ORGANISERS of the 7th Crystal Palace Overground Festival are heralding the four day community arts festival “the biggest, most successful event yet” with around 6,000 people attending the Westow Park day on Saturday (June 29th).
The four-day festival which ran from Thursday 27 June 27th to Sunday June 30th featured performing arts, crafts, holistic, sports and kids’ activities, gourmet food and drink stalls and the best south London bands on the outdoor music stage in Westow Park.
Fringe events were held around Crystal Palace in the run up to the big festival weekend. Sunday was dedicated to the local independent traders with a poetry and music trail, a fine arts and crafts market at Haynes Lane which attracted hundreds – and hundreds – of people, a vintage hub, DJ and life drawing workshops, plus shopping, activities, DJs and music throughout the day. And among the smaller successes was a tea dance in Upper Norwood Methodist church.
Festival director Noreen Meehan thanked “our team of dedicated volunteers, our local businesses supporting us. She said: “Each year has been very special but some personal highlights for me this year were the main music stage line-up which ranged from analogue electronic, funk and soul to gypsy punk and indie pop. “We also had our very first performing arts tent, a veritable kids’ festival within the festival, and so much more happening outside of the park.
“All four days were busy with a diverse programme of events from comedy and classical music at Crystal Palace railway station, to some wonderful events in our pubs and venues to a very sunny Sunday line-up including our first vintage hub and some spontaneous gigs happening on the streets of the Upper Norwood Triangle.
“This year, a wonderful boost with Big Lottery funding meant we could deliver an even bigger and better event. “We’re planning to grow the festival for next year, with a very soon to be launched fundraising and recruitment drive, and we’re inviting local people to join the 2014 management team.”
Tim Sharville, chairman of the Crystal Palace Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Overground Festival for 2013 was a great success. “It not only highlighted what a great community we live in but also showcased some amazing local talent. “The chamber is really proud of Noreen Meehan and her team for organising it and hope it continues well into the future. “Food was amazing, music great and everyone really enjoyed it. “Who needs Glastonbury when you have the Crystal Palace Overground Festival? ”OK maybe next year we could book the Stones before they do. “Who knows…….?”
The Crystal Palace Overground Festival is an annual and free four day event run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers and is sponsored by local businesses.
HAVE YOUR SAY: Organisers are inviting the public to have their say and complete a quick online survey to help shape next year’s event www.crystalpalacefestival.org/survey
For more information about the Crystal Palace Overground Festival and to get involved, visit www.crystalpalacefestival.org
Leave a Reply