Walking with Family: Retail Therapy and a Concert. Or, "You two go that way and we will go this way."

"Up the Irons!"

Saturday June 28, 2025

Travelling to Canning Town. Or, "It's hot outside. Let's take the underground to London."

With a hotel booked we set off for an adventure. 

While Emma and Erin would go shopping, Keilyn and I would be going to a gig. 

The Metropolitan line train was fairly busy, with people heading to Wembley to see 'Linkin Park', who were performing at Wembley Stadium. The Jubilee line train, that we switched to, at Finchley Road, was even busier. Many of these passengers were headed to Hyde Park to see Zach Bryan, while others alighted at North Greenwich, obviously going to see SM Town, a K-pop band, at the O2 Arena. But the train stayed busy, as Iron Maiden fans of all ages were heading to Stratford, where Iron Maiden were performing later in the day.

"The best café in Canning Town.

Dinner time. Or, "There's no pleasing some people."

Arriving at Canning Town into blistering heat, we made our way towards Barking Road, cutting through the new buildings of Minnie Baldock Street, to avoid the sun. We then used the underpass, at Newham Way, which brought us to Barking Road. KFC was just ahead, but we spotted the sign for Rose's Cafe and decided to head there. Of course, this started arguments about wanting to go to KFC. Emma and I won, though, so it was off to Rose's.

We sat in the covered garden area, at the rear of the building, and perused the menu. After ordering our food we began to cool down, thanks, in part, to the light breeze. The food and service was exceptional, with the portion sizes more than enough to satisfy our hunger.

Once we had settled the bill we headed back onto Barking Road, heading back the way we had come. As we couldn't check into our hotel until 15:00, we sat in the shade, refreshing ourselves with drinks purchased at Morrison's.

"The view from our hotel room. Canning Town is quiet on a Saturday afternoon."

Checking into Premier Inn. Or, "Thank goodness for air-conditioning."

Leaving the shade, within the plaza, we crossed Silvertown Way and entered Premier Inn London Docklands (Canning Town), where we took the lift to level 1 and the reception. Minutes later, with keys in hand, we entered our room. Bags were dropped and on went the air-conditioning. Bliss.

A short rest, a change of clothes and we were ready to head off to Stratford.

"Stratford is London's Blossom Garden?"

Shopping and Iron Maiden. Or, "Enjoy your retail therapy, while we enjoy a concert fifty years in the making."

Our hotel was almost outside Canning Town station, so the heat  didn't affect the short walk we had to make. Once inside we made our way to the Jubilee line platforms, where a train arrived immediately. Most of the carriages were empty, so there was plenty of room to sit. We decided, however, to stand beside the interconnecting carriage doors, welcoming the breeze that flowed through.

After more people boarded at West Ham station we were soon speeding towards our destination: Stratford. On leaving the train we made our way through the walkway to Stratford Place, where we said our "goodbyes." Emma and Erin headed into Westfield Stratford City, where they visited countless shops, with Erin purchasing items at Sephora and Victoria's Secret.

Keilyn and I, meanwhile, made our way towards the Olympic Park, where we waited in the shade of Sadler's Wells East for my friend David and his son Antonio. Once we had met up we followed the mass of Iron Maiden shirts, of every conceivable design, towards the London Stadium.

"I think we're gonna burn!"

It's a beautiful day for it. Or, "We're gonna blister in the sun!"

Once we entered the London Stadium we purchased some merchandise, bought some drinks and went looking for our seats; Block 235 (East Stand) 2nd Row. Sitting just south of the centre line of the stadium we realised that we were going to be in full sunshine for the rest of the day. Basically, we were going to cook! Black t-shirts and denim in 30°C (86°F) is not a good combination. 

Fortunately, David knew at exactly what time each support act was to take to the stage, so we left our seats and took shelter in the shade of the stadium.

"Are those fans of The Raven Age melting?"

Illuminating the London Stadium. Or, "A lesson in futility."

The Raven Age's singer, Matt James, states the obvious, "It's a bit f**kin' hot in here!", and then decides that it's time for everyone to "get your phone lights up", to "illuminate the stadium". The fact that sun has been cooking the fans, especially those on the almost white floor before the stage, since the doors had opened at 17:00, didn't deter him nor the crowds, who do as instructed, adding a few minuscule specks of light into an already emblazed stadium.

As soon as The Raven Age finished their set, which was incredible, and left the stage, we left our seats and headed outside of the stadium, replenishing our drinks and keeping cool in the slight breeze that blew around the stadium.

"Halestorm! But, not the hailstorm that the fans need."

Halestorm. Or, "I wish that this Halestorm could relieve this heat!"

As Halestorm took to the stage I had the distinct impression that someone had left the Olympic Cauldron, from the opening of the Games of the XXX Olympiad, (London 2012), ablaze. 

As soon as Halestorm finished their set, which was incredible, we dived back into the bowels of the stadium, replenishing our drinks and doing our best to keep cool.

By now I was convinced that, when the concert was over, you would be able to spot who had sat where by the tan that they had, with us, in the East Stand, being much more bronzed.

"It's a homecoming for Steve...".

After fifty years Iron Maiden are back in the East End. Or, "It's a homecoming for Steve..."

Taking our seats for the main event an audible sigh resonated around the stadium. Well, in the East Stand anyway, as the sun finally dipped below the roof of the stadium.

Then we waited. Finally, Iron Maiden took to the stage, bringing their 'Run For Your Lives' World Tour to the East End.

For the next two and a bit hours, Iron Maiden did not let up. I don't know if it was because of the occasion, or because they were more pumped than usual, but the show was electric. Bruce's vocals, Steve's bass and Adrian Smith's guitars had never sounded so good. Of the latter, his guitar work during 'Seventh Son of a Seventh Son' was incredible. 

A few tracks in and Bruce addressed the 75,000+ strong crowd, opening with "It's a homecoming for Steve and it's also a homecoming for all of us... after fifty bloody years."

A quick mention about the band's new drummer, following Nicko's retirement from live performances, Simon Dawson. He fitted in well, bringing his own style which worked on many of the tracks, especially the older ones.

"Hey, Keilyn. There are fireworks over there!"

Walking the River Lea at night. Or, "This is how you avoid 75,000+ people trying to catch trains and buses."

Once the 'once in a lifetime' event had finished, we made our way out of the stadium into the cool night air. We said our "goodbyes", as David and Antonio had to catch a train towards their hotel near Russell Square. Once they crossed Bridge 5, along with a multitude of other Iron Maiden fans, Keilyn and I made our way across Bridge 4, heading towards Marshgate Lane and onto High Street. 

From here we dropped down onto the towpath of the River Lea, from where we could see fireworks exploding in the distance. Some Iron Maiden fans, who obviously didn't want to try to catch a train or bus from Stratford station or Pudding Mill Lane station, were already ahead of us, while others joined us on our stroll.

Iron Maiden songs were being played from those in front, and behind, but none of them had the sense to play 'Fear of the Dark', which would have suited the situation. Then, I suppose, we are Iron Maiden fans, and fear nothing but the band ending.

We left the towpath, near Bromley-by-Bow, deciding to finish the rest of the journey by bus, which we caught outside Poplar Baptist Church.

Soon we were pulling into Canning Town station, where we left the bus and headed towards the hotel. Glancing up at the Docklands Light Railway platforms we noticed that they were full of Iron Maiden fans, patiently awaiting a train. As we watched, a DLR train pulled in, then pulled out. It was obviously full with passengers from Stratford as the platforms were still full. We were both pleased that we hadn't waited for a train.

Everywhere we looked there were Iron Maiden fans. At the bus station, at the McDonald's restaurant, sitting on benches and, especially, in the hotel bar. 

Keilyn was hungry, so Emma took her to McDonald's where food was purchased. Once she had eaten, and everyone had gotten into bed, I went for a walk, still buzzing from the concert. I chatted with other fans about the show and what we thought of it, exchanging thoughts and memories, before I headed back to the hotel room.

"So that's where Sadiq Khan's office is."

Sunday June 29, 2025.

Breakfast. Or, "Didn't I see you just a couple of hours ago?"

As we were on the same floor as the restaurant we didn't have to walk far, choosing a table as close to the food service area as possible. Erin and Keilyn both struggled, possibly due to late night snacking or sheer tiredness, while Emma and I had no problem tucking in.

A few faces from the night before appeared, looking rather the worse for wear, while others were bright and cheerful and still buzzing from the night before.

Once we had eaten our fill it was back to the room to pack, before we checked out.

"I wish I could fly way up to the sky..."

Rail or Flight? Or, "Jubilee line train (boring) or London Cable Car (exciting)?"

On leaving the hotel we had a decision to make. Jubilee line to Baker Street, or walk the short distance to the Royal Docks and catch the IFS Cloud. Much to Keilyn's disgust we decided on the IFS Cloud. I think she was overtired and just wanted to head home. 

So we headed south, along the Silvertown Way, to Tidal Basin Road which brought us to City Hall and the IFS Cloud Royal Docks. Or, the London Cable Car, as I still call it.

"Hey, look. I can see the Eiffel Tower!"

How to show someone that you're a tourist, without telling them you're a tourist. Or, "Where does the Cable Car go?"

As we purchased our tickets I spotted two men checking out the map, affixed to the side of the IFS Cloud building. As we moved towards the hangar deck, I heard one of the men ask the ticket officer, "Where does the Cable Car go?" All this after studying the map!!!

As we climbed inside our 'cloud' the sun burnt the last cloud from the sky, causing the temperature to soar, much like us. The London Cable Car is a wonderful means of transport, offering unique views of the area and beyond. Stratford, Kent, Crystal Palace transmitter, Battersea, Canary Wharf and much more can be seen from here, especially when the weather is this clear. 

Interesting fact alert! Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the first people to use the Cable Car, when it opened in 2012, when he joined the then Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, on a trip across the River Thames.

Others, "I hate it!" Me, "I love it."

North Greenwich. Or, "What is that and why is it here?!"

Once we had descended from our 'cloud' we sat in the shade, beside Damien Hirst's incredible sculpture of 'Demon With Bowl'. This sculpture is very divisive with the majority, including critics, saying it is an eyesore and does nothing for the area, while others, myself included, believe the exact opposite. Either way it is definitely a talking point.

We then made our way beside the various buildings, which offered shade, heading towards Tesco Express, where more drinks and snacks could be purchased.

"Is that the proper use of a Jubilee line train window?"

Travelling home. Or, "That was a great weekend, but we need to go home to cool down."

A short to the Jubilee line station and we were soon speeding our way towards Baker Street. 

Leaving the Jubilee train we ascended the escalators and then the short flight of stairs to Platform 1, where we had 8 minutes, to purchase coffee, before our train would depart. Fortunately, our favourite Barista, Tamta, was on shift at Starbucks, so our drinks were ready with just 90 seconds to spare.

The trip home was, as usual, uneventful, allowing us to just sit and relax.

Arriving at Watford Emma ordered an Uber and, within minutes, we were home. Clothes were put in the washing machine and set about filling the paddling pool, while listening to music from the speaker in my bar. Iron Maiden, obviously.

It was a fantastic and exciting weekend, where everyone enjoyed themselves. 

Maybe it was just being away from home or simply being in London. Or, more likely, it was the retail therapy and witnessing the homecoming of Steve Harris and Iron Maiden.

Up the Irons!!!