Celtic Culture

Whether you’re deeply connected to Asian culture, curious to learn more, or simply looking to meet new people in London, you are warmly welcome here 🙋 This event is open to everyone — no matter where you’re from. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, travel, languages, games, or just want to spend a relaxed afternoon and evening with friendly people, we’d love to have you join us. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon and evening of culture, conversation, games, and genuine connection. From **3:00 PM to 6:00 PM**, we’ll begin with our cultural activity and networking session, featuring an **Interactive Culture Quiz** about Asian culture, history, food, and fun trivia. There will be prizes for the top 5 players, followed by free-flow conversation where you can mingle, share stories, and meet new friends. From **7:00 PM to 10:00 PM**, we’ll continue the evening with a casual **Board Games Social**. Whether you enjoy strategy games, party games, or just want to relax and chat, you’re welcome to stay and join the fun. We also invite everyone to **bring your own favourite snacks** to share with others. It could be something from your culture, your hometown, or simply something you love. Let’s make it a cosy snack-sharing evening with friends old and new 🥟🍪 🎮 Interactive Culture Quiz about culture, food & fun trivia 🏆 Prizes for the top 5 quiz winners 💬 Cultural networking & free-flow conversation 🎲 Board games social from 7 PM 🥨 Bring your own snacks to share with others No prior knowledge of Asian culture is needed — just bring your curiosity, your favourite snacks, and an open mind 😊 🕒 **Cultural Activity & Networking:** 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM 🎲 **Board Games Social:** 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 **Loong Express** 104 Great Portland St, London W1W 6PE 📋 **RSVP & Attendance** • Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend. Kindly cancel your ticket in advance so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. • Late arrivals may miss the quiz rounds. • You are welcome to join the cultural activity, the board games session, or both. ⚠️ **Disclaimer** The organiser has no responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal belongings during the event. Please take care of your personal belongings throughout the event. Hosted by **Nihao Serica** As Nihao Serica is also building cultural travel experiences between the UK and China, we’ll share a short 5-minute introduction to our upcoming China travel social for anyone curious about visiting China, exploring Chinese cities, food, heritage, and local experiences in the future.

Sound therapist Azzurra Nonni returns to bathe us in the sounds of gongs, singing bowls and gentle percussion. **We recommend you bring a yoga mat, blanket and something to cover your eyes with you.** **Donations** This event is free, but we welcome donations! Suggested donation: £10. Thank you for supporting this event!

Discover the beautiful art of **castanets (castañuelas)** and add a new dimension to your flamenco 💫 This **6-week introduction course** is open to all levels, including complete beginners. We will build technique step by step, focusing on coordination, rhythm, and musicality. ✨ What you will learn: • Hand positioning and basic technique • Coordination and independence between hands • Rhythm patterns and musicality • Integration into simple flamenco sequences • Posture, arms, and expression This course is also accessible if you prefer or need to participate seated. 📅 **Dates:** Sundays, 19 April – 24 May ⏰ **Time:** 10:00 – 11:00 📍 **Location:** Danceworks London ⚠️ **Please bring proper castanets (not decorative ones)** 👉 **Booking is essential via Danceworks (link below)** https://www.danceworks.com/courses/ Limited places available ✨ If you have any questions, feel free to message.

Whether you’re deeply connected to Asian culture, curious to learn more, or simply looking to meet new people in London, you are warmly welcome here 🙋 This event is open to everyone — no matter where you’re from. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, travel, languages, games, or just want to spend a relaxed afternoon and evening with friendly people, we’d love to have you join us. Join us for a fun-filled afternoon and evening of culture, conversation, games, and genuine connection. From **3:00 PM to 6:00 PM**, we’ll begin with our cultural activity and networking session, featuring an **Interactive Culture Quiz** about Asian culture, history, food, and fun trivia. There will be prizes for the top 5 players, followed by free-flow conversation where you can mingle, share stories, and meet new friends. From **7:00 PM to 10:00 PM**, we’ll continue the evening with a casual **Board Games Social**. Whether you enjoy strategy games, party games, or just want to relax and chat, you’re welcome to stay and join the fun. We also invite everyone to **bring your own favourite snacks** to share with others. It could be something from your culture, your hometown, or simply something you love. Let’s make it a cosy snack-sharing evening with friends old and new 🥟🍪 🎮 Interactive Culture Quiz about culture, food & fun trivia 🏆 Prizes for the top 5 quiz winners 💬 Cultural networking & free-flow conversation 🎲 Board games social from 7 PM 🥨 Bring your own snacks to share with others No prior knowledge of Asian culture is needed — just bring your curiosity, your favourite snacks, and an open mind 😊 🕒 **Cultural Activity & Networking:** 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM 🎲 **Board Games Social:** 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 📍 **Loong Express** 104 Great Portland St, London W1W 6PE 📋 **RSVP & Attendance** • Please update your RSVP if you can no longer attend. Kindly cancel your ticket in advance so your spot can be offered to someone on the waitlist. • Late arrivals may miss the quiz rounds. • You are welcome to join the cultural activity, the board games session, or both. ⚠️ **Disclaimer** The organiser has no responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal belongings during the event. Please take care of your personal belongings throughout the event. Hosted by **Nihao Serica** As Nihao Serica is also building cultural travel experiences between the UK and China, we’ll share a short 5-minute introduction to our upcoming China travel social for anyone curious about visiting China, exploring Chinese cities, food, heritage, and local experiences in the future.

Sunday rehearsal with Castellers of London. Meet us at the OBC Community Centre to help build human towers! This get together is a great opportunity for you to meet new friends, socialise and have a go and explore your abilities as a human tower builder a.k.a Casteller! For newcomers we have a team of trained Castellers who will introduce you to the group, guide you through the activity and help you safely take part in this unique Catalan tradition. When you arrive just approach us as we are really friendly! If in doubt ask for Cuss! Please let us know if you are bringing guests. After the rehearsal we go to a nearby pub for social drinks where everyone is welcome :) What do you need? 1. Ideally a cotton shirt: to protect your neck and shoulders, the more durable the shirt/top the better. We do not recommend any thin items of clothing! 2. Jeans: allowing you to move freely without breaking. 3. Mask: We still require the use of a mask as you will be very close to your fellow Castellers - basically you will be hugging people! The rest of the equipment is on us! We take health and safety very seriously, both in relation to COVID-19 and also the activity- please be assured that the safety of all participants is of the utmost importance to us and we take all necessary precautions to minimize the risk, ensuring we all have a great time! Our regular members won't be filling in the Meet Up to say they are going 🙂 So don't be put off if you see only a handful have said they are going. A minimum of 25 on the day is normal. What the Meet Up may show is how many new people like yourself are going.

Arabic Through Literature and Current Affairs One Thousand and One Nights & Contemporary Arabic Discussion Lesson Duration 2 hours per session • Hour 1: Literary Arabic (Reading & Translation) • Hour 2: Modern Arabic (Conversation & Debate on Current Affairs) ⸻ HOUR 1 — Arabic Literature (60 minutes) Objectives • Develop reading fluency in classical/standard Arabic • Understand literary structures and stylistic devices • Produce accurate and elegant translations Structure 1️⃣ Context & Vocabulary (10 min) • Brief cultural or historical background • Key vocabulary (classical, rare, idiomatic) 2️⃣ Guided Reading (20 min) • Reading aloud by teacher and students • Grammatical and stylistic explanations • Focus on: • Verb patterns • Sentence rhythm • Narrative connectors 3️⃣ Analysis (15 min) • Themes and moral lessons • Character roles • Narrative techniques • Links to broader Arabic literary traditions 4️⃣ Translation Workshop (15 min) • Collective translation • Discuss: • Literal vs literary translation • Register and tone • Alternative renderings HOUR 2 — Current Affairs Conversation (60 minutes) Objectives • Build spoken fluency in Modern Standard Arabic • Learn contemporary political, social, and media vocabulary • Express opinions clearly and confidently Structure 1️⃣ Warm-up & Vocabulary (10 min) • Key terms from: • News headlines • Social media discourse • Political or cultural debates 2️⃣ Listening / Reading Input (10 min) • Short news clip or article (Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, etc.) • Identify main ideas and key arguments 3️⃣ Guided Discussion (30 min) Possible formats: • Open discussion • Structured debate • Role-play (journalist / analyst / public opinion) • Comparison with students’ countries Discussion skills: • Expressing agreement/disagreement • Clarifying opinions • Polite debate language 4️⃣ Reflection & Correction (10 min) • Correct common mistakes • Reformulate students’ answers in refined Arabic • Highlight strong expressions Homework (Light & Effective) Meeting at Pret A Manger 252 Tottenham Ct Rd, London W1T 7RB

Come along on Sunday 10th May for a walk around some of the Mews' of west London! **About the walk** A Mews is a row or street of houses or flats that have been converted from stables. There are currently 339 Mews in London, all built in the Georgian and Victorian periods. All were built to house horses on the ground floor, with servants living in the small rooms above. They were situated out of sight and smell behind a main house and had their own entrance. With the invention of the motor car, the horses were replaced and the stables now became garages. In the 1960's, Mews became havens for alternative living. Artists and writers were drawn to them, partly for their bohemian chic, but mainly because they were cheap. They were at the centre of what was poised to become 'Swinging London'. Almost all of London's Mews are in the boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster. They have a distinct village feel, with lots of colour and foliage. We will explore nine Mews in west London around the north side of Hyde Park. I will tell you the stories behind them, how they have changed, famous people who have lived in them and how today they are some of the most sought after and expensive properties in London. The guided walk will be led by myself. **Cost** Full Members of the group will be free! everyone else the cost is £7 per person (payable on the day by cash, credit card, PayPal or Bank Transfer). **Become a Full Member** To become a Full Member (£14 a year), either: \- Pay cash at an event \- Pay via Bank Transfer \(TSB Bank plc\, Sort code: 77\-66\-65\, Account no: 00030809\, Account name: Cultureseekers) \- Pay via credit card on the day or in advance \([https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI](https://pay.sumup.com/b2c/QLAX8AUI)) \- Pay via PayPal\, send a payment to [general@cultureseekers.org](mailto:general@cultureseekers.org), using the ‘Friends & Family’ option Benefits of becoming a Full Member [here...](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/) **Afterwards** After, we will head to the 'Duke of Kendal pub' 38 Connaught Street for a chat over a drink. The pub has outdoor seating. Please note, we will only wait just inside Hyde Park for 10 minutes after the advertised meeting time, so please be early or on time. The walk finishes inbetween Lancaster Gate and Marble Arch tube stations (about 10 min walk to each). Please text if you can't see us. Look out for the red & blue 'London Cultureseekers' group sign. Hope to see you there! Robert 07905 901 834 (prefer text) ***On the day, if you can’t make the visit, just change your RSVP to No or text me to say you can’t make it. Please don’t post any messages in the comments that you can’t make it, as this generates spam for everyone else.*** Please make sure you are aware of the group rules here before RSVPing - *[https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/](https://www.meetup.com/london_cultureseekers/photos/22974682/531979527/)*

**Join LCC Sunday, March 8th at the Hackney Marshes playing field as we make another attempt at playing the Soviet Union's very own *Zarnitsa,* a capture-the-flag alternative with a small twist.** **WHAT IS ZARNITSA?** Zarnitsa (Зарница), or heat-lightning, officially known as the All-Union Young Pioneer military sports game "Zarnitsa", is a massive multi-player physical sports game developed and practiced by the Young Pioneers communist youth organisation during the Soviet era. The game provides a simulation of military actions such as reconnaissance, co-ordinated offensives, giving chase, etc. Popular once again in modern Russia, this is a simple game designed for children and young people in military/cadet organisations, but great fun for active people of all ages. The rules of Zarnitsa are based on the classic capture the flag concept. Two teams each have a "base area" with a flag contained within, concealed or otherwise. Each team's goal is to protect their own flag and seize the other team's and bring it back to the base area. Players can walk, run, sneak, hide, create diversions and use any means short of physical violence to achieve their objectives. What makes Zarnitsa different from classic CTF is simply this: every player has two velcro-attached shoulder straps that serve as health indicators and can be torn off by the opponents. Losing one indicates "wounded", losing two indicates "dead". The "wounded" players cannot run and should only walk. The "dead" players return to a respawn point or leave the game in some modes. Why are we doing this? Capture the flag is simply top fun and anyone who says otherwise is joking themselves. Zarnitsa's slightly elevated level of complexity should give us just that extra challenge needed to really make it interesting. That said, this is our first go with organising multiplayer sports games, so we'll see what the results are! As always comments, questions, suggestions and concerns are more than welcome - just contact an organiser. Sports games are a great way to get and stay active, meet new people, and break the monotony of everyday life under British capitalism. Let's get out there! For our first attempt at organising a little Zarnitsa league here in London, we'll hit up Hackney Marshes and Wick Woodland. We'll divide into two teams; each will receive coloured vests or other garments to which the health indicator strips are attached. Then we'll take up our places, count down from 60 seconds, and let the games begin! **Note: we'll want at least five people per team for this to really work right, so we'll cancel or reschedule if this one gets less than 9 RSVPs.** There's no limit to how big our group can be of course, so please do join us! Just be sure to either turn up on the day or change your RSVP if you can't make it in the end, just so we know what to expect. Take care and see you on the pitch!

Discover the World at International Cafe! We are a group of Christian volunteers set out to create a friendly community that welcomes everyone! Come and practice speaking English with our English speaking volunteers. You will learn more about British culture and discuss life with NEW topics each week. We also include a Bible story at the end of our sessions. At International Cafe, we start our meet up with Tea & Coffee and continue in engaging conversations. Each week, we'll look at NEW topics about British culture and history, so you can learn and socialize. Best of all, it's a free event and open to everyone! So mark your calendars: 🕕 Time: **Sunday at 2:30 PM** 📍 Address: ECIR OEA, Inspire at St James Questions? Text Organiser at 07708228436.

If you already know the basics of Sevillanas and you’d love to feel more confident, expressive and fluid when dancing, this course is for you! Join a warm, supportive group and continue your Sevillanas journey with rhythm, joy and authentic Spanish flair. Over this course we will: ✨ Refine coordination and technique ✨ Improve styling and posture ✨ Build musicality and confidence ✨ Work on smoother transitions and partner awareness ✨ Dance with alegría, expression and connection This is ideal for dancers who: ✔️ Have previously learned Sevillanas basics ✔️ Want to polish, strengthen and feel more natural dancing ✔️ Enjoy Spanish culture, music and community spirit ✔️ Love learning in a friendly and uplifting atmosphere 📅 **Sundays – 19 April to 31 May** ❗ No class on 3 May ⏰ **13:00 – 14:00** 📍 **Danceworks London** 🎟️ **Limited spaces – booking essential** https://www.danceworks.com/courses/ Whether you want to dance socially at ferias, cultural events or simply enjoy dancing for yourself, this course will help you dance with greater elegance, confidence and joy. Come dance with us and feel the spirit of Spain in London! 🌺 If you have any questions, feel free to message.

Join me for relaxing Art Workshops at London parks and pubs! THIS WEEK; I'll be on grass near the bandstand & café in the middle of Lincoln's Inn Fields, (tube; Holborn), from 3.30pm to maybe 6.30ish \~ look for art stuff on the grass 🎨👣😊🍻 Explore your creativity no matter what your skill \~ we'll take inspiration from our surroundings, each other, I'll provide tips, advice, and a few arty magazines and more, from my own collection 😊 Just £5 suggested donation, or pay what you feel ; I provide all the Art materials, just bring your imagination 😊 \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Details \~\~\~\~\~\~\~ Each week, the workshops will be at different locations, a park in warm weather, a pub in cold/rainy weather 😊 Generally they'll be in the late afternoon into the evening, occasionally from around lunch time 😊 See you soon 😊

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

# **Saturday, May 16, 2026** **Beginners’ Session 1:30 to 2:00 PM** **Dancing 2:00 to 4:30 PM** **Please note that this is an afternoon dance!** **You are invited to join us for dinner at Olive and Lime (in the church’s back parking lot) after the dance.** **Kim Thompson, from Athens, will take the mic and we’ll dance to the music of Roscommon Sessions. Kim will lead us through a variety of old and new dances that welcome newbies and delight experienced dancers.** **Roscommon Sessions, a traditional Irish music quartet from Columbus, Ohio, began their musical journey centered around the energy and spontaneity of Irish sessions. They are excited to bring their lively jigs and reels, a couple of flowing waltzes, and the occasional musical surprise to the All Soles contra dancers!** **Roscommon Sessions is Steve Steele (guitar), Jim Lindroth (percussion), Carol Metheny (fiddle) and Sarah Sigmon (fiddle).** **We hope to see you dancing!** **Location: First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 W. Weisheimer Road, Columbus, OH 43214.** **Cost is $10 for adults, $5 ages 12-25.** **New to dancing? A beginners’ session, from 1:30 to 2:00 PM, will get you started. You will learn some basic figures that will be repeated in the afternoon’s dances. All dances will be taught and no partner is needed. Dancing is from 2:00 to 4:30 PM.** **Please bring your own refillable water bottle.** **All Soles Dance upcoming dance dates are, as follows:** **June 20, 2026** **Tentative:** **July 25, 2026–Summer Potluck and Dance** **No August Dance** **September 26, 2026** **October 17, 2026** **November 21, 2026** **December 19, 2026** **Visit our website at: https://firstuucolumbus.org/connection/all-soles/**

*We can only take 13 women on this trip.* **The details...** Immerse yourself in the wild splendor of Scotland on this exclusive **women’s 8-day hiking** adventure. Misty moors, heather-clad hillsides, verdant glens, and ancient castles steeped in folklore will fill your camera roll by the end of this trip. ***Learn more about this all women journey here: [Highlands](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** **A guided adventure:** Guided by experienced locals, explore the untamed hills of Glencoe and the Cairngorms during invigorating day hikes. Each evening, unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences, forging friendships and savoring Highland hospitality. This is more than a hiking trip. It’s an opportunity to immerse yourself in Scotland’s rich history and traditions. Learn about women-led crofts and take a loch plunge while wild swimming (followed by a steamy sauna). **What to expect...** * Hike in Scotland’s rugged Highlands and experience green Glencoe. * Visit a medieval castles and historic stone villages. * Soak up the history of Edinburgh’s city center. * Indulge in delicious and plentiful Scottish cuisine, including fresh seafood, local beer, and hearty breakfasts. * Traverse heather-clad landscapes while giving your body a good workout. (You must train for this trip.) * Enjoy restorative stays at beautiful hotels. **Wait, there's more...** * Bask in the beauty of the Cairngorms. * Hike with other Bold Spirit women who love to travel as much as you do. * Learn about rewilding and women-led crofting. * Shop along the cobblestone streets of Edinburgh. * Take the plunge into a loch for wild swimming and a shoreline sauna experience. * Stretch both your mind and hamstrings on this special journey. The best part? Our team **takes care of the logistics** so you can focus on enjoying a much needed vacation in beautiful Scotland. Are you ready to meet other women who love to hike and travel, plus see Scotland with professional guides? ***Learn more about this all women tour here: [2026 Hiking the Highlands Journey](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/journeys-1/hiking-highlands-scotland-2026)*** * Ask us questions here: [Tell me more about this trip](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/contact) * Learn about Bold Spirit Travel [here](https://www.boldspirittravel.com/about). * Rates start at $6195

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

Sleep in on Sundays. When you've had your fill of pajama-time, roll out and have some tasty brunch with your fellow Humanists!