Woodfall Park Street Fayre

After 2 months of discussion with Islington Councils MAGPI East team over outcomes and funding, backed by Cllr Barbara Sindell, The Pilion Trust were finally given the go-ahead to host The first ever Woodfall Park Street Fayre. Initially we had costed the event at around 10,000 and agreed, with match funding that 6000 from MAGPI East it would be possible. Less than a week before the event we were told that we could have 3000. On top of that Homes for Islington agreed to give us another 500 and Cllr Barbara Sindell came up with an additional 900. This gave us 4400 to work with. The Woodfall road/park area has been a hot spot for anti-social behaviour, drug dealing, street drinking and youth crime over the past few years and in much need of some fresh energy. The local community had become isolated from their park and unable to rest back control of their area. Our idea was to create a family friendly fun filled day out for all members of the local community including those that had been seen to be the problem. We aimed to get people out of their houses on to the street, into the park and communicating with each other. The intention being that the residents of Woodfall Road may come together and form a Friends of Woodfall Park committee. We hired a stage, a bouncy castle, built a Faery Garden, set up a graffiti arts space, invited local traders and services to set out their stalls. Islington Greenspace

came with Arts and Crafts, Food Bank set up there information and food drop alongside Pilions stall with a mobile phone drop bin. A number of raffles were available Arsenal Ball and Framed Shirt, a rabbit (Project Silverfish), a teddy (IM ACE). Cliff Parsis (Minty) opened proceedings and Jeremy Corbyn spoke, later on in the afternoon to much applause Cllr Barbara Sindell and Savvas revealed the raffle winners. Our stage was managed by Knuckle Soup Records with six intended acts including Silent Republic, Isvara, Easy and the Cali Five, Captain Backfire and local rapper James Aidoo. On the day passing local talent also expressed a wish to perform and provided some great entertainment. The event was filmed by Create4TV and we are editing a short film for evidence and promotional purposes. The day was a great success, around 350 local people passed through Woodfall Road on the day and enjoyed all of the events. People came and talked to us and with each other. Many Faery wings were made, faces painted and cakes eaten! 204 was raised for The Pilion Trust and our volunteers and staff went home exhausted and happy.