Who knew?! Not me, quite clearly, and from a quick poll of my friends and on Instagram, not many of us! Could Trinity Buoy therefore be one of London’s best, most undiscovered finds? Quite possibly!
I was lucky enough to be invited to celebrate the start of Trinity Buoy’s “Jazz Wednesdays”, (see the “what’s on” page at http://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/whats-on/event/trinity-buoy-wharf-live, with thanks to Trinity Buoy Wharf and Love Pop Ups London for my invite) and turned up in glorious May sunshine to relax in deckchairs and take in the fab surroundings. Right on the Thames and overlooking the 02 and cable cars bobbing over, it’s in a really peaceful setting. I got off at Canning Town tube in East London, and it was about a 10 minute stroll from there, through new build apartments, old and beautiful warehouses and some new development work. There are no evident shops around or restaurants. You’re fully aware you are only 5 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Canary Wharf- but it does also feel like you’ve stepped out into somewhere not quite in London! Charming is right- I can see why the site is so popular with weddings and photoshoots and more. It’s a photographers dream, and a beautiful piece of London history carefully preserved and celebrated.
The site
The site was built in 1803 and I loved the fact that many of its original buildings still exist. The electrical building was built in 1836 for instance, and when you’re wandering around you really get a sense of how things must have been. It was utterly charming!
Longplayer
If this wasn’t all fascinating enough, as we waited in anticipation of the forthcoming band, I learned that inside the lighthouse is the actual headquarters for Longplayer: a 1,000 year long piece of music, started at the end of 1999. https://longplayer.org/about/ The Tibetan bowls that you see inside the Lighthouse are those that were used to make the music of this amazing composition and initiative.
The views from the top of the lighthouse were also gorgeous!
London’s smallest museum
I found out from manager Patricia, that Trinity Buoy Wharf also holds London’s smallest museum! For scientist Michael Faraday, who had a workshop here when he was busy coming up with his inventions!
The Jazz
We brought our drinks in from the relaxing deck chairs by the Thames, to be seated for the special start of the Jazz nights. To top of a thoroughly spectacular evening, the Grand Union jazz band serenaded us and really captured a delightful evening. It was happy, buoyant jazz that felt like it was really celebrating something, and I loved how global the band were! Quite like the diverseness of London, each musician bringing their own special instrument, sound and cultural background to the mix.
Trinity Buoy Wharf: a photographers dream, a delight to come to, and offering something quite special, and quite unusual with their Jazz nights amidst such charm and history.
How much are the tickets? £12.50
Where can I buy the tickets? https://www.designmynight.com/london/whats-on/live-music/trinity-buoy-wharf-live
Closest tube? Canning Town
Many thanks to Trinity Buoy Wharf, and Love Pop Ups London (https://lovepopupslondon.com) for this special invite.
Loving Living London 