For a nation of 300,000 people, Icelanders certainly pull their weight in the art and music world. Two of Iceland’s cultural institutions are coming to London in the upcoming autumn months and both are well worth a look.
The Sirkus Bar in Reykjavík was for many years home to many of Iceland’s greatest artists, musicians and writers and despite its ramshackle appearance was much loved by residents and visitors alike. Adorned with two over-sized puffins and light features that rarely worked, the bar was even home to one of Björk’s music videos.
Sirkus unfortunately couldn’t survive as modern bars moved in all around, but it will be resurrected in London for the upcoming Frieze Art Fair in Regent’s Park. The annual festival, which showcases the best of modern art and film, is happening this year from October 16-19 and is set to be bigger than ever. The Sirkus project, masterminded by the Icelandic art collective Kling & Bang, wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Iceland’s low-cost carrier Iceland Express. The original facade of the bar will be transported to Regent’s Park for an authentic Icelandic experience, and filled with the art and music that made it famous.
The Iceland Airwaves Music Festival, now entering it’s tenth year, is a unique festival experience that winds through Reykjavík’s streets every October. To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the festival, which has hosted bands such as Bloc Party and the Kaiser Chiefs in the past, Airwaves is coming to the streets of East London for one night only on September 19. Featuring live music from a great mix of up-and-coming British bands and established Icelandic artists, it’s sure to be a fantastic night.
Fancy sampling Airwaves for yourself in its original setting? Get in quickly as you’ve only got two months before it kicks off, but if you want to sample some of Reykjavík’s famous cultural highlights and nightlife at a slightly less frenetic pace then a Reykjavík City Break might be just the tonic, complete with a host of optional excursions and extended breaks. Until then, head to London this autumn for an insight into a truly extraordinary culture.
Comments