British Library - What's On - July 2015

This month we welcome leading writers in African and Middle Eastern literature with Africa Writes, and the Shubbak Festival and throw a party to celebrate American Independence Day . And it's your last chance to see Cornelia Parker: Magna Carta (An Embroidery). 

Don’t miss Cornelia Parker: Magna Carta (An Embroidery) Until 24 July Free, Front Hall Gallery Fabricated by many hands, from prisoners and lawyers to artists and barons, Cornelia Parker’s Magna Carta (An Embroidery) replicates in stitch the entire Wikipedia article on the Great Charter as it appeared on the document’s 799th anniversary in 2014, providing a contemporary counterpoint to our Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy exhibition. Find out more

Africa Writes Festival Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July Various prices, Conference Centre Join us for a packed weekend celebrating literary talent from the African continent and diaspora with readings, book launches and workshops.Highlights include Ben Okri in conversation with Ellah Allfrey and journalistHannah Pool presenting a selection of Africa39 writers sharing their favourite works from African literature. Find out more

Shubbak Literature Festival Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 July Various prices, Conference Centre See some of the finest writers from the Arab world in a host of readings, talks, film screenings and free children’s workshops. Authors taking part include: Elias Khoury, Mourid Barghouti, Daniel Newman, Rafeef Ziadeh, Marina Warner and Yasmin Khan. Find out more

	Events				Around Town
	Independence Day Saturday 4 July, 10:00 – 14:00 Free, Piazza Celebrate American Independence Day with live music, food and fun including C Big Band, Zoo Fever London Cheerleaders, hotdogs, popcorn and Red White and Blueberry trifle. Continue the American theme by visiting our Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacyexhibition to see Jefferson’s handwritten copy of the Declaration of Independence and one of the original copies of the US Bill of Rights. Both are on display alongside two original 1215 Magna Carta documents Bryan Stevenson: Just Mercy Tuesday 14 July, 18:30 - 20:00 £10 / £8 / £7, Conference Centre Hear one of the most influential crusaders for justice alive today. Bryan Stevenson, a tireless advocate against racial bias in the American justice system, established the Equal Justice Initiative 25 years ago subsequently saving 115 men from the death sentence. See our full list of events				Burda: Asil Ensemble and Karima Skalli Saturday 11 July, 19.00 Barbican Moroccan singer Karima Skalli and the Asil Ensemble perform three Burdas - song cycles combining poetry and music - inspired by the greatest Arab composers and poets across the centuries. Find out more