Haflah at the Horniman: A South-West Asian and North African (SWANA) Summer Party

Join us for a South-West Asian and North African (SWANA) Haflah, a summer celebration programmed and curated by Hekayyatna this July: an afternoon in the Gardens for families, communities, and anyone who wants to enjoy good vibes.

‘Haflah’, حفلة, means celebration or a party in Arabic, and this is exactly that. Hekayyatna is taking over the Horniman Gardens this July for an afternoon of live music, souq of handmade crafts, delicious food, storytelling, and kids’ activities from across the South-West Asian and North African (SWANA) region, including Palestine, Iraq, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Yemen, Sudan, Syria…

Whether you’re coming for the music, the makers, or just the good vibes in a beautiful South London garden, there’s something here for everyone.

For the adults: live music at the Bandstand from four brilliant SWANA artists and DJs, a market of handmade goods, olive oil, ceramics and zines — including zines from Gaza — and food trucks serving wraps, mezze and sweet things worth queuing for.

For our younger guests: a storytelling session bringing the ancient epic of Gilgamesh to life, a treasure hunt through the Horniman gardens with clues and discovery around every corner, face paint and henna station.

And for everyone, whatever your energy: if you want to move, there are drum circles and dance workshops that will get you on your feet; if you’d rather slow down, board games and calligraphers will be set up for drop-in sessions.

Hekayyatna is all about gathering and sharing; together, we’re making their annual summer party into something bigger and brighter, with vibrant artists, good food, and plenty of activities.

Programmed and curated by Hekayyatna.

Live Music

The Bandstand in the Horniman Gardens will be alive all afternoon, with a line-up of South-West Asian and North African (SWANA)  artists curated by SWANA Records.

• Rhea Kattan: Opening the afternoon with her warm, intimate sound, Lebanese singer Rhea Kattan sets the perfect tone for the day. Her delicate, soulful style draws you in gently before the energy builds.
• Isadora: Egyptian singer whose sound is as rich as it is laid-back, Isadora brings a deeply felt, chill groove that’s made for a lazy summer afternoon in the gardens.
• Vincent J: Known for his upbeat, multilingual performances and crowd-favourite covers in Arabic and English, Lebanese singer-songwriter Vincent J is one of those artists who gets everyone moving.
• Layal: Bringing heat to the bandstand, Egyptian singer Layal’s upbeat sound is made for dancing. Expect a set that will get you on your feet.

Music curated and hosted by SWANA Records.

The Souq

Browse and shop a curated market of makers, artists, and producers from the SWANA community and beyond.

• Zaytoun — Palestinian fair-trade produce, including award-winning olive oil, dried fruits, and other pantry staples that connect the taste of Palestine to your table.
• Spindle by Sisters — A textile and craft collective celebrating traditional and contemporary making. Their stall brings colour, texture, and craft heritage to life.
• SEP — A Social Enterprise Project, SEP has been working with Palestinian refugee women in the Jerash camp in Jordan since 2014, producing hand-embroidered keffiyeh scarves featuring ancient Palestinian patterns, with each piece individually crafted and unlike any other. Wearing a SEP keffiyeh is wearing both a cultural icon and a direct act of support for the artisans who make it
• Sazar Silver — Handcrafted silver jewellery with roots in SWANA craft traditions — wearable art you won’t find anywhere else.
• Maqam — An independent, community-led, nomadic bookshop based in London, distributing books, curating shelves, and creating experiences for their community to gather and learn. Find your next read and discover voices that don’t always make it to the high street shelf.
• Earth Collective — Sage Setty is part of Earth Collective, a maker bringing handcrafted goods rooted in community and conscious practice.
• RayMakesThings — Handmade goods from an independent maker whose work spans illustration, print, and craft — each piece made with care and intention.
• SV Ceramics — Beautifully crafted ceramics, from functional pieces to decorative works that bring warmth and craft into everyday life.

Food

• Baytna4Refugees — Community-led food with heart: Middle Eastern comfort food made by and in support of refugee communities.
• Ola — Pinch of Yemen — Authentic Yemeni flavours brought to south London by Abeer. Expect chicken mandi and hearty dishes unlike any other food stall you’ve had..
• LiL Watan — Boldly Lebanese, proudly London. Lil Watan brings the big flavours of Lebanese street food to south London — vibrant, generous, and made to be eaten outside in the sun.

Activities and workshops

• Gilgamesh Storytelling with Rowan: The earliest surviving great work of literature, with origins in 3rd Millenium BC Mesopotamia, is brought to life for all ages. Join storyteller Rowan Salim for an immersive retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh.
• Nabad Dabke Dance Tutorial: Learn the steps of this beloved Levantine folk dance in a 40-minute workshop. Running at 2pm and 4pm.
• Zines from Gaza: A workshop and stall celebrating Palestinian creative voices through zine-making, with copies available to take home.
• Calligraphy tutorial: A calligraphy and Arabic script experience for those curious to learn this intricate art.
• Plus henna, board games, and more.

About Hekayyatna

Hekayyatna is a community-driven production house, building connections, one story at a time. Through events and multimedia productions, they bring together communities in London and beyond.