Islington Greener Together Festival

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Islington Council developed Vision 2030 as a roadmap for creating a net zero carbon Islington by 2030. After research identified Islington as one of the six London boroughs most at risk of the effects of climate change, the council launched its first major event on the 18th October, 2021. 

The Islington Greener Together Festival aimed to engage with and galvanise those who live and work in Islington using a series of events to tackle the climate emergency. Not only did the festival raise awareness of the crisis, it also gave those in the community a voice in the process, and the opportunity to take community-led, community-owned action. 

Angel Central worked with the council and several community groups to support the initiative, offering space within the centre for organisations. Events at the centre included the Electrical Repair Café, Textile Repair event with TRAID, Thanks For Trying Exhibition, My Wardrobe, My Way, and This is Energy. 

The Angel Central team also completed their first volunteering day at Carfree Open Space on the 22nd October, in partnership with Islington Clean Air Parents. The team helped to develop the Islington Forest For Change, an area hoped one day to be a sanctuary for wildlife, with activities including litter picking, weeding, and planting bulbs and trees. This initiative is the first step in helping to store air pollutants, slow the movement of water and reduce the risks of flooding.

Christmas Light Switch On

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Join us on Thursday 18th November, 2021 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Come join us for the big night! Santa himself will be doing the all important job of turning on the lights! There will be performances from King’s Head Theatre’s Beowulf panto stars & local choirs, and we’ll be giving away goodie bags filled with wooden tree decorations, chocolates, and even a plant-at-home Xmas tree, plus much more!

 

Angel Central Sustainable Market

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Our Sustainable Market features a selection of London-based ethical and sustainable businesses, the best in local crafters and makers, all with their unique sustainable spin, and all available in one place at Angel Central.

2022 Dates

10th – 11th September

The Blockbuster Bond Bash

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We’ve been expecting you, Mr Bond. Daniel Craig’s fifth and final outing as the enigmatic British super-spy has suffered from long delays, but those delays have done nothing to diminish the anticipation and expectation. Audiences are once again ready to dive into a world of shadowy plots, subterfuge, danger and dapper dinner suits.

No Time To Die is now showing at Vue Angel Central – the last chance to catch a glimpse of Craig’s Bond, and while we can’t promise another iconic steamy seaside scene, we can offer everything you need to experience a little of his trademark class and glamour for yourself. Here are four pieces to inspire your own Bond themed party, and celebrate the new movie’s release in a style that would make the secret agent proud. Remember to mix those drinks shaken not stirred, and if someone turns up with a white cat, question their seemingly good intentions.

Argos
Home Sahara Cocktail Shaker
£8.00

Argos
ProPoker Professional 300 Chip Poker Set
£25.00

H&M
Jacket Skinny Fit
£49.99

Monsoon
Emily stretch velvet shift dress black
£70.00

Accessorize
Satin clutch bag blue
£19.00

Spotlight on Sustainability

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With almost round the clock debate and news coverage, climate change is definitely a hot topic (pun intended). Even with growing concern and public action, protests and pledges, it can sometimes seem an insurmountable task, and a job too big for just one person to make a difference. But at Angel Central creating a community to engage with and plan of action that can make difference – proving you don’t have to be Greta to do a little better.
Sustainability is always at the heart of Angel Central, and we benchmark everything we do against those values. We’ve added community focused and environmentally friendly new amenities, including improved air quality, introduction of planting and free water refill points – with the aim of becoming one of the first ever WELL accredited retail and leisure destinations.
Our green and climate conscious approach is long-term and always evolving, but here is a rundown of what Angel Central and it’s tenants are currently doing to help create positive change.

Know the Origin

Sustainability-focused department store Know the Origin has opened a pop-up and first zero-waste store at London’s Angel Central, bringing all of their 200+ fashion and conscious living brands under one roof. Charlotte Instone, founder of Know the Origin, said: “I set up Know the Origin to create a platform for those amazing brands that champion the full product journey, so customers can connect with where each product has come from. We have been able to educate the public and spread our vision across the UK through our series of pop-up stores, and Angel Central’s prominent location and high levels of footfall is the perfect space to continue our mission.”

Recycle, Reuse and Reduce with RE.UNIQLO

Can your old clothing improve the future? The RE.UNIQLO programme recycles your used garments through circular sustainability programs. They collect UNIQLO down garments from all over the world and transform them into new products, and also work with NGOs and partners to distribute wearable used clothing to refugees, disaster victims, and others in need worldwide. RE.UNIQLO boxes are placed in each store including Angel Central, where your donations not only help reduce waste, but actively help others.

H&M Conscious Collection

H&M’s Conscious products are created with a little extra consideration for the planet, with at least 50% of each piece made from more sustainable materials, like organic cotton or recycled polyester. The only exception is recycled cotton which, for quality reasons, can only make up 20% of a product. This spring’s collection was made from 100% recycled, organic or other more sustainable materials, and included innovative fabrics like the Agraloop, an award-winning innovation transforming food crop waste, like leftovers from oilseed hemp, into high-quality BioFibre. The current Rewind. Renew. collection pledges to make better denim by reducing the use of virgin materials and reusing what already exists – with a goal of all raw materials used for their products consisting of 30% recycled materials by 2025.

H&M Conscious Collection

The S.E.W Sustainable Collection from Monsoon is part of the brand’s commitment to seeking an eco-friendly world, starting with clothing. The new range is created using sustainable fabric alternatives, including responsibly sourced organic cotton and LENZING ECOVERO, a planet-friendly alternative to viscose. With denim with a reduced environmental impact in jackets and jeans, as well as midi dresses and tops that are forever favourites, it’s never been easier to choose sustainable, and be aware of the impact of those choices.

Reduce Plastic Bag Waste at MUJI

MUJI manufactures its products from three perspectives: “Selection of Materials”, “Review of Processes” and “Simplification of Packaging”. They choose materials that take into account the global environment and producers, eliminate waste in all processes, and provide customers with what they really need in the form they really need.
They instil a mindfulness towards the natural, delivering functional basic necessities in life without the frills and excess packaging, including a drive towards reduction in single-use plastic. In the spirit of reducing waste and conserving resources, MUJI encourages all customers to bring their own bags, reuse MUJI’s brown paper bags, or purchase our range of reusable bags and carriers while shopping in-store at Angel Central.

Our Autumn Fashion Edit!

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It might be hard to say goodbye to summer, or maybe a little easier if yours never arrived? Wether you hit the beach and soaked up the rays of sunshine, or just got soaked, it’s now time to admit the seasons are changing, and that ‘late summer’ we’ve been promised might never show up.

 

Even if you’re not emotionally ready to move towards winter, your wardrobe can be. We’ve picked out some of the best in a wide selection of the cosiest, comfiest, and most comforting autumn clothing essentials, so now all you need to worry about is saving for those Christmas presents!

 

H&M Oversized shirt jacket

Monsoon Sandra Ruffle Pointelle Jumper

Calzedonia Comfort flare leggings

MUJI Tight Tension French Terry Zip Up Hoodie

 

The Angel Back to School Shopping Guide

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Cramped classrooms and testing teachers might be the last thing on the minds of the young and the free this summer, and we certainly don’t want to spoil the fun too early. However, with the essentials all covered and some fun treats and trinkets bringing a bit of personality and distraction, we hope Angel Central can make the transition back to the books as painless as possible.

Check out the back to school essentials from Paperchase here;

Felt tips and colouring pencils – pack of 48

STABILO BOSS ORIGINAL Pastel Highlighters Wallet

Agenzio Large Dotted Notebook – Sea Foam

Recycled Square Pencil Case

Multi-coloured sticky pad

 

 

 

The perfect bank holiday weekend at Angel Central

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Whether you’re making the most of the last (or first!) of the summer sun and luscious outdoor greenery, getting a much needed dose of retail therapy, or packing in a day of fun, food and family entertainment, Angel Central has got everything and everyone covered this bank holiday weekend.

Events and activities on the Lawn

Al fresco dining upstairs

Live Music at 02 Islington

 

Angel Central’s community initiatives

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This summer Angel Central is supporting a range of projects and initiatives throughout Islington. Within the centre customers can choose to donate 20p to the initiative of their choice, and receive a sweet treat in return! The initiative with the most donations will then receive £1000 from Angel Central.

Each is a much deserving and important part of our local community, and Angel Central is proud to give them our support. Here is a short summary of what they are doing to make a difference.

 

Islington Clean Air Parents

Islington Clean Air Parents was founded in 2019 by four parents, Helena, Rachael, Miranda and Lucy, who have children at schools in the borough and are highly concerned about the pollution levels they are exposed to.

As individuals they were talking to their children’s schools about reducing air pollution, but finding that the Heads weren’t always receptive to taking action. By forming a group they have found support and ideas about how to create change, and are now a fast growing network of parents and carers in Islington.

Visit website

 

Forest for Change

As part of ICAP’s ongoing efforts to reduce toxic air pollution in Islington, Forest for Change has been launched as an ‘urban forest’ project. They aim to plant up to 200 trees in and around Islington, sourced from the Forest for Change exhibition taking place at Somerset House this summer.

The trees are being donated to Islington by Forest for Change, an interactive installation by artist Es Devlin open at Somerset House from 1 to 27 June as part of the London Design Biennale. The project will help regenerate Islington’s urban and green spaces to offer more places for children to engage with nature and learn about the importance of trees.

Visit website

 

Culpeper Community Garden

A green oasis in the midst of streets, estates and inner city bustle, Culpeper Community Garden is one of the most valued green public spaces in Islington.

Culpeper is a beautiful public open space which is both a city park and an environmental community project. Managed by and for local people, it is an award winning project where people from all walks of life come together to appreciate and enhance their environment.

Surrounded by roads and a busy shopping area, Culpeper is often described as ‘an oasis’. Children and adults alike love to explore the pathways, ponds and wealth of plants. It’s a perfect place for a picnic or simply for relaxing.

Visit website

 

Community Parklets

Community parklets take up the space of one parked car and turn it into an area where people can park their bikes, sit, have a coffee and chat, meet friends of all shapes and sizes and enjoy being outside. They can provide greenery, art or other visual amenity and vastly improve our grey urban environment.

Only 26% of residents in Islington have access to a car leaving the majority unable to use their public realm space fully. We all know the importance of nature to our physical and mental wellbeing – as noted in Islington’ Biodiversity Report published in April 2020 – but non-car owners currently have no stake in their own street. Islington has 5 commercial parklets, the first being opened in June 2019 in St Luke’s community centre. There are no community parklets, no process for getting a permit for a community parklet and only one guerilla parklet in Mayton Street which has a special permit which is up for renewal in June 2020.

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Mental Health Awareness Week 2021 – Celebrating Nature

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The pandemic has seen so many people experience problems with their mental health or found themselves working to support friends and loved ones who are feeling the stress, pressure and uncertainty of lives that have been upended. This May’s Mental Health Awareness Week is the perfect chance to speak out, raise awareness, and help do something positive and important for the cause.

The benefits of the outdoors and exercise on health and wellness have long been established, but with a year of lockdown now behind us, many more have embraced it as support for their mental health. 

Thankfully, Islington boasts some of the best parks, scenery and walking spots in London, and we’re encouraging our locals and visitors from further afield to get out there and get active. Here are just a few potential stops to visit:

  1. BARNARD PARK

Barnard Park is easily accessible to visitors looking for green space with different amenities. To those with children, the park offers a One O’clock Club on a drop-in basis for those with children aged birth to five and the club is also available to rent for children’s parties. 

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  1. HIGHBURY FIELDS

At 29 hectares, Highbury Fields is Islington’s largest open space and the ultimate space for a lunchtime walk. On the edge of the park you’ll find  Highbury Leisure Centre which boasts two swimming pools and if that’s not enough, the park also has an amazing history, it is home to the Boer War memorial which was erected in 1905.

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  1. CALEDONIAN PARK

Another one of our favourites is Caledonian Park which is home to a 155ft high Grade II listed Clock Tower which offers a beautiful viewing platform for panoramic views of north London and the City.  Caledonian park is also the perfect picnic spot for friends and families to enjoy with its flower and nature gardens, a small orchard and woodland area.

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  1. DISCOVERING ISLINGTON

The full walk is about 7km (4 miles) long and takes about two to three hours to complete. You can kick off your walk at Highbury & Islington underground station and end it with a nice meal or a little bit of retail therapy at Angel Central. As mentioned by the London Garden Trust, there are numerous things you can explore during your walk. The many green spaces have always been the perfect spots for city-dwellers with its clean air and freshwater spas. In the early 19th century once more houses were needed the country estates were broken up and the second wave of London’s network of residential gardens took shape.

  1. ISLINGTON CANAL WALK

The Regent’s Canal is 9 miles long and the numerous pubs, cafes and restaurants along the way make it the perfect walk for a weekend.. You can start your walk at the London Canal Museum to prepare yourself for what you are about to see and on the way pause at City Road Basin. This is where you can take boat trips, go fishing or simply just relax and watch the world go by. 

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Header credit: Photo by Daria Obymaha from Pexels

Read more: Angel Central is officially Fitwel!