Main point was that there should not be a single overarching theme. A " Food Festival " is pretty specific.
Quote "The idea of a single or leading festival theme was strongly rejected. The preference is for a mixed event which reflects the diverse communities of Harringay, and offers the opportunity to celebrate pride in the things that are good about the neighbourhood, build community spirit and to have some fun! "
However, of all the suggested components, if you're going to have a single theme, Food certainly attracted the most votes.
I'm really looking forward to the festival but I think there is a common feeling in the air that the residents haven't really been considered here.
The council, traders and RA's have organised this but the meetings were for invited people only, so not really a true community organised event. The traders need to embrace the residents and vice-versa, and at the moment, as far as I can gather the relationship is not a close one.
I also think as HOL is truly independent of the council, traders and GA's. We may not be seen as towing the party line even though we represent the largest section of Harringay.
I for one would like to see more involvement from independent residents, whether that's on their own, via HOL or other non council affiliated groups.
Having said all that, hopefully this will be start of many and grow into a more inclusive festival with wider appeal. I will certainly be down there scoffing away.
Yes, I agree. And food is certainly one of the "things that are good about the neighbourhood", reflecting our various communities. I'll be the one outside Antepliler looking for pide handouts!
Permalink Reply by Emma on September 17, 2009 at 11:54
I'd just like to say that I'm really excited about the Festival. I love living in Harringay and wouldn't miss this for the world. Yes there are some downsides but all in all would you really want to live anywhere else???
Hang on, though, Birdy Too. I don't think Harringay was best known for heroin 12 years ago either - and I lived here then as well. Tindara and I were born and grew up here, and we chose to stay, so we've had to put up with years of people misrepresenting Harringay and it can make us irate. I wasn't as bothered by the heroin crack as she is, but she's entitled to express her opinion, I'm sure you'll agree.
Well anyway, back to bigging up the festival. The stage programme is at http://www.harringayfoodfestival.com/. Hope everyone has lots of fun on Sunday...
Permalink Reply by Liz on September 17, 2009 at 15:23
Time Out have also featured the festival as one of the top 5 things to do in London this weekend in their newsletter yay (although they seem to have missed the Harringay bit off the name...*sigh*)