Underbelly Festival brings the cow and the fun back to H&F

The Underbelly Festival – with its trademark colourful bovine friend – returns to H&F from 13 May to 17 July.

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The Underbelly Festival's trademark colourful bovine friend

The iconic upside-down purple cow returns this summer!

The Underbelly Festival – with its trademark colourful bovine friend – returns to the borough from 13 May to 17 July. The programme once again promises top-class music, comedy, theatre, circus acts, food and drink.

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Pictured is comedian Milton Jones who is kicking off Underbelly's stellar line-up with his act Milton Impossible

The Underbelly Festival is located at Empress Place in Fulham, near Earls Court. And as the festival is udderly free to enter – why not explore the buzzing outdoor venue on a sunny day? There will be free pop-up music performances and loads of tasty street food and drinks.

What's on

The eclectic entertainment offer ranges from dazzling circus performers to a fabulous baby disco. There is still more to be added to the programme so keep an eye out for exciting new additions on the What's On website.

Comedian Milton Jones is kicking off Underbelly's stellar line-up with his act Milton Impossible. Many other comedians, including Edinburgh Fringe Best newcomer nominee Bilal Zafar, are scheduled.

Eme Essien will also take the stage for her show Girl's Night Out which follows the hilarious journey of a girl trying to get ready on time.

After sold-out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, the popular retelling of the Little Mermaid from Ursula's point of view, Unfortunate: The Untold Story of Ursula the Sea Witch, will be a feature at the festival. The massive variety of acts is sure to offer something for everyone to enjoy.

The famous purple cow won't be the sole performance venue. There will also be a 75-seat studio for up-and-coming acts.

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Circus Abyssinia: Tulu will be performing at the festival. PICTURE: ANDREY PETROV

Community hub

The Underbelly Festival was incredibly successful last year. After feedback from residents wanting to continue using the site to foster culture and community, the Earls Court Development Company (ECDC) decided to bring back the event this year.

"The plan is to use the Earls Court 2 site so there is always something going on next year," said Sarah Gaventa, creative director of the Earls Court Development Company. "We want to make sure people feel included and can use the site as a new event and public space."

Cultural hub

From the community atmosphere at pop-up festivals like Underbelly to the diverse permanent theatre landscape – H&F has got it all!

Interested in reading more about the culture in H&F, particularly gigs and comedy? Watch this space!

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