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Online Festival to Raise Money for our Coronavirus Hardship Fund

In a bid to support venues and performing artists, a group of musicians, dancers and entertainers have created The Fantastical Festival of Furlough to bring you live streamed entertainment in a spectacular fashion.

Published: 11 August 2020 | 12:00 AM Updated: 28 April 2021 | 4:31 PM
Photograph of two drinks with ice, limes and mint. They appear to be set outside, with sun shining on them.
Five percent of ticket sales will be donated to our Coronavirus Hardship Fund. Photo credit: Shutterstock.


Gather your friends and family (within socially distanced guidelines) and allow The Fantastical Festival of Furlough to entertain, decorate, wine, dine and transport you to their Fantastical Festival, presented and streamed live from The Clapham Grand into your garden or living room!

One ticket covers your whole household and includes a fantastical glitter kit to decorate your guests.

A full day of festival magic will take place from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Monday 31 August, giving you and your guests a festival experience in an easy and safe way that is wonderfully weather proof.

The entertainment includes a Live presenter, Live Music, International award winning circus acts, Live Comedy, Cocktail Making, Face Art, Live Interactive Magic, West End Performances, Live B-Boxing and juggling Workshops as well as a Fire Show.

MU Members can receive 10% off the ticket price by using the exclusive code which you can find on our member’s discount page. And 5% of each ticket sale will also be donated to our Coronavirus Hardship Fund.

Book your tickets on the Design My Night website.

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