Hedge people at Westfield London
The biggest and best HF ArtsFest ever delighted residents across the borough last week culminating in a colourful display at Westfield on Sunday.
Thousands of people enjoyed more than 130 events held by about 400 artists across the borough during the week-long festival.
There was something for all tastes and ages. And organisers say they are planning an even bigger festival next year given the level of interest.
“I’m delighted by the way it’s gone,” said HF ArtsFest chair Petrea Owens. “There was a lot of interest from families and people were really happy that so many of the events were free.
“It’s awakened people to the fact that there’s a huge amount going on in the borough and we’ve been getting a lot of really good feedback.”
The finale at Westfield included a showcase of local music and dance groups, while a fusion of classical Indian and Western pop wowed at the Bhavan Centre in West Kensington over the weekend.
The festival has helped raise awareness of wonderful arts and cultural groups running throughout the year – an awareness which is being harnessed by Hammersmith & Fulham’s emerging Arts Strategy.
The strategy has been developed by H&F Council working with arts groups, residents, business and others to help arts and culture thrive in Hammersmith & Fulham. It was presented to residents last Tuesday (7 June) who had their say at a meeting of the Economic, Regeneration, Housing and the Arts Policy and Accountability Committee.
“Once again HF ArtsFest has created a wonderful showcase of the amazing talent we’re lucky enough to have in Hammersmith & Fulham,” said Cllr Andrew Jones, H&F Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration.
“It’s great to see so much appetite for the arts which I’m sure will only grow as both HF ArtsFest and Hammersmith & Fulham’s Arts Strategy develop.”
Photography courtesy of Westfield/Greg Fonne
