Raven's Ait island to host outdoor film festival

It has become something of an enigmatic symbol of Kingston, a place everyone sees but not everyone gets to go to.

But perhaps no more - for this summer people will have the opportunity to visit the iconic Ravens Ait island during a range of special events.

The tiny island in the Surbiton stretch of the River Thames is opening up to the public over the coming months. The island is part of the borough’s history and over the years it has played host to Kingston rowing club, naval cadets, London Education Centre and a group of squatters who in 2009 occupied the island with the aim of turning it into an eco conference centre.

Now it is used mainly as a wedding venue with only a select few actually getting to see the bar and gardens. Kick-starting the summer on the island will be a run of film screenings courtesy of the Outdoor Cinema club. The club bring boutique film screenings to cities across the UK and Ravens Ait will see four classic movies over the summer.

There will be other opportunities to get on the island too oustide of the film festival. During July and August Ravens Ait will be hosting a pop-up bar and grill where BBQ food and drinks from around the world will be on offer. Beer lovers will also be able to climb onboard Ravens Ait’s first ale festival.

The festival will give visitors the chance to enjoy craft beers and real ales alongside a BBQ, live music and lots of family entertainment with competitions and prizes.

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