I came across this event accidentally - and what a fabulous surprise! I was walking out towards the South Bank from Waterloo last Sunday when I came upon some great music and some people dancing on a large wet wool mat - This was "Wool n Dance" and our first encounter with the wonders of this great free event.
Excitedly clutching my guide we walked towards Jubilee Gardens and couldn't believe the crowds! There were hundreds of stalls selling food from around the world and selling jewellery and knick-knicks. There were lots of street entertainers - from silver statues to steel drums. A feast for your eyes and ears and even a bubble stand to keep the kids amused.
There was a huge stage where jive, swing and jazz bands played in front of a large dance area where there were enthusiastic jivers from age nine to ninety. Further over was a marquee (Club Dada) offering an assortment of interesring music - we witnessed some "ska and fruity grooves" with very enthusiastic players. There were yet more food and drinks stalls as well as a London Routemaster bus to explore. The crowds were overwhelming - but incredibly good natured.
We stopped and watched a while as the BBC filmed some footage for the CBBC's Newsround programme. And we spent ages watching the skill and amazing feats of the freerunners on a specially erected series of platforms and railings - well done Barclaycard for sponsoring this new street sport.
As we hadn't anticipated running into such a great event, we didn't get time to stroll further along the Thames to see some of the other great things to entertain - Eastern European folk dancing, Japanese moon-viewing festival celebrations, river races, a wishing tree made by school children, tango displays and jazz at the Fairtrade Village or cajun and Zydeco dance music at Swamp Rock near London Bridge. There was so much to see!
And those who hung around in the evening were treated to river fireworks and a dragon procession amongst other attractions at the Night Carnival.
I was proud to be a Londoner and really happy to participate in such a great London event. Anyway. You absolutely have to put the date for next year's event in your diary - 12th and 13th September 2009. This really was a great day - and all for free!
