Jo Brand called Streatham ‘a shithole’, yet many of those who live here feel that the area is on the up
Streatham Festival is in its 12th year and in the words of Streatham MP, Chuka Umunna, “this year is going to be the biggest and best ever.”
But why does it matter? Firstly, in times of adversity, the arts provide a route for escapism and help make life more enjoyable. By coming together to enjoy creativity and art, people share the experience and are reminded that life can be beautiful. Streatham Festival brings together a mix of national high profile acts with talented local artists and provides a unique celebration which will make visitors from Streatham and beyond proud to be part of it.
The Streatham Festival line up has been put together to ensure a high-quality and accessible arts festival that delights, surprises, entertains and welcomes its diverse audiences. It celebrates local talent, presents a mix of emerging and well-established artists and encourages the imaginative use of the different venues across Streatham that characterise the area.
Streatham has come in for its fair share of negative press in the past (Jo Brand’s comment springs to mind – the south London comedian called our patch “a shithole” on Have I Got News For you) yet many of those who live here feel that the area is once again on the up. This year’s festival The Glamour Days celebrates the borough’s rich heritage and architecture and the creativity and brilliance of its current residents. Performances from acts like as the tea-dancing Ragroof Players, swing dancers, Swing Patrol and the painter/printmaker Shiroma Ratne will hark back to the days when it was second only to the West End in terms of entertainment.
Secondly, whilst Streatham Festival is arts-led, it also has a significant role to play in social cohesion and helping to create a safer, more prosperous environment.
We believe that the festival creates a greater sense of identity and inclusion and celebrates Streatham as a worthwhile location to visit. Streatham Festival’s Featured Artists and Volunteer Programme provide training and improved employment opportunities for local people to ensure that the festival plays its part in addressing employment issues in the borough.
In addition, showcasing Streatham during the festival will contribute to the positive economic impact on local businesses and the local economy.
The Streatham Festival provides a breakthrough opportunity for up and coming talent, be it music, theatre, art, events management or performing arts. It also provides a platform for local businesses to take part and promote their products and services.
Whether you’re a resident, business or artist Streatham Festival provides a very good reason for people to come together, smile together, dance together and celebrate what makes Streatham great – its diverse and enthusiastic community.
Words: Michelle Diederichs, who has been working on this year’s Festival, which takes place 11-14 July in various locations. For details go to the Streatham Festival website.
