Singer Benjamin headlines our celebration of London

SINGING sensation Benjamin Clementine will perform at this year’s Progress 1000 party, it can be revealed today.

The Mercury Prize-winning star will take to the stage at the Standard’s celebration of those driving progress and innovation in London. London-born Clementine, 25, will perform to invited guests at the event, which this year takes place at the Science Museum.

At a time of political and economic upheaval, the setting is particularly fitting. Mathematics, technology and science are a special focus of this year’s event, as London looks to cement itself as a global leader in these fields following the momentous Brexit decision.

Guests will also have the chance to see the museum’s new exhibition space dedicated to mathematics and designed by the late Dame Zaha Hadid.

The new gallery, which explores how mathematicians and their ideas have helped to shape the modern world, was made possible by a £5 million donation from David Harding, and it is named after him and his wife Claudia, whose foundation supports a wide range of charities and individuals, especially in scientific fields.

There will also be a performance of music from Philip Glass’s opera, Einstein on the Beach, by London singing group Synergy Vocals. Progress is the key theme at the celebration, sponsored by Citi and Berkeley Group, at which London’s 1,000 most influential people will be announced, including Londoner of the year. It is the 10th edition of the annual list and therefore a particular celebration of a decade of progress, and of those who make it possible.

The list and party are themed each year to take account of the issues and personalities shaping the city.Previous venues include the Francis Crick Institute, where the focus of the event was on medical research and innovation, and Canary Wharf ’s Crossrail station last year celebrating London’s “builders” — people who led the way in redrawing our capital’s skyline, infrastructure and interiors.

The Standard has backed demands from London’s great and good that the capital must retain its pre-eminent position in the world as a leader in science and research post Brexit. The £700 million Francis Crick Institute in King’s Cross, a centre for biomedical studies and life sciences that will house 1,250 of the best scientists from 70 countries, will become Europe’s largest biological research facility when it officially opens in November.

On a recent visit to the site, Mayor Sadiq Khan said: “London remains one of the most attractive places for life science companies to do business. Our great city will continue to lead the way in medical research and innovation. London thrives by being open, to talent, to ideas and to people. I am absolutely determined that this will continue, and that we not only retain the best scientists but continue to attract them to our world-leading cluster of medical research institutions.”

As well as leaders in the world of science and mathematics, the Standard’s Progress 1000 event — on September 7 — will also host key figures from the arts, sport, politics, fashion, music, business, television and film.