what’s on
explore community events at the portico
unseen: aRT EXHIBITION
Open Call for 3rd December
“Unseen” is an exhibition to be held at The Portico Gallery 3rd to 5th December 2026. A Show for the Unshown, It will feature the work of local people who make art in any medium but who have not shown in public before. “Unseen” therefore aims to encourage those who, for whatever reason, may have been reluctant to display their work to others to take that first step in a friendly and supportive environment – no prizes, no judgements, just a valuable opportunity, and we would be keen to hear the story of how you came to make the work and what inspired you to do so.
If you are interested in taking part in “Unseen”, please download the application form, fill it in and send it back to info@porticogallery.org.uk
Urban Avatars: Mixed Spiritual Arts
Tuesdays · 6–7pm · Portico Gallery
Urban Avatars Mixed Spiritual Arts is a 60-minute journey through body, heart and mind — combining ancient holistic practices and spiritual arts into a class designed for modern life.
Drawing from yoga, Qi Gong, Kung Fu, meditation and other traditional practices, each session brings movement, breath, stillness and awareness together into one flowing experience.Step away from the noise and pressures of everyday life. Reconnect with your body, settle your mind and restore your energy — leaving the class feeling refreshed, revitalised and more connected to yourself.
The class is open to all ages, levels and abilities, with variations offered throughout. No previous experience is necessary. Your first class is FREE. After that, drop in for £15, or join the Urban Avatars monthly membership for £44/month.
For the best experience, come well hydrated and with a relatively empty stomach. Ideally, finish eating around two hours before the class and drink plenty of water during the hour beforehand.
Come as you are. Walk out refreshed, realigned and recharged.
pottery at the portico
Join our welcoming hand-building pottery classes at The Portico, where creativity flows as easily as friendship. Suitable for all experience levels, the classes offer a relaxed and supportive environment in which to learn, experiment and create.
Over five weeks, you'll explore hand-building techniques including pinching, coiling and slab building, along with decorative processes such as coloured slips, wax resist, Mishima and sgraffito. Whether you arrive full of ideas or no idea at all, you'll be supported to develop work that's personal to you. Guided projects are available for those who would like them, while there is always plenty of space to explore your own designs and creative interests.
Starts Wednesday 4 November 2026
6PM to 8PM for 5 weeks
£160, including all materials, glazes and firings
Our children’s pottery classes offer a fun and creative space for young makers to explore the wonderful world of clay. With small class sizes, each child receives individual attention and gentle guidance, allowing them to develop their skills, express their imagination and enjoy the process of making something unique. All work created during the class will be fired and glazed, ready for collection once complete. Private pottery parties can also be arranged to suit your requirements.
Sunday · 6th December ~ 11:00 - 16:00
Our local second hand clothing market aims to encourage people to step away from unsustainable, environmentally harmful fast fashion.
By embracing pre-loved fashion, we actively participate in the circular economy, promoting the reuse of existing materials and reducing the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing new clothing. Overall, choosing second-hand clothing is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to a more sustainable and planet-friendly fashion industry.
Trader Spots £15 via the link above <3
west norwood thrift market
Complicit - film by Richard sanders
Thursday · 12th November ~ 19:00 - 22:30
“Complicit: How the West is Helping Israel Seize the West Bank” is the third in a trilogy of films about Palestine by Al Jazeera’s Investigative Unit, following on from “October 7” and “Gaza”.
It vividly portrays Israeli settler brutality and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank and places the activities of the charity sector in the West under the spotlight. According to the International Court of Justice Israel’s occupation of the West Bank is illegal. Charitable donations to NGO’s operating in the West Bank are illegal under international law.
Like “Gaza”, “Complicit” also reveals how Israel soldiers revel in their abuse of the Palestinian population, placing videos online that celebrate human rights violations, ranging from petty vandalism and harassment to murder
Richard Sanders is an award-winning investigative journalist, filmmaker and author. He has made over 50 films, including more than 20 documentaries for Channel 4’s Dispatches. He was Senior Producer on Al Jazeera’s investigative series The Labour Files and subsequently produced and directed the Al Jazeera documentaries October 7, and GAZA and Complicit. He is now presenter for the independent news outlet Double Down Newswatch.
After the film there is a Q&A session, when Richard Sanders will be joined by Martin Abrams.
Cllr Martin Abrams is the first Green Party Leader of the London Borough of Lambeth elected in June 2026.
PALeSTINE COMEDY CLUB - film by Alaa AliAbdallah
Thursday · 26th November ~ 18:30 - 21:00
WEST NORWOOD 4 PALESTINE presents the film of director Alaa AliAbdallah and Charllote Knowles.
Palestinian comedians forge a path through laughter, using stand-up to express their resilience and spirit amid rising conflict. Their jokes become powerful statements of dignity and existence in the face of devastating circumstances.
Doors open at 18:30. Film starts at 19:00
FREE EVENT
el swing ~ salsa
Saturday · 14th November ~ 19:30 - 00:00
Kalima Project has been part of the Latin scene in London since 2012 with different musical ventures ranging from traditional Colombian folk to fusions of European pop and Salsa.
Their live set now takes us on a musical journey with evergreen Colombian hits that starts from the very beginning of Salsa in Colombia in 1969 with legendary artists such us Fruko y sus Tesos and Joe Arroyo; in 1978 Grupo Niche and La Misma Gente, to later on in 1984 with Guayacán Orquesta. Kalima Project will be paying their loving respects to the classic era and repertoire in Colombian music, big style.
Ahi Na Ma
The Portico has long been a facilitator of community classes, events & experiences in West Norwood….
Here are a few projects we have been delighted to support and contribute to…
FUNDRAISING
SOUNDS FOR CHARITY
A Semi-regular event to raise money for local charity SRA who help those in need in the community. Glen T & Love TKO soundsytem + friends will be playing all day in the Portico Gardens.
All proceeds from the tickets go to SRA
YOUTHSAYERS FUNDRAISING
An incredible night of live music, drinks, dancing and food for the community to enjoy. All proceeds from the tickets went to supporting Youthsayers, a local jazz band for young musicians. Previous performances from Youthsayers bands, Wulu, Slick & Bobby with Southsayers Horns & Ramfunk.
Coming up - Oscar Jerome, Oreglo, Youthsayers & Canopy
fundraiser for morocco
An evening of Live Music & Djs to raise money for Duar Telfeten at The Portico
Duar Telefeten is a small village of 50 inhabitants in the Atlas, one of the areas most affected by the catastrophic September earthquake. The magnitude of 6.9 struck so powerfully that near the epicentre all buildings collapsed, leaving villages like Duar Telefeten completely destroyed. As a result, people are currently living in tents, in poor conditions. With winter looming, they urgently need proper shelter to protect them from the cold and snow.
FUNDRAISER FOR HUNI KUIN
Three of the Huni Kuin Spiritual leaders (Pajes) from the Novo Futuro village (located in the Humaitá River deep in the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest) will be at Portico Gallery to share powerful messages for our individual, collective and planetary healing.
All profits from this fundraiser were used to support them with this project. this event is to raise awareness and funds for projects in the forest.
take 2 collective
Take2 presents: A festive fundraiser. Our day to night event will include food from Cafe Palestina, music, workshops and more. All proceeds will go to MAP and Maalak, charities working to support the displaced people of Palestine and Lebanon.
PEOPLE WE WORK WITH
West Norwood Feast is a community event built around 100 market stalls over five sites along the high street. It is run almost entirely by local volunteers who book the stalls and organise a full programme of free children’s activities and live entertainment. It is a farmer’s market, a craft fair, a flea market and a street food hub all rolled into one, yet the goal has always been to provide an experience that was wider than that.
youthsayers
Youthsayers is a free of charge , creative music opportunity for young people aged between 11 to 20 year olds living in the Lambeth area. Run by professional musicians and teachers from established international performing and recording band, Soothsayers. Youthsayers offers the chance to work with us and other young musicians on Afro-beat, jazz , reggae / dub influenced music. The project is designed to develop the confidence and a wide variety of skills in young musicians as well as developing a passion for music.
SOME MORE local groups WE ARE PROUD TO WORK WITH
Past Workshops /initiatives
Life Drawing
An informal, friendly and supportive group, welcoming beginners, novices and advanced artists alike. Sessions involve differing projects, in which the group has fun working collaboratively, sharing contributions on poses, lighting, materials, and general creative expression.
Bloom
A weekly after-school workshop for all budding young artists, welcoming all children, aged 6-12. Run by artist and qualified teacher, Jessie, this workshop invites children to create and express themselves artistically, showcasing their creations at West Norwood’s local community market, FEAST. A fun and exciting opportunity for all involved.
Community Choir
A joyous union of hearts and voices, coming together each week in glorious harmony. Taking on fun and easy melodies, as well as more extensive, complex works, the community choir is always welcoming new members. Developing one’s musicality and range of voice, or picking up a new hobby and meeting new people, all are welcome here!
SUSTENANCE
Located at the front of The Portico on Knight’s Hill, Sustenance provides enviromentally and socially friendly food at affordable prices for the local community of West Norwood.
“As a consumerist society the best way we can use our power is through our political action and consumerist action. By buying ethically produced and environmentally friendlier food we are making choices for ourselves about the impact the items we consume have on our and everyone elses future. “
YOGA NIDRA
Facilitated by the Yoga Nidra Network and Portico Gallery, a FREE community yoga nidra session to RECONNECT, RESTORE and ARISE RENEWED. A RADICAL ACT OF COMMUNITY REST! Donations welcome, all profits go to PORTICO FUNDS and local charitable ventures. . .
FREE COMMUNITY POTTERY EVENt
We’ll provide you with the clay you need to create your masterpiece, and once you’ve finished, we’ll fire it in our kiln. This is a great chance to let your creativity run wild and create something truly unique that will be part of a larger community art project.
No experience is necessary, and all skill levels are welcome. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, we invite you to come and be a part of this exciting community event. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors and make a day of it!
This FREE drop-in workshop is part of the West Norwood Cemetery special Open Day on Saturday 20 May, 11am-3pm, running as part of the ChooSE27 Festival of events and activities happening all across West Norwood and Tulse Hill between Friday 12 May- Sunday 29 May