MUST DO: the all-new Camberwell Fair

So what exactly is it then?
The Camberwell Fair promises to be great free event right here in South London. The artists who’ll be performing are inspired by music from all over the world (Dele Sosimi Afrobeat Orchestra, Dawn Penn Meets Black Slate International and The Turbans to name a few) so there is a huge variety of entertainment. The pop-up stalls are from the local businesses so you will be supporting them by coming along. And finally, because Camberwell is simply amazing.

What were last year’s highlights?
This is the first year for the Camberwell Fair, so hopefully we will have lots of highlights to share for 2016.

But there must have been fairs on the Green before?
Correct. Taking place on the original common land that hosted Camberwell Fair for a whopping 600 years from 1279 to 1855, this year’s instalment will look and feel decidedly different to its ancestors, but the same traditions of community and culture will flourish once again.

And Camberwell was a bit of a resort once, wasn’t it?
It certainly was. Pre-1860, Camberwell was visited by Londoners for its rural tranquility and reputed healing properties of its mineral springs.

So what shouldn’t anyone miss?
The Community Stage. There’s going to be loads of great local talent performing from live hip hop and poetry to folk and rock.

We’re hungry. What’s for dinner?
Lots of lovely local artisan and deli stalls, from Pig and Hay’s gourmet Scotch eggs and sausage rolls to the Pished Fish, gravadlax and smoked salmon done by hand in small batches at the Pished Fish Smokery in SE5. Plus local foodie joints like the Camberwell Arms (reviewed here), Peckham Rye’s Old Spike Roastery and the Pigeon Hole Cafe will all be doing po-ups.

Any tips on getting the best out if the day?
Register in advance for your free ticket here or become a member for £12 and get a free cocktail and queue jump (see more here). Come early to pick the best spot and plan to stay the whole day – there’s going to be games and workshops suitable for the whole family.