What do you call a day of sun, snacks and – get ready – heaps of little baby piglets? You got it: pignic.
The event was originally touted simply as "Yelp's Secret Mystery Event." But now we're thrilled to hear that YelpUK, Petpiggies and Farms Not Factories will be welcoming ticketed guests to The London Pop-Up Pignic for a too-good-to-be-true day of charity and springtime leisure at The Proud Archivist in May 2015.
And did we mention – you'll be surrounded by micro pigs all day long!
Piglets are set to steal the show on Regent's Canal — Photo courtesy of Lwp Kommunikáció
All ticket proceeds will go to Farms Not Factories, a nonprofit organization that uses film-making and campaigning to spread the message about true social and environmental costs of cheap meat from animal mega-factories.
"Pigs are abused through permanent confinement in overcrowded pens with barren concrete floors, mutilation, neglect and denial of natural behavior, resulting in stress and disease. They have to be routinely given antibiotics just to keep them alive," believes Farms Not Factories. "This leads to antibiotic resistant superbugs that will bring an end to antibiotics as a cure for human diseases."
But you don't need to be an activist to enjoy the day's activities; at £30 per ticket, the day will showcase local animal welfare-conscious foodie treats and offer pig-themed cocktails, education and activities.
And that's not all. Attendees will be able to spend time with "the most adorable litter of newborn piglets you've ever seen," as part of their multi-room extravaganza. We sure hope they won't check our bags on the way out!
The Proud Archivist is committed to culture and community programming through its beautiful event spaces — Photo courtesy of The Proud Archivist
Whether you're a PETA-loving animal rights activist or simply a fan of all things cuddly, you'll be hard-pressed to find a London springtime activity to make the pals at home green with envy quite like the Pignic.
And for the more serious pig-thusiasts in attendance, Petpiggies – the Bedfordshire-based breeders with years of experience rearing the porky little cuties – will be happy to educate you on the ins and outs of pig ownership.
The Proud Archivist has played host to some of east London's most exciting cultural events, and it's been making a name for itself as "a home of conversation, conviviality and stimulation" since its inception.
It's where Russell Brand ushered in Trews Musings, the first in the venue's series of readings, and where east Londoners stop off for canal-side lunches on lazy Sundays. (Their roasts start at £11 and make the perfect start to a Hackney flea market and vintage walkabout.)
Part arts center, part hirable venue space (for business or entertaining), The Proud Archivist is one of those havens of community whose energy will stay with you long after your London holiday.