Akademi at The Great Exhibition Road Festival, 6 Jun
Saturday 6 June 2026, 5-5:45pm
Bandstand Dangoor Plaza, Exhibition Road, London
Free / Outdoor
This summer, Akademi brings the beauty and energy of Kathak dance to one of London’s most beloved free festivals. It will be an evening of Indian classical dance, live music, and movement, open to everyone.
About the event
Akademi will be joining the Great Exhibition Road Festival for a celebration of artistry and community in the heart of South Kensington. The Festival is led by Imperial College London in collaboration with institutions on and around Exhibition Road. The evening will feature a Kathak performance at the Bandstand Dangoor Plaza, accompanied by live musicians, before flowing into an inclusive movement workshop suitable for all ages and abilities.
Whether guests are seasoned dance-lovers or simply curious, this is an invitation to experience something joyful and extraordinary in the heart of the city.
About the Festival
The Great Exhibition Road Festival is a free annual celebration of science and the arts held every summer in South Kensington. This year’s edition carries special significance: it marks 175 years since the Great Exhibition of 1851, the first World Fair attended by over six million visitors, whose complex history and legacy will be explored through talks and events across the weekend.
Visitors can expect hands-on workshops, fascinating talks, performances, and installations from iconic institutions — including Imperial College London, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, the Royal Parks, the V&A, and many more. Food from around the world and eclectic performances hosted by the Royal Albert Hall round out this remarkable event.
Meet the artists
Taking to the Bandstand are three exceptional dancers: Jesal Patel, Simran Patel, and Trishna Kumari, each bringing the grace, rhythm, and precision that define Kathak. Joining them live and giving the dance its pulse and soul are Suneet Chandrana on tabla and Jayraj Sankreacha on flute.
