Rewind to 1279: there was an annual fete by the name of the Camberwell Fair that brought people together to socialise, gorge on some tasty grub and sup on a few meads whilst having a jig about. For centuries, townsfolk enjoyed the festivities, until it was banned in 1855 for causing ‘immoral and riotous behaviour’. But three years ago it made a comeback. Intrigued?
The modern-day version is based on the same ethos: a chance to have some fun and celebrate the local area. Since 2015, organisers Wormfood and Pexmas have worked with over fifty businesses and partnered with over thirty neighbourhood groups to help provide a platform for them to meet the community.
What to expect? There’ll be a trio of stages, independent traders, and of course street food and all manner of tipples. Past performers have ranged from emerging acts to reggae legend Dawn Penn and Nigerian afrobeat originator Dele Sosimi.
Can’t wait till September 1st? There’s a number of workshops in the run up, including a poetry session on the Aylesbury Estate and an artist showcase at popular venue Louie Louie in SE17 (both August 17th, this weekend). And they won’t cost a penny either (just like the festival). Even better, participants will have the opportunity to win a slot at the main event.
Fancy making a costume to wear to the festie? Get down to one of the classes on August 16th or 23rd and design an outfit to show off on the day with performance group Kinetika Bloco. An exuberant mix of young brass and woodwind players, drummers, steel pan and dynamic dancers, the troupe draws influences from the Caribbean, Brazil and New Orleans jazz.
Entertainment and creativity reign supreme once again, it would seem, in this bucolic(ish) pocket of south London.
Main image: PR
