Chingford May Day Fayre

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture


Chingford May Day Fayre invited everyone from Waltham Forest and beyond to gather on Chingford Plain, to celebrate community, togetherness, and the International Day of the Worker.

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture

Ride on

On Saturday 4 May, people were invited to pack a picnic and head to Chingford Plain by bicycle, on foot, or any means necessary, to celebrate May Day together.

Along the way, entertainment was provided by Bicycle Ballet. Dancers on two wheels performed choreographed pieces that acknowledged the impact of the bicycle on women’s rights.

A Bicycle Ride (1895)LIFE Photo Collection

Celebrating women and cycling

Part of Chingford May Day Fayre celebrated the humble bicycle and the impact it had on women's rights. The rise of the bicycle allowed women to have more freedom at little cost, and not have to rely on men.

One of the modern inventors of the bicycle, John Kemp Starley, also lived and worked in Waltham Forest.

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture

Plain and simple

On Chingford Plain, Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture hosted grassroots and independent performers and musicians, stalls and workshops, a community feast, and family entertainments. Across the plain, families and groups could join together and take part in activities and performances.

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture

Come together

Chingford May Day Fayre provided an opportunity for everyone to come together, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, in celebration of the International Day of the Worker. We gathered on Chingford Plain to reconnect with nature and the forest.

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture

Chingford May Day Fayre (2019) by Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019Original source: Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture

As the sun set on Chingford May Day Fayre, a community bonfire and firework display took us into the night.

Credits: Story

Created by London Borough of Culture 2019 Creative Director Sam Hunt in association with And Now: and Bicycle Ballet.


For more information about Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 please visit
wfculture.co.uk

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions (listed below) who have supplied the content.
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