On Saturday 4 June we held our first public event of the year, Common People. This free annual event at Clapham Common’s iconic Bandstand began back in 2014, with the aim of bringing people together and celebrating the local community’s talent.
The day featured live musical performances on the Bandstand and stalls held by local community groups, including CCMAC and the Clapham Society, who ran a history walk during the afternoon. We were also joined by Vicky Peet who runs Froglife’s Leaping Forward for Dementia sessions on Mondays at our community garden on Windmill Drive.
We had two of our own stalls at the event, one with produce from our community garden and the other with a variety of wholesome and delicious home-baked goodies.
Both stalls went down a treat and were a fantastic way of engaging with the local community and sparking many conversations about what we do on the Common. In addition, all of the money raised from donations for our produce and cake will go back into buying materials and running workshops at our community garden.
The performers on the day ranged from solo singers to groups of guitarists, including some talented young artists from the Academy of Contemporary Music (ACM). Clapham certainly has talent! And it was great to see members of the community of all ages relaxing in deckchairs and enjoying the music.
A big thank you to Lambeth Council who provided and set up the deckchairs for the day, and to Pear Tree Cafe for the fabulous food and refreshments they donated for our performers. Also thanks to everyone who took part on the day and people who came along and supported the event.
Following the success of Common People we’re excited and already planning our next public event, our Autumn Feast & Car Free Celebration on Saturday 24 September. We hope to see you there!
Written by Ben Christy and David Dandridge.
For more information about taking part at Bandstand Beds click on this link to our website, email ccbandstandbeds@gmail.com or stop by our produce table on Saturdays between 10am and midday to chat to one of our members.