Trust Thamesmead Summer Festival 2006

This year's Trust Thamesmead Summer Festival was a day to remember.

Approx 15,000-20,000 people turned up at Birchmere Park on 15 July 2006, to join in the fun which kicked off with the festival parade, which saw almost 400 school children singing, dancing and playing instruments in their outfits made from recyclable household goods, as they walked from Thamesmead town centre to Birchmere Park. They even did a lap of the festival site, which brought festival goers to a standstill.

The beach themed area sponsored by Gallions proved really popular with the under 5's (and their parents!), whilst the bandstand kept grandparents entertained. Teens had the time of their life on the fun fair, simulator ride and free climbing wall ,sponsored by London City Airport and the amazing T Factor stage which was sponsored by Axis, went down a storm, as did the the Community Village, Healthy Living Zone, Charlton Athletic's football court and of course, the celebrities on the main stage!

It is a close call (Too Close - get it?!) as to who stole the main show, both Chico and Simon Webbe knocked the crowd socks off with their performances and as for the meet and greets…the two of them took their time meeting fans backstage, which made our various competition winners day.

 Trust Thamesmead's Summer Festival was Chico's second outdoor concert and he compared it to what it must feel like performing at Wembley.

 Chico pulled three ladies up on stage for a rendition of the Time Warp and he wowed the crowd with his new (cover) single, D.I.S.C.O, which goes like this, 'D.I.S.C.O, D.I.S.C.O, C.H.I.C.O down at the D.I.S.C.O...'

Trust Thamesmead ran a competition for four newspaper competition winners to dance on stage with Chico during his number one hit single, It's Chico Time and Chico made it possible for two others to join them on stage. Then the Trust's very own Vickey Carr got to wipe Chico down with a towel that Chico had signed and which Danny threw into the crowd.

Simon Webbe was in his element, singing, amongst other songs, his top ten solo hit singles and a couple of Blue's hit singles. He was joined on stage at one point by new rap group, UK Team - together they rocked!!!

The Trust's photographer took almost 4000 photos on the day (that's how much was going on!), click on the Image Gallery in the 'Jump To' menu to view a selection (you never know - there could be one of you!) and comments which are pouring in from the most important people - you, the public (email yours to: [email protected]).  It is because of you that Trust Thamesmead's Summer Festival happens each year.

From
The Trust Thamesmead Team