All aboard the Balkan Express!

About

Hop on board a rhythmical and fun-filled musical journey through Eastern European traditions accompanied by Raka and Balamuc.

Come and be led on a rapturous tour exploring the rootsiest, danciest repertoires of the Balkans and beyond.

Both Raka and Balamuc have dedicated their musical careers to letting the Danube’s soundwaves flow on the Thames too. Both bands have brought the most authentic aspects of Eastern European musical traditions to London, jazzing them up with sparks and twists influenced by the kaleidoscopic music scene of the capital.

So, for the December appointment of Arsenal of Sounds, join the Woolwich Works for a musical crossing of the Balkans!

Raka are an 8-piece ensemble that play traditional music from the Balkans with a strong focus in the folk music of Bulgaria and Macedonia. The unmistakable groove of Raka brings everyone to their feet.

Raka's meandering musical tributaries all lead to one communal river: the love and commitment to understanding and interacting with the music of the Balkans. They bring to life a genuinely authentic repertoire wherever they are, from sweaty back rooms of North London clubs to concert halls on the banks of the Thames.

They took their name from a dance as that’s what they love to do. A heart-rending lament can move the body as much as a pounding Bulgarian Pravo, and Raka have made space for both, and everything in between.

Balamuc are a unique collective of experienced musicians, with seven members from countries in Europe, the Middle East and the Pacific.

Their music originates from Eastern Europe but stretches way beyond the usual confines of their genre. They aren’t afraid to step into new territory (from Romania to Hungary via Transylvania!)

Although renowned for their fierce violin and heartfelt melodies, Balamuc are best known as their life affirming, uplifting party spirit and boundless energy. The 7-piece band features Agnes Branner on violin and vocals, Marie Faucher on clarinet, Alison Geasure on cello, Jon Clayton on double bass, Luke Tremlett on guitar, Semra Bulut on darbuka and Seppi on drums.

Balamuc has established itself as one of the leading Gypsy folk bands on the live scene today. With the name translating to "house of the insane’, don’t expect to stay in your seat!

* Suitable for ages 12+

Duration: 2hrs 30mins

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Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Concession (Advance Booking)£20.25 per ticket
Concession (At the Door)£24.75 per ticket
Standard (Advance Booking)£23.50 per ticket
Standard (At the Door)£28.75 per ticket

Note: Prices are a guide only and may change on a daily basis.

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Facilities

Booking & Payment Details

  • Credit cards accepted (no fee)

Property Facilities

  • Smoking not allowed

TripAdvisor

Map & Directions

Public Transport Directions

The Elizabeth line
The Elizabeth line is now open. The new Transport for London train line connects Paddington, Farringdon, Liverpool Street & Canary Wharf with Woolwich, all in under 30 minutes.

The newly opened Elizabeth line Woolwich station is only a 3-minute walk from our main entrance.

Rail & DLR
Woolwich Arsenal National Rail station is approximately 550m from our main entrance and is served by Southeastern services to Sidcup, Dartford, Slade Green, Charing Cross and Cannon Street, and Thameslink services to Rainham (Kent) and Luton via Central London.

Woolwich Arsenal Docklands Light Railway (DLR) station is on the same site as the National Rail station and is the south-eastern terminus of the Stratford branch of the network. DLR services link the site to London City Airport (around 8 minutes travel time) and to the London Underground Jubilee Line via Canning Town.

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers - River Bus
The site is served directly by RB1 River Bus services to Woolwich Royal Arsenal pier, which is directly outside the north-eastern corner of the building. Services currently run during commuter hours (6am – 11am and 5pm – 9pm during weekdays and from 8am – 9pm at weekends). The Uber Boat by Thames Clippers timetable can be found here.

Bus
Routes: 51, 96, 122, 161, 177, 180, 244

Woolwich Town Centre is well-served by a number of bus routes – all of which serve stops close to the Royal Arsenal Riverside estate on Plumstead Road, Woolwich New Road or Burrage Road, less than 10 minutes walk to Woolwich Works.

Cycling
We reckon cycling is one of the best options for getting to and from Woolwich Works. There are cycle lanes on several of the main roads leading into Woolwich, or for the most scenic route you could try the Thames Path. We're only a short ride following the river from Greenwich.

Bike racks are available close to our entrance outside Con Gusto restaurant at the end of No 1 Street, and outside the Royal Arsenal concierge on Artillery Square.

Taxis & Minicabs
The nearest licensed taxi rank is across Plumstead Road to the south of Beresford Square. Minicabs cannot access the building directly other than via the Heritage Centre Car Park. We encourage minicabs to drop off outside the pedestrianised zone on Duke of Wellington Avenue.
Don't miss the last train home!

When planning your travel, make sure to check the event times against TfL's Journey Planner or Citymapper for the latest travel updates and times.

Arsenal of Sounds - Raka & Balamuc

Type:Live entertainment

Woolwich Works, Beanfeast, No. 1 Street, Royal Arsenal, London, SE18 6HD
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Tel+44 (0)20 8035 8835

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Awards

  • Other AwardsVisit Greenwich Partner Visit Greenwich Partner 2021

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