First ever Bush Festival

Friday August 20, 2010

The inaugural Bush Festival drew more than 2,000 people to Shepherds Bush Green.

The free afternoon event, on August 7, brought a range of music, dance, food and culture from all corners of the globe.

Festival organiser Philippa Berridge, 24, who lives in Sinclair Road, West Kensington, said people of all ages braved the day’s monsoon-like downpours to enjoy the entertainment.

“It was absolutely fantastic – it was almost perfect apart from the rain,” she said. “We were lucky we didn’t lose our crowd when the rain came, but everyone persevered and seemed to have a good time.”

Philippa said the African drumming and other on-stage music performances proved particularly popular, as well as the food stalls. “It was quite a mixed and multicultural day which was exactly how we wanted it to be,” she said. “It all went very smoothly and I think it will definitely become an annual event as long as we can secure funding.”

The young organiser, who collaborated on the event with the Masbro Centre and a team of teenage volunteers, said the summer event could become a two-dayer, while a winter festival for the Green may follow.

For details, email: bushfestival@hotmail.com.