Good afternoon,
We’re just a week away from the exciting launch of City Belonging Champions and we hope to see many of you there.
Champions are nominated ambassadors for their workplaces, who connect their colleagues to the opportunities, networks and civic life of City. They help ensure colleagues are plugged into the events, activities and initiatives taking place across the Square Mile, making it easier for people to get involved, make new connections and feel part of the wider City community.
Whether you're interested in becoming a Champion, nominating a colleague, or simply learning more about the programme, we'd encourage you to join us for breakfast and networking at our launch event. It's a great opportunity to meet employers and professionals from across the City, hear more about the role, and discover how your organisation can play a part in building a more connected and welcoming Square Mile.
Explore stalls, enjoy breakfast, and learn more about this new exciting initiative to connect you and your colleagues to all the City has to offer.
KEY EVENTS
Friday 24th July, 6:30-10:30pm, St Mary-at-Hill
BOLLYWOOD IN BILLINGSGATE
A one-of-a-kind celebration where Bollywood meets the energy of London's Square Mile. For one night only, we are transforming the iconic SMAH into a vibrant Bollywood experience filled with colour, rhythm, music, and celebration.
BOLLYWOOD IN BILLINGSGATE
A one-of-a-kind celebration where Bollywood meets the energy of London's Square Mile. For one night only, we are transforming the iconic SMAH into a vibrant Bollywood experience filled with colour, rhythm, music, and celebration.
Wednesday 9 September, 8:30 – 10:30am
Join us at Lloyd’s of London for a panel discussion exploring the increasing visibility of antisemitism in society and the experiences of Jewish people in the UK today. Our expert speakers will discuss inclusion, support, and representation, followed by an informal coffee and networking session. Complete the expression of interest form to receive full event details. This event is aimed at business leaders and those in workplace HR and DEI leadership roles.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Wednesdays from 8 July – 5 August, various locations
SOUNDS OF THE SUMMER SERIES
As part of Summer in the City, these uplifting live performances are a perfect addition to your workday – whether you’re unwinding on your lunch break or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere after hours.
Friday 15 May – Friday 31 July, Barbican
ORIGO BY DELORES MORELOS
Wednesdays from 8 July – 5 August, various locations
SOUNDS OF THE SUMMER SERIES
As part of Summer in the City, these uplifting live performances are a perfect addition to your workday – whether you’re unwinding on your lunch break or enjoying the vibrant atmosphere after hours.
Friday 15 May – Friday 31 July, Barbican
ORIGO BY DELORES MORELOS
Colombian artist Delcy Morelos explores our relationship with the earth in a monumental, site-specific installation made of soil, clay and fragrant spices.
Thursday 11 June – Sun 6 September, Barbican
PROJECT A BLACK PLANET
Explore the impact of Pan-Africanism on artistic and cultural production from the 1920s to the present, through over 300 works – from paintings and installations to posters, journals, and film.
Sunday 12 July (and every Sunday until 27 September), 2- 7pm, Bishopsgate Institute
PINK JUKEBOX: BALLROOM AND LATIN DANCE
Thursday 11 June – Sun 6 September, Barbican
PROJECT A BLACK PLANET
Explore the impact of Pan-Africanism on artistic and cultural production from the 1920s to the present, through over 300 works – from paintings and installations to posters, journals, and film.
Sunday 12 July (and every Sunday until 27 September), 2- 7pm, Bishopsgate Institute
PINK JUKEBOX: BALLROOM AND LATIN DANCE
Pink Jukebox is a Ballroom and Latin social and class programme for LGBTQIA+ community members and allies. Open to all levels - beginners welcome.
Monday 13 July, 5 – 8pm, CMS Legal
Join us in person for an event exploring how data can drive effective action to protect pollinators in urban environments like the Square Mile and central London. We will highlight the importance of these species to city ecosystems and show how better evidence can inform policy, planning, and on-the-ground interventions. Bringing together perspectives from ecology, data science, urban planning, business, and policy, the event is designed to engage a wide range of stakeholders and foster collaboration around practical, data-led solutions to strengthen and deliver nature recovery.
Monday 13 July (and every Monday through to 18 August), 7pm, Bishopsgate Institute
BABY STEPS: BEGINNER LINE DANCING
Line dancing in the queer community is having a real renaissance, with people craving communal spaces where they can be in their bodies and move in unison. Line dancing offers beginner-friendly dance choreography and an opportunity to reclaim country culture and music whilst incorporating pop, hip-hop, R'n'B and more.
Tuesday 14 July, 12:15 – 1:45pm, 3 Aldermanbury
Rescheduled date: In celebration of LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, join a guided walking tour through the Culture Mile, and discover some of the oldest Queer spaces in London and their place in story of the city. Led by Patrick Molloy - Official City of London Guide, and a former history teacher with an MA in the History of London – this guided walk will explore how, despite the risks, queer people not only survived, but lived and loved and celebrated their lives.
Thursday, 16 July, 12-2pm, Aldgate Square
CITY OF LONDON POLICE PHONE MARKING SESSION
To make stolen phones traceable and strengthen the criminal case against thieves when arrested, these discreet and unique stickers help police to quickly identify and return stolen phones to victims when recovered.
Thursdays on 16 July, 6 August, 20 August, 6:30-8pm, Bishopsgate Institute
LGBTQIA+ COLLECTIONS ACHIVE TOUR
Thursday, 16 July, 12-2pm, Aldgate Square
CITY OF LONDON POLICE PHONE MARKING SESSION
To make stolen phones traceable and strengthen the criminal case against thieves when arrested, these discreet and unique stickers help police to quickly identify and return stolen phones to victims when recovered.
Thursdays on 16 July, 6 August, 20 August, 6:30-8pm, Bishopsgate Institute
LGBTQIA+ COLLECTIONS ACHIVE TOUR
Join this tour and discover the stories of the Bishopsgate Institute.
Until 17 July, 7am – 7:45pm, New Street Square
To celebrate the London Sports Festival, Central London Alliance & Landsec PLUS have brought a pickleball court to New Street Square! This beginner-friendly paddle sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and the court is ideal for friendly matches (singles or doubles), social gatherings, and even corporate challenges... Book your slot now for some fun in the sun, and use the code FSQ10 to enjoy a 10% discount!
Wednesday 22 July – 9 August, Paternoster Square
3x3 BASKETBALL – SUMMER OF SPORT
Experience 3×3 Basketball for yourself; London Sports Festival brings together workers, residents and visitors from across the City through the world’s fastest growing urban sport.
Wednesday 22 July – 9 August, Paternoster Square
3x3 BASKETBALL – SUMMER OF SPORT
Experience 3×3 Basketball for yourself; London Sports Festival brings together workers, residents and visitors from across the City through the world’s fastest growing urban sport.
Tuesday 28 July, 12 – 2pm, 150 Fleet Street
Fleet Street Quarter BID is once more teaming up with the City of London Police to offer free phone-marking events this summer - giving commuters, residents and visitors the opportunity to protect their devices from thieves.
Until 11 September, Monday to Friday 11am – 6pm, Sworders London Gallery
This September, Sworders’ London Gallery presents Nourishing: Reflections of Resilience, a powerful exhibition by contemporary artist and Portrait Artist of the Year 2025 semi-finalist Courtney Bae. Exploring themes of eating disorders, recovery and resilience, the exhibition supports SWEDA, with 20% of all sales donated to the charity.
Until 30 September, Fleet Place, EC4
Grab a bat and join the match. Play table tennis at Fleet Place this summer on a full-size concrete table tennis table free for public use. To borrow bats and balls, please pop into 10 Fleet Place.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
HOST OR SPONSOR AN EVENT
We’re looking to partner with businesses that have suitable spaces to host panels or networking events, or who want to support by sponsoring high-impact moments such as Black History Month and Hispanic Heritage Month. If this sounds like a good fit, we’d love to explore it with you. Get in touch at belonging@cityoflondon.gov.uk
