The park was bathed in glorious sunshine as the crowd was treated to live music and performances across four stages, as well as an eclectic mix of food, arts and crafts, plus the ever-popular Thamesmead Dog Show.
This year’s Thamesmead Festival culminated in a sensational set from MOBO-nominated Natalie Williams’ Soul Family. The headliners were joined on stage by a group of guest singers who had worked with Natalie in workshops at The Nest Community Building in Thamesmead.
Speaking after the performance, Natalie said: “It was absolutely amazing. What a lovely vibe. The setting of the festival is absolutely beautiful. The lake and the trees, and seeing people out there canoeing was wonderful.
“It was also really fun having the local singers up to perform with us. It gave it a lovely little lift.”
Soul Family’s guest vocalists were not the only local performers on the bill. They were joined by an array of talented musicians, dancers, spoken-word performers, artists and magicians from Thamesmead and across London.
Lisa Drew, Senior Cultural Programme Manager at Peabody, which funds the festival and delivers it in partnership with renowned events producers Serious, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people gather in beautiful weather for a true celebration of music, culture and community spirit.
“Every year, we want the Thamesmead Festival to truly reflect the community. That’s why local people are involved in every stage of planning the festival, and why homegrown talent is given an opportunity to shine. The town can be really proud of what it has achieved with this year’s festival.”
Thamesmead resident Kelly Higgins was at the festival with her seven-year-old daughter, Sky.
She said: “We live just around the corner and we love the community feel, the food and the vibe.
“We also love the fact that there are local artists and new artists we haven’t discovered yet. It’s lovely and we’re really lucky to have this here.”
Nick Sigsworth, of Tanum Sound System, performed on the Slug Stage, which was commissioned by community arts organisations Three Rivers and programmed by young artists with learning disabilities and autism from Bexley charity Re-Instate.
Nick said: “Although it shouldn’t be, it’s quite unique these days to have a free festival in a public space that’s really accessible and creates an opportunity for people to meet each other and discover new things.”
Local performers, artists, community groups and businesses who want to get involved in next year’s Thamesmead Festival can sign up for our monthly newsletter to hear about open calls.
