Speak Cockney Day

Come along to discover more about Cockney life, heritage, lingo and meet London’s Pearly Kings and Queens. Improve your rhyming slang, make some crafts, learn about all the traditions and discover if you can claim the right to ‘be born with a Cockney spoon’ in your mouth.

The Cockney apprenticeship

11am & 1pm

Take our special quiz to demonstrate your affinity with Cockney life, culture and heritage. And if you need an extra (unusual) challenge: how badly can you sing? As part of your apprenticeship, the Pearly King and Queen of Woolwich will be on hand to give you a proper training on what makes a good King or Queen. You can also enjoy a preview of the launch of the virtual Museum of the Modern Cockney with the ‘Story of Cockney in 50 Objects’.

Pearly Kings and Queens history

11.30am & 1.30pm

Learn about the history of the Pearly Kings and Queens in London and find out the iconic button designs on their traditional costume.

Craft workshops

12pm & 2pm

Join British-Bangladeshi artist Saif Osmani on a Cockney-inspired creative session for all ages. Use the paper templates provided to create your personalised statement piece inspired by clothes worn by the Pearly Kings and Queens. You can also make and print your own ‘Cockney Chat’ badge to take home.

Cockney rhyming slang

12.30pm & 2.30pm

Learn London’s very own lingo with the Pearly King of Woolwich. By the end of the session, you’ll be able to tell your Ruby Murrays from your Lucy Locketts.