If next bank holiday weekend’s weather soars up to southern Spanish standards, then sipping on a bottle of beer while watching flamenco dancers prance along the banks of the Thames seems like a pretty dreamy way to spend an afternoon.
The aptly named Bernie Spain Gardens is the location of a mahoosive celebration of all things Andalusian over two days. Colourful casetas will be crammed with all kinds of Spanish fare, including typical tapas dishes (croquetas, Iberico ham, pimientos de padron and moreish churros, if we remember rightly last year), the finest Spanish beer, wine and cocktails. There’ll also be sherry tasting masterclasses from the renowned Tio Pepe, Spain’s favourite fino.
Alongside this, two stages and a vast dancefloor will set the scene for passionate performances from Flamenco dancers, authentic Andalusian bands, dance workshops and come dusk, DJs take to the decks.
With many stallholders and entertainers dressed in traditional costumes and regional dress, this is a celebration of – and, of course, introduction to – Andalusian culture.
One thing’s for sure: it certainly beats an overcrowded Ryanair flight to Malaga on a bank holiday weekend.
