Comedians Rob Newman and John Hegley will be headlining the 20th annual Gillespie Park Festival on Sunday 10 September (2pm - 6pm).
Gillespie Park is one of three nature reserves in the borough and holds Green Flag status in recognition of its biodiversity and commitment to management techniques, which help protect wildlife.
The festival, which promises to be bigger and better than ever, is organised by the Friends of Gillespie Park and supported by Islington Council's Nature Conservation Team. Ilsington's Mayor, Cllr Jyoti Vaja and local comedian Rob Newman will open the fun at 2pm.
Many exciting events and acts are lined up showcasing the variety of talent in the borough. Performances ranging from Kurdish folk music and dance (Kurdish Community Centre), to rhythm and blues (Shambolica) will make the afternoon go with a swing.
Local comedians Rob Newman and John Hegley will also be sharing their new stand-up material. Meanhile, for those who just want to close their eyes and chill - the acoustic cafe should fit the bill.
Younger festival goers will have plenty to keep them occupied with Bollywood Workshops (Jasmine Simhalan), West African storytelling and music (George Fiawoo) and environmental arts and crafts with Eco-Active and their solar powered milk float.
As with each year, local charities and organisations will be providing information and light refreshments will be available. There will also be face painting, portraiture and tours of the park itself with members of the Islington Nature Conservation Team.
Cllr Lucy Watt, Executive Member for Environment, said: "Each year the festival has gone from strength to strength.
"There's big names headlining, but for all that, it's still the people's day and one that brings the community together to celebrate the last days of summer in a fantastic, natural setting.
"Many people don't know the park is there but it's something of a hidden gem. Tucked away between the busy Holloway Road and the Finsbury Park interchange its an oasis of calm you might not expect to find in such a busy area.
If you want to dance or just chill out and listen to some cool sounds - the Gillespie Park Festival has something for everyone."
For more information contact:
Oliver Burke at the Islington Ecology Centre 191 Drayton Park Road, London N5 1PH
Tel: 020 7354 5162
E-mail: islingtonecologycentre@btopenworld.com
Location:
Gillespie Park Local Nature Reserve
Map link:
www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=51.5581&lon=-0.1068&scale=10000&icon=x
Transport information:
Gillespie Park can be accessed at entrances on Gillespie Road, Drayton Park and St. Thomas's Road
Buses 236, 19 and 4 stop at the nearby Blackstock Road
Nearest tube is Arsenal (Piccadilly Line)
ENDS
For more information of this press release, contact Charles Dean on 020 7527 3224.
Full Line-up:
Main Stage
2.00pm Festival Opens
Opening of the festival by the Mayor of Islington Councillor Jyoti Vaja and comedian Rob Newman
2.10pm Joan Coffey
Acoustic folk music to get those feet tapping.
2.45pm Kurdish Community Centre
Traditional Kurdish music and dance to bring that gypsy feel to the park.
3.15pm John Hegley
Humour and song from our festival favourite
3.50pm TBC
4.10pm Raffle
Did you win anything? Well come and find out as we read out this years raffle winners. With Arsenal shirts up for grabs, you better keep your ears open.
4.50pm Diego Brown and the Good Fairy with very special guest Rob Newman
Rob and the fairy get together to create comical song and dance that will have you in stitches.
5.20pm Shambolica
Rhythm and blues to get those feet tapping and those hips swaying.
Acoustic Cafe
2.00pm Judith Kleinman (Cello)
Mellow cello to ease us into the festival mood
3.00pm Bharathanatyam
Traditional Indian dance to give the afternoon a touch of spice
4.00pm Blues to get you in the mood.
Children's Area Line up
2.30pm West African Storytelling
Tales from Ghana and beyond with George Fiawoo
3.30pm TBC
4.30pm Bollywood Workshop
There are no limits to what you can mix into the style, as long as the movements remain true to the fun, over-dramatic and cheesy Bollywood style.
Ecology Centre
2.30-5pm TBC
Make fantastical creatures and amazing structures with Darcy and his newspaper recycling machine. An environmental arts and crafts extravaganza for children (and adults) of all ages.
3.45pm Wild Walk
Join one of the Nature Conservation Rangers on a summer stroll through Gillespie Park. A perfect chance to find out about some of the more unusual Flora and Fauna about at this time of year.
Editors Notes:
Islington Councils Nature Conservation Team and Ecology Centre
Islington Councils Nature Conservation Team manages Islington's three nature reserves, Gillespie Park, Barnsbury Wood and Parkland Walk. The service also advise on nature conservation issues across the borough as well as running a comprehensive environmental education programme for schools, community events, courses and workshops. The Ecology Centre is set in the Green Flag awarded Gillespie Park and provides and informative insight into the wildlife of Islington and its parks. The centre has a fully resourced library, interactive exhibitions and the team offers advice on all aspects of sustainable living and nature conservation.
Kindly Supported By:
Islington Council Arts and Heritage Service
Cabbage Trust
Gunners Community Fund
Islington Community Chest
Friends of Gillespie Park
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008