The best little festival…
Welcome to Leytonstone, our little bit of north east London that has always punched above its weight. Several creative and talented people hail from Leytonstone, including Jonathan Ross, David Beckham, Damon Albarn, Alfred Hitchcock, Derek Jacobi and Fanny Cradock. We should also mention jazz legends Kenny Wheeler, Kenny Clare and Jackie Free – all with their own Waltham Forest Blue Plaques.
Now in 2017, it’s that time of year when the Leytonstone Festival organisers get together to start making plans. We say ‘thank you’ to Brian Madican for his work in previous years as he leaves us to embark on other ventures and a huge ‘thank’ you to Shah Ahmed for all his hard work and commitment over the years.
Shah has decided to hand over the Festival organising responsibility but will hold our hands as we begin a new phase…kind thanks Shah for helping with the formation of a new group of organisers. Welcome to Mike Rose (Fred) Andy Mirror, Matthew House, Greer Nicholson, Jenni Stout and Jude Leighton for taking on the challenge with me as I step into Shah’s shoes.
The application form is being updated and hopefully the new form will help for a smoother process. As soon as it is ready we will make it available.
It would be remiss not to mention many of the events during 2016. On offer were a range of music (jazz, soul, hiphop, classical guitar and more), dance, films, theatre and Shakespeare to a cider and ale festival, history talks, graffiti artists and paper lantern-making. There really was something for everyone.
Each year we ensure our festival coincides with Leytonstone Arts Trial, so we can showcase Leytonstone’s full array of local talent, from music and performance to culinary tastings, talks and visual arts. Visit www.leytonstoneartstrail.org for more details.
2016 was Shah Ahmed third and final year as Festival chair and he would like to thank the Trustees who gave their time and effort voluntarily. A big thank you also goes to our sponsors, London Borough of Waltham Forest, Cyngus Trust, Kingfisher Indian Beer and Cann Hall, Cathall, Forest and Leytonstone Community Ward Forums.
The Festival Committee’s appreciation also goes to all the various artists and venues for making the best little festival possible and we know 2017 will provide just as much fun and pleasure for the residents of Leytonstone and our visitors! Warm wishes to all……..
Angela Struthers – Chair 2017
