So here we are, the FIRST DAY of the first Wanstead Fringe. And it’s a busy old day for activities, as any visitors to the High Street will find out. There will be a Wanstead Fringe stall on the High Street – come along and say hello and pick up a free badge (don’t say we never spoil you).
Here’s a quick rundown of today’s events, with some pointers to plan for tomorrow.
Pop Up Drinkable Courtyard
What better place to start than the Time for Tea tearoom opposite Snaresbrook Station. Designers Pocket of Green have created a marvellous experience in the tearoom courtyard which is well worth a visit. And they are offering one visitor a prize of a small cloud pruned tree in a stylish black boulder pot.
Tree Yoga
If larger trees are your thing, Katriye Ibrahim is running open air yoga sessions on Christchurch Green. There are three sessions today – 9am, 2pm and 3pm.
Wanstead Art Trail
The Art Trail begins today as well as the Fringe, so there is no shortage of absorbing art to enjoy at shops and cafes all over Wanstead. Pick up a programme at most shops. And there is a day of arty workshops at the Wanstead Library – details here.
Photowalk
The first of photographer Geoff Wilkinson’s photo walks will take at 2pm from his gallery on Nightingale Lane. Ring Geoff to check late availability of places on 0797 466 2881
Vintage Fair
While all this is going on, the increasingly popular Wanstead Vintage Fashion and Brocante Fair is taking place in the Christ Church Hall. It offers men’s and women’s clothing from the 1920s to 1980s, along with jewellery and homeware.
DAY TWO
Day Two, that’s Sunday 8 September, looks like a cracker too. As well as a second chance to experience Tree Yoga and Geoff’s Photowalk, there will be a great family event taking place on Christchurch Green – a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Meets Teddy Bear’s Picnic. Bring your picnic from 12.30 – or whenever you can make it – and wear either a hat or bring a Teddy Bear. We had hoped to stage a Conker Tournament, but nature seems to be against us on this occasion and the conkers haven’t yet fallen. But there will be petanque and any other games you care to bring along. Why not bake a cake and share it with someone?
Later in the day, from 6pm at Bar Room Bar, there is an evening of Soul, Rare Groove, SKA and Reggae, brought home by The State We’re In.
We’ll be bringing you a daily update here on Wansteadium during the Fringe, so keep in touch. You can get daily e-mail newsletters by signing up here. And don’t forget to book tickets for the Open Air Cinema on Friday – tickets really are selling fast, which is a very gratifying surprise for everyone involved.
And one other thing – do please tell your friends and neighbours about the Fringe. Tweet about it, mention it on Facebook. And do send us photos so we can keep a record of this pretty nifty moment in Wanstead history.
Took part in Yoga under the chestnut trees on Christchurch Green last Saturday. It was amazing! Bare feet on the grass, the sound of birds, and lots of fresh air with sunshine. Katryie was brilliant at making me feel comfortable with it all and I even hugged a tree after! It was a long time before I even wanted to look at a computer screen again. More please 🙂 x