SMOOSH! by Paraorchestra play in London for the first time

Internationally acclaimed music ensemble Paraorchestra bring their pioneering SMOOSH! to Plaistow in Newham on Friday, 23 June. It’s the first time that SMOOSH! has been performed in London, and it’s an uplifting, free event for people of all ages and backgrounds, which you don’t want to miss!

Dozens of Paraorchestra musicians and professional dancers will be joined by local performers for the rip-roaring kaleidoscopic pop music parade, playing a lively mix of well-known classics from the likes of Fatboy Slim, Kate Bush, Massive Attack, Basement Jaxx and Adele, on the wind, brass instruments and drums.

SMOOSH! Newham is presented with Plaistow South Big Local and Culture Within Newham, and there are two parades, the first setting off from New City Primary School at 3:30 pm and the second from Jeyes Estate at 5:30 pm.

It’s joyous, and the crowds are encouraged to dance and sing along. Everybody’s welcome – it’s free, so turn up!

Composed by multi-instrumentalist Emma-Jean Thackray and directed by award-winning conductor Charles Hazlewood, with choreography by Tom Jackson Greaves with Beth Hinton-Lever, SMOOSH! is Paraorchestra’s biggest commission to date.

Formed by its Artistic Director, Charles Hazlewood, Paraorchestra brings together professional disabled and non-disabled musicians to produce and perform high-quality new work and exciting interpretations of classical and popular music. They have collaborated with the likes of Jarvis Cocker, Hannah Peel, YolanDa Brown, Lianne La Havas, Brett Anderson and Nadine Shah.

Following east London, SMOOSH! Will be at the Southbank on Saturday, 24 June, at 3 pm and 5 pm. They then head to Glastonbury on Sunday.