The basement at Shoreditch Town Hall is hosting a week-long celebration of London’s underground vaults and tunnels. Secret Subterranean London, which is part of Illumini 2010, presents a historical and exciting look at what lies beneath the paving stones of our capital city. With the help of more than 50 artists, the exhibition re-creates many of London’s underground sites – such as World War bunkers, disused tube stations, crypts and historical waterways – in the suitably labyrinthine setting of the Shoreditch Town Hall basement. On Thursday 9th September a grand opening night – 6pm-10pm and free of charge, like the whole exhibition – will include a range of live acts, such as stilt walkers, light shows, magicians, illuminating dancers, tarot readings and historical costumed performers. Illumini, which sounds a bit like a Dan Brown-style cult, is a not-for-profit organisation which specialises in putting on shows featuring light, visual artists and performers. During the course of this event there will be the chance to hear a number of talks and go on a range of tours to certain secret, long-forgotten underground destinations, including the grand entrance of Brunel’s Thames Tunnel and Shoreditch Church Crypt.

For more information, check the official Illumini website.

Underground Exhibition, Tours, Talks & Grand opening night all Free
Venue: The Basement Shoreditch Town Hall, 380 Old Street, London, EC1V 9LT
Dates: 9th Sept 2010 - 15th Sept Open daily 11am-7pm Free
Opening night: Thursday 9th September 6pm – 10pm. Everyone welcome free
Website: www.illuminievent.co.uk