Sunday 9 September will see the 21st Annual Gillespie Festival, which promises to be bigger and better than ever. <br><br>Organised by the Friends of Gillespie Park and supported by Islington Council, the festival will be opened by MP Jeremy Corbyn and will be in celebration of the community work and life of Margot Sreberny M.B.E. <br><br>Cllr Ruth Polling, Executive Member for Leisure and Equalities, Islington Council said: "The Gillespie Park Festival is one of the borough's biggest and most popular events bringing together members of the local community for an afternoon of free entertainment in a relaxed parkland atmosphere. <br><br>"The park is a real asset to the local community and it is great that so many people will visit it for the festival. <br><br>"Why not make a day of it - there's plenty to see and do for both adults and children."<br><br>The community festival brings people from across the borough together for an afternoon of free entertainment and fun in one of Islington's most popular open spaces.<br><br>Morris Men and Kurdish folk musicians will be showcasing the diversity and excitement of local perfoming talent. While indie music from Seventh Son promises to bring a contemporary urban vibe to the soundtrack for this relaxed afternoon. <br><br>For those who like to put their feet up and enjoy entertainment of a more gentle nature the acoustic café will provide some mellow tunes and a place to relax and celebrate Islington's last summer festival.<br><br>For the kids, there's plenty to keep them occupied with drumming workshops, West African storytelling and music from George Fiawoo and face painting. Environmental arts and crafts are supplied by Eco-Active.<br><br>As with each year, local charities and organisations will be in attendance with stalls full of interesting goodies. Fantastic food will be available as well as the opportunity to take a closer look at the park itself with members of the Islington Nature Conservation Team. <br><br>Pat Tuson one of the Friends of Gillespie Park and joint organiser of this years festival said: "This really is something that the whole community looks forward to. Even people who have moved away from Islington come back just for the festival to reunite with old friends and get introduced to new ones. It's a fantastic day enjoyed by the whole family."<br><br>The festival will start at 2pm and finish at 6pm<br><br>Location:<br>Gillespie Park Local Nature Reserve<br>Drayton Park<br>N5<br><br>Map link: <br>www.multimap.com/map/browse.cgi?lat=51.5581&lon=-0.1068&scale=10000&icon=x <br><br><br>Transport information:<br>The Park can be accessed at entrances on Gillespie Road, Drayton Park and St. Thomas's Road<br>Buses 236, 19 and 4 stop at the nearby Blackstock Road<br>Nearest tube is Arsenal (Piccadilly Line)<br> <br>For more information contact:<br><br>Oliver Burke at the Islington Ecology Centre 191 Drayton Park Road, London N5 1PH<br>Tel: 020 7354 5162<br>E-mail: oliver.burke@islington.gov.uk<br><br><br>Editors Notes:<br>The Friends of Gillespie Park set up to help create the Gillespie Park Local Nature Reserve. They area community voice for the continued development of the reserve as a community resources and organise a number of fundraising events to support this aim. The Gillespie Festival was set up by the Friends to celebrate the reserve and the work of the community in the local area bringing people together for an afternoon of fun and celebration.<br> <br>Kindly Supported By:<br><br>Cabbage Trust<br><br>East Area Committee<br><br>Islington Council<br><br><br><br> <br><br><br>
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009