Grahame Park and Woodberry Down, two of our regeneration projects, have hosted a string of exciting events throughout September and October.
Woodberry Down held its annual InterGen Fest, bringing together residents of all ages, as well as the Hidden River Festival, which highlights the unique wetland landscape of the estate. To mark Black History Month, both estates held events which celebrated the diversity of the community, putting the rich cultural history of their African and Caribbean residents front and centre.
Local youth group work with residents for InterGen Fest
Led by the creative local youth group Fame Star Youth, the InterGen Fest offered a wide-ranging programme of events and activities, as well as plenty of food. Held in The Edge youth centre, the main hall was host to songs and skits performed by Fame Star Youth members, followed by a 1950s fashion show. Wearing outfits from the decade in which Woodberry Down was founded, the catwalk was followed by an in-costume dance, all to an Elvis soundtrack.
Euphemia Chukwu, director of Fame Star Youth, said, “The community came together and had a wonderful time. Thank you to all our wonderful sponsors and partners.” The Inter-Gen Fest is a fantastic example of residents being empowered to celebrate their communities and bring all their imaginative flare to a project.
Celebrating Black History at Grahame Park and Woodberry Down
For Black History Month, the Grahame Park community was treated to an afternoon of music, culture, and delicious Caribbean food. Co-ordinated as part of Animating the Community’s arts and culture programme on the estate, the event brought together local partners to demonstrate the remarkable wealth of African and Caribbean talent which is integral to the community. From workshops involving Somali arts and crafts to drumming and dancing from Côte d’Ivoire and demonstrations of how to cook the perfect jollof rice, the event had something for everyone and brought residents together to celebrate.
Project manager John Whelan said, “It has been an amazing event; better than I ever dreamed possible because the community has really embraced it. It has had a nice vibe and a nice energy.” That energy is going to be carried forward by the arts and culture project over the next year, which will shine a light on the stories and journeys of residents, and the passion they bring to their community.
Meanwhile Woodberry Down celebrated Black History Month in style. Paying homage to Woodberry Down’s diverse community, Fame Star Youth presented a celebration of African and Caribbean culture, plus live entertainment with music and dancing. This year’s line-up included food tasting, African drumming, a fashion show and African history and culture session. Residents were treated to popular traditional foods prepared from a diverse range of cultures. Visitors also heard and shared recipes and cuisines from African and Caribbean cultures.
Circus skills and more at the Hidden River Festival
The Hidden River Festival at Woodberry Down was back for the seventh year with a free, vibrant day of live music, art, crafts, food, and events for the whole family. This year’s event included performances from local artists, workshops for young people, which included a circus skills workshop. We delivered the event in partnership with Berkeley Homes and Manor House Development Trust. Samantha Cheadle, social and economic programme manager, said, “It was great to see the wider community out and enjoying the entertainment of the Hidden River Festival after a three-year break.”