will take place inside: most activities will take place on tables and chairs. Limited chairs with arm rests available – please bring your own if you prefer.
The classroom will be dark and feature projections on the wall.
Refreshments provided.
Children must be accompanied by adults.
Expect some noise and commotion – we will have a set of ear defenders and focus toys available for those with sensory requirements, and please bring your own if you prefer.
