It came about through the good offices of organiser Kathy Taylor, the hospitality of India Garden, and the skilled brushwork of mural specialist Gavin McPhail. Kathy has been running the Mini Festival of Nightingales, something which we hope will grow in years to come.
Attendees to the Wanstead Festival (one of the largest in recent years, surely?) were among those seeing Gavin working at first hand as he put the finishing touches to the bird.
And on Sunday it’s the Wanstead Festival with all the attractions we have come to know and love. But this year there’s a greener tinge than usual, with the High Street being closed and dedicated to being green. In particular there are bike riding events which you will need to pre-book for.
We wish all readers a happy Fringe day — yes it’s the start of the 8th Wanstead Fringe today, a fortnight of cultural and community activities to make the most of living in this marvellous place.
The Fringe starts in earnest this evening with the launch of the Wanstead Bookclub, a new forum for booklovers to share recommendations and enthusiasms with other readers. The launch is taking place online on Friday evening at 7pm, and all Wansteadium readers are invited to join in – just go to the event page below and click RSVP to get a link.
The centrepiece of the Wanstead Fringe, the open air Kinema, is returning on Friday 10 September. The event has become reliably the most popular event in the whole Fringe, and has always been a memorable, atmospheric event.
This year the film showing will be The Lorax, which was chosen as the 2020 film before Covid cancelled the Kinema at the last moment. This year there’s even more reason to show it: the Dr Seuss book it’s based on is celebrating its 50th anniversary, and the message of children being able to make a difference to the environment could hardly be more timely. You can read more about why Fringe organisers have chosen the film here.
This year, to help with social distancing, the event will be held at the Kinema’s original venue, Wanstead Cricket Club. There will be a bar and hot food available.
The event has always sold out, so you are advised to get tickets now via the Fringe website. Click below for details.
With everything stacked against them, it’s no wonder that the station kiosk at Snaresbrook is now shuttered. To the former staff, thank you for your service. To any interested parties, just imagine the joy of starting each day at one of the most beautiful stations on the Underground, surrounded by happy, smiling Wanstead folk. You know you want to.
The comedy line-up for the 2021 Wanstead Fringe has been unveiled – and it’s got a couple of familiar faces who are well-loved by Fringe audiences.
Paul Sinha, whose appearance has become a regular Fringe high point, is making a very welcome return. And Graeme Matthews, another favourite, is returning for a year in which there is more comedy aimed at children than we’ve ever had before.
Tickets are all selling fast though, so you’re advised to get them while you can.
