Image: Local children embracing the spirit of Love Summer 

This year’s edition of Love Summer, British Land’s popular pop-up, has officially opened outside Surrey Quays Shopping Centre until the end of August with a community launch event held last week.

The launch event was held on Friday 21 July, and was met with resounding success and enthusiasm when children (and parents!) celebrated the return of the pop-up with the help of bubble artists, face painters and balloon modellers. They also enjoyed free fruit and soft drinks and picked up some free bucket hats, while live music played into the early evening.

Over the next few weeks, the pop-up’s two zones will be open for all to enjoy.

The Summer Terrace will form a relaxed and social outdoor space inspired by the very best of British summertime: think garden parties filled with deck chairs, lawn games and bunting – and even blankets for those classically cooler English summer evenings.

Love Summer’s light, airy and greenery-filled indoor space the Plant Pavilion is inspired by Canada Water’s creative community and the area’s natural surroundings. It is open from 11am-8pm Monday to Wednesday, 11am-9pm on Thursdays and Fridays, 10am-9pm on Saturdays, and 10am-5pm on Sundays.

As well as this, there will be table tennis to turn up and play, and live music on weekend afternoons and evenings inside the Plant Pavilion. There will also be a fully stocked bar by local producers Strongman’s Tipple with cocktails, mocktails, local beers and more, plus street food available from local vendors.

A comprehensive and evolving event schedule is on each week to enjoy. This year’s Love Summer programme offers everything from yoga and Pilates to climbing sessions at The Arch. There will also be activities for adults and kids including terrarium-building, mini garden making workshops, art classes, and more.

Image: Face-painting fun at Love Summer 

Spaces are limited so pre-booking is advised, with limited numbers reserved for local residents – use the code CWLocal23. Slots for the first few weeks are available now, with a second wave to be released in a few weeks.

Fancy trying a new sport?

• Wallball, a game based on the simple concept of hitting a ball against a wall with your hands, is open to players of all ages and abilities at the Canada Water court. Drop-in coaching sessions are available every Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday.
• The Arch, London’s original bouldering centre, is open for free adult intro classes and family sessions every Monday, Thursday and Sunday

To book, and for more details of what’s coming up, please visit: www.canadawater.co.uk/lovesummer23