David Williamson talks about the forthcoming festivals
Will there be any significant changes this year?
We're building on what worked well last year and focussing most events on June/July. What is changing is that we are re-starting Palmers Green Festival on September 3rd. Because there has been a three-year break, we are keeping it a bit smaller to make it easier to manage, but still with lots to see and do.
Reggae Matik will be back in the Broomfield Bowl on 3rd June, the first of several Summer Festival gigs run in conjunction with Livestock.
Any lessons learnt from past years?
We certainly stretched ourselves last year with over 30 events. This year we have scaled that back a bit, but maintaining the same mix of music, theatre, food and family events.
Any problems with the weather last year?
Surprisingly, only one event was cancelled sue to threat of storm - an orchard event in July. The main challenge for us was how hot and dry it was - the grass was frazzled!
Which events were most popular?
Each type of event draws different audiences and each was successful in its own way. In terms of numbers, music is always very popular - especially as the event wears on and people get merry from their visits to the bar. The Festival also has a big focus on family events where we get a great response from kids and parents. We are hoping that our biggest event this year will be Palmers Green Festival.
Why no food festival this year?
Cooking Champions are moving their food festival to be included in the Palmer Green Festival. There they will organise the food stalls and have a ‘food village’ around the bandstand.
Shakespeare, but not as you know him! The brilliant Three Inch Fools will be back in the park on 6th June
How many volunteers are involved in running the festivals?
We have a small core of about 15 volunteers but we also need new people to come and help - especially at the Palmers Green Festival. Contact if you are interested.
Last year plans to hold an "Oktoberfest" in the park were called off after protests from local people. What makes your events different?
The events organised by Friends of Broomfield Park are community-oriented and mainly small scale. Whilst we run a bar at most events, the event itself is not alcohol-focussed. By contrast, the Oktoberfest was profit-driven and whilst possibly a popular draw from people all around London, would have had a detrimental impact on the park and our local community.
Phillip Chard ran the Palmers Green Festival with tremendous success for 11 years. What changes can we expect "under new management"?
This will be the first year that Palmers Green festival has been run since Phillip stepped down from its organisation. Phillip did a brilliant job to both invent, develop and establish the festival as an important part of the Palmers Green calendar. We hope we can do as well, but we will miss his massive contribution. We hope to build on the success of earlier years, but we also know that we have a lot of work to do in this year of starting again. Let’s hope we can succeed.
How do organisations apply for stalls at the PG Festival?
To find out about booking stalls, visit this page on the FoBP website. We encourage local businesses to apply. We expect high demand so early booking is recommended.
Broomfield Summer Festival events
These are the planned events as at 2nd May - some changes are possible, so check on the FoBP website. Click on names for details.
