The Huguenots of Spitalfields Festival is a celebration of the contribution that the Huguenots (French Protestants) made to Spitalfields, which is where they sought the freedom to practice their faith.
Centred around Spitalfields (where about 25,000 Huguenots settled in the late 17th century) the Festival is designed to highlight the talents and culture of the Huguenots.
2013 is also the 250th anniversary of the death of Anna Maria Garthwaite - a brilliant English silk textile designer whose much sought-after patterns were woven by the weavers of Spitalfields.
A programme of special commemorative events will take place at different venues within Spitalfields and includes:
- Daily Walks - The Immigrant's Story, Historic Spitalfields, The Silk Weavers of Spitalfields
- Talks - by experts at the Bishopsgate Institute, Guildhall Library, V&A Museum, London Metropolitan Archives
- Thanksgiving Service at Christ Church, Spitalfields on 11 April 2013
- Extended opening hours for Dennis Severs' House
- Tour of Sandys Row Synagogue and Bishopsgate Institute
- The Big Weave - A fabulous arts and crafts fair in Spitalfields Market, with weaving workshops, on 13 April 2013