Salsa, Skating And Spoken Word At Walthamstow Garden Party

Laura Reynolds
By Laura Reynolds Last edited 104 months ago
Salsa, Skating And Spoken Word At Walthamstow Garden Party

WGP 2014

Last year, 34,000 people descended on Lloyd Park in Walthamstow for the inaugural Walthamstow Garden Party, and the event returns this weekend for two days of music, theatre, dance, film, spoken word and more.

Two music stages will be set up in the park, offering a range of local musical talent and international artists. 18 year old Habone Mohammed, winner of Waltham Forest's Got Talent, headlines a set, supported by three runners-up. Other local talent includes the Walthamstow Acoustic Massive and the E17 Jazz Collective, collaborating with east London and Guildhall School students.

From further afield, LA-33, an old school salsa band from Bogota performs, along with a brass band from Macedonia and a 16 piece band from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It's not all about the music though. Leyton based Gravity Circus Centre brings stage performances and walkabout acts including juggling, stilt walking and more, while Winns Gallery is transformed into a pop-up cinema.

Artillery Island becomes a chill-out space, hosting a programme of spoken word, poetry, readings, storytelling and comedy, complete with deckchairs, gin cocktail bar and free newspapers. There's also a chance to taste and buy local produce and gourmet food at Appetite Festival.

Little Londoners and their families are invited along to, and can take part in Mini Garden Party activities, including a mini disco, storytelling and a chance to meet salamanders, giant millipedes and snakes. Wear older kids out at the family skate jam, while under 7s will enjoy the playful performance from Fevered Sleep's Little Universe.

Walthamstow Garden Party takes place 18-19 July. Entry is free — just turn up. See the full line-up.

Last Updated 13 July 2015