From a spread of different boroughs Waltham Forest was picked to host the first ever Borough of Culture, they were given £1,000,000m to create a year of art and culture themed events within the borough however about £12,000,000m from the borough and partnerships they have with different companies is being spent overall.
On the 11th-13th of January the borough of Waltham Forest kicked off with the first ever borough of culture event with an amazing, magical and electric opening party. This three day opening party was take place at two locations as well as up and down Forest Road.
The first location was the town hall, there had been a projection show on the front of the town hall of colourful leaves and a video of residents of the borough talking about the place that they call home. On the trees in front of the Town Hall there were electric neon signs of things such as pink lips to words saying things such as ‘forever’ from the legendary God’s Own Junkyard in Walthamstow. In my opinion this opening event was held to not only bring residents and other people from outside the boroughs together but to also help local business.
There had been many stalls outside the magistrate’s court and local business up and down Forest road were asked to stay open. This will help the local shops, cafes and restaurants because the opening party helped to promote these businesses. On the borough of culture website they are offering a partnership package which will help shine more light on the many local establishments this borough has to offer. Up and down Forest Road there had been a carnival like performance going on with people in beautiful and strange costumes (like faeries and bugs/bushes with roses) walking on stilts and a jazz band blowing their trumpets near Lloyds Park while another group of people banged on drums like a marching band.
As I moved down Forest Road from the lively action going on at the town hall towards Lloyds Park the road seemed to become less crowded because most of the people were at the town hall so it made the whole experience at the park magical and unforgettable.
Outside William Morris gallery there were a few food stalls as well as a small open tent were people of all ages could make a small lantern. These lanterns had a small LED candle inside and a drawn picture of Walthamstow Stadium on the outside. Within Lloyds Park there weren’t as many people as I expected which meant it was a quiet area to walk down. While walking down the pebbly pathway there was an eerie, faerie-like white light danced in the air. The lights were very visible in the night sky and there was very peaceful music playing. The quietness of the park, the lights, the night sky and the music came together in a stunning way to create a magical and dreamlike atmosphere/experience.
To finish the night off we went to the centre of the captivating laser light show which was created by Marshmallow Laser Feast. Looking up to see the eerie white lights dancing around against the night sky and the music sinking deep inside us all, this left me in ‘Aww’ and made for an amazing ending to a special evening.
