The Green Street Festival, which was held in Queens Market on Wednesday 25th October from 12:30 to 5pm, exceeded the residents’ expectations with its splendour and grandiose.
The Newham Mag advertised the festival will provide a ‘dedicated children’s area’ and will feature free ‘family fun activities that will include: creative learning and making workshops, music and dance performance, international food, sports and outdoor games and an exhibition of the local area.’
Judging from the massive turnout and the numerous activities for children (2 bouncy castles, a DJ booth, fencing, ping pong, cricket, an inflated West Ham-sponsored ‘Academy of football’ pitch, cycling races with obstacles, arts and crafts workshops, carnival games, face painting and taekwondo classes) and multicultural food stalls it was clear it didn’t disappoint.
The event had also had entertainment for adults, such as: hand massages, facials, Chinese writing lessons, and a stage with live entertainment and dancing which included audience members joining in – which attracted the most people.
The Green Street Festival also aimed to widen the knowledge of residents through the presence of numerous informative campaigns from charity organisations to keeping people safe at home, fire safety, counselling and support groups and workplace vacancies. There was also a ‘museum of food’ which showcased historical brands and packaging of foods and conveyed the contrasts in cuisine in the past and now.
Convenience and safety was ensured by the various police officers and medics on site and a fully equipped emergency health tent.
Humza, a 13 year old participating in the football academy, relayed that it was ‘great fun’, had ‘really good free entertainment’ and was ‘a great way to spend the half-term holidays.’ He also revealed that the London Design and Engineering UTC stall helped reinforce his wishes to become an engineer.
Assad, a ten year old boy who enjoyed the dancing the most, said the festival was ‘quite amusing, really fun and good for the community’ as ‘everyone’s coming together.’
In conclusion, the Green Street Festival was a described as a great opportunity for every one of all ages and races to get together and have a fun bonding experience, while also learning new things.
Maqdas Qayum, GGSK college
