Somers Gallery - A Celebration of Community Voices & Open Mic Magic

The Temple of Ideas and Rosanna Garau of the Somers Gallery are hosting an afternoon of music, poetry, comedy, mob karaoke, and shared stories at the Somers Gallery, 96 Chalton Street, this Saturday, August 16, from 3–6pm

The afternoon is a tribute to community champions Alan Patterson and Roger Robinson. Once a run-down enclave between Euston and King's Cross, Somers Town was transformed by their efforts.

More than twenty years ago, Alan made a shocking discovery on his estate—a young man’s body, wrapped in a bedsheet and discarded in a dustbin. From that moment, Alan worked quietly but relentlessly to bring neighbours together, sparking the first block party around 2000 that has since grown into the annual Somers Town Festival.

Roger served nearly 40 years as a councillor and Mayor of Camden, supporting projects like the Somers Town Museum and championing inclusivity. Together, their work helped turn Somers Town into a vibrant creative hub where neighbours still know each other’s names.

At the heart of the neighbourhood are the Chalton Art Gallery, the Somers Town Museum, and the Flori Canto Café — a lively hub for artists, poets, musicians, and neighbours keeping the community spirit alive.Bring a song, poem, joke, instrument, story—or just your voice—and, if you can, some food or drink to share. Not performing? No worries — it’s just as great to hang out, eat, drink, and chat with friends old and new.

Entry is free, and donations are welcome. Come join the fun, meet the locals, and be part of the story of this rare and colourful corner of London.