Festival News
Streatham is flavour of the week.
Streatham was in full swing over the weekend as hundreds of residents celebrated the start of a weeklong taste sensation, The Streatham Food Festival. Full of energy, colours and sounds the High Road and Gracefield Gardens hosted delicious entertainment which included food tasting from around the world, pasta making secrets revealed and the chance to shake hands with a giant pineapple!
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Newly elected MP Chuka Umunna with London Tonight’s presenter Ronke Phillips officially opened the festival on Sat 15th and spoke about how crucial events like this are to the landscape and community of Streatham. The success of the festival is down to local residents coming together and enjoying top entertainment that is not only free but right on your doorstep!
Spirits were high as visitors enjoyed an afternoon Food Fair from Streatham’s diverse restaurants, learnt about the art of icing and how to be creative with homemade dyes from fruit! There was singing from the Great Gusto, face painting, healthy eating tips, plenty of dancing and children cooked up a storm by making their own pizzas. Sunday saw top chef’s demonstrate divine dishes whilst the afternoon had a real buzz as enthusiasts learnt all about the fascinating life of a honeybee and how Streatham has the potential to make London’s finest honey!
Local resident Juliet Hutchinson spoke about what the festival meant to her and her family. ‘I’ve been local to Streatham for the past eight years and it’s thanks to the Food Festival that makes me inspired to be part of such a fantastic community. It’s an event for the people by the people and highlights just how important celebrating what’s on locally is – the energy and atmosphere on Saturday was fantastic! I can’t wait for next years.
Visitor Mike Nixon commented on how he is already looking forward to next years. ‘The Food Festival marks the start of an amazing Summer in Streatham and really puts a smile to my face. The event highlights togetherness, creativity and being proud of what can be achieved in the local community. It’s relaxed, engaging and a great way to spend your time learning about all the wonderful gems that Streatham has to offer.’
Restaurant owner Sergio Noci runs Bocca and really embraces the added spotlight brought on by the Food Festival, ‘ it’s fantastic to feel part of something, everyone enjoys the festival feeling and the children love the pasta making workshop’.
The festival is jointly organised by Streatham Festival Association and Lambeth Council. A big thanks goes to Town Centre Manager Angelina Purnell for donning the pineapple suit and working wonders! The event wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated hard work from a team of SFA volunteers. Team members Patricia Sauer and Lizzie Luscombe highlight their inspiration.
‘The events bring so much joy and togetherness to the people of Streatham. It’s a great opportunity to be able to take time out and enjoy a world of music, food, dance and art that’s all on your doorstep! It makes us so proud to celebrate and be part of Streatham’s community, the support and willingness to put on a great event goes to show how passionate we all are in keeping Streatham alive and kicking!’
