Trust Thamesmead Summer Festival 2005

Thousands flocked to Birchmere Park in Thamesmead on Saturday (16 July) to see a host of stars perform at the Trust Thamesmead Summer Festival.

Liberty X, Alexander O'Neal, Javine and Phixx led the line-up at the free community festival's main music stage whilst local performers showcased their talent at the 350 seater community stage.

An estimated 15,000 people attended throughout the day with a peak of around 12,000 packing the main area to see the stars.

The event, the biggest-ever held in Thamesmead, went ahead under cloudless skies in temperatures reaching the high 70s.  Families, teenagers and mature festival-goers mingled together in a happy, party atmosphere.

One of the highlights was the Scrap Kingdom parade featuring 250 children from eight Thamesmead primary schools. Over the past six weeks the children, working with environmental group Taru Brazil, have been making costumes and musical instruments from recyclable household waste resulting in a colourful, and noisy, parade.

A unique short film of Thamesmead, which played throughout the day in the ‘Time Tunnel', was also popular receiving comments like “inspirational” and “made me proud to live in Thamesmead”.

The event was organised by Trust Thamesmead with support from Tilfen Land, Gallions Housing Association, Axis Europe, Berkeley Homes and Hunter Plastics.