6,000 celebrate ‘best ever’ Whitecross Street Party
A woman dressed in plastic bags entertains children and warns about global warming at Whitecross Street Party. Picture: Catherine Davison - Credit: Archant
Saturday’s eighth annual Whitecross Street Party was hailed as the “best ever”.
About 6,000 people enjoyed the “infamous” arty street festival in the south of Islington.
Whitecross Street is well known for its independent shops and food market, and this is reflected by its “nonconformist” festival. Whitecross Street Party takes its inspiration from nearby Bunhill Fields: home to the graves of dissenters such as William Blake and Daniel Defoe.
Hosted by City YMCA, many of the pieces focused on homelessness. Chief executive Gillian Bowen said: “It was a pleasure to host the infamous Whitecross Street Party and bring a huge dose of community cheer.
“Seeing thousands of people of all races, ages, cultures and creeds out on the street together is what London is all about.
You may also want to watch:
“In these challenging times City YMCA was delighted to offer some fun and frivolity while raising awareness of a topical issue, the crime of homelessness.”
Cllr Troy Gallagher, who represents Islington’s Bunhill ward, said: “This year’s Whitecross Street Party was the best ever with a huge array of performances to suit every age and taste.
Most Read
- 1 Old Street roundabout project moves into final phase
- 2 Residents' 'frustration' as Royal Mail works to deliver in lockdown
- 3 Highbury woman launches pen pal initiative to fight lockdown loneliness
- 4 Man dies after collapsing in Islington
- 5 Arsenal fan's search for every Highbury Stadium match since 1940s
- 6 Teaching mentor comes 'full circle' working at Islington school
- 7 Thames Water faces councillors’ anger over billing changes for tenants
- 8 Islington charity choir smashes fundraising target with help from Brian Eno
- 9 Police search for suspects after teen stabbed in the face in the Cally
- 10 Author inspired by Highbury for debut sci-fi novel about aliens
“Visitors loved every minute of it and the carnival atmosphere was electric. We as councillors were delighted to support this local treasure.”