6,000 celebrate ‘best ever’ Whitecross Street Party

The Rags to Riches catwalk show addressing the 'crime of homelessness' theme at Whitecross Street Party. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

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.

“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.

“Visitors loved every minute of it and the carnival atmosphere was electric. We as councillors were delighted to support this local treasure.”

Tyler Davidson, 10; Jayla Ali, eight; Charlotte Davidson, eight; and Emily Lawson, six, watch Dat Brass play on the Whitecross Street Party main stage. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

Ningyi, five, with schoolfriend Milly Atkin, five, on the bouncy castle at Whitecross Street Party on Saturday. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

Dat Brass play the main stage at Whitecross Street Party on Saturday. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

Franklin McLauthlin, nine, with border terrier cross mini poodle Nugget, two, and Mayor of Islington Cllr Una O'Halloran, at Whitecross Street Party. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

L to R: Emili Smyth, three, grandma Joan Smyth, and mum Gemma Smyth, at Whitecross Street Party. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

Adaroa Oba, five, paints a rock at a craft stall at Whitecross Street Party. Picture: Catherine Davison (Image: Catherine Davison)

Street art at Whitecross Street Party. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Catherine Davison)

Street artist Charlie McFarley with friend David Ryan, at Whitecross Street Party on 15th July, 2017. (Image: Catherine Davison)

Two-year-old Weimaraner Otto enjoying the food market at Whitecross Street Party. Picture: Polly Hancock (Image: Catherine Davison)