Secret Forum’s Sunday Papers Live

Yesterday afternoon Secret Forum hosted their WE event Sunday Papers Live in an effort to make this traditionally lazy weekend afternoon a little more interesting and active. Hosted jointly by Secret Productions (the bespoke events company) and Wilderness festival, the occasion got underway at Cecil Sharp House, Camden – the city’s leading folk arts centre.

The grand building comprises of a large hall, decorated to look like a kitsch living room, complete with low sofas and giant cushions that encircle a small stage adorned with various curios and a plush red chaise longue. The wooden walls are draped with newspaper bunting, which adds to the day’s make do and mend British theme. A couple in matching denim gamely attempt to dance to the live swing music, courtesy of an energetic trio of pianist, double bassist and clarinettist.

In the back garden are a number of stalls selling smoothies, hot drinks and Bloody Marys as well as indulgent brunches, provided by popular London eatery The Breakfast Club. For traditionalists, a Sunday roast of beef (nettle and Caerphilly tart for vegetarians) is served up in the dining hall by Tom Hunt who is making a name for himself as an eco-friendly chef who limits wastage in the kitchen.

Throughout the day, guests are invited to enjoy a number of talks and walks in to the surrounding Regent’s Park, one of which is a particularly interesting discussion on philosophy, led by journalist Mark Vernon. Leading us to the top of Primrose Hill he gives an engaging overview (in layman’s terms, thankfully) of the early Ancient Greek philosophers and the impact they might have on our lives today.

Back at the house, there are ongoing debates taking place in the garden, meant to replicate the politics section of any Sunday broadsheet, while downstairs the “capers den” provides relief from such serious activity. Here, guests get stuck into crosswords, sudoku and classic cartoons. Finally, once the sun has set, we are treated to a set from upcoming singer-songwriter Sivu, who lulls the audience with dulcet yet distinctively crisp tones.

Kate Knowles
Photos: Marine Candel

For further information about Sunday Papers Live visit here.

Watch a short film of a previous event here: