Grandad's Island: From Page to Pavement

Inspired by local author and illustrator Benji Davies’ award-winning book, Grandad’s Island - artists, makers, pupils, and residents from Waltham Forest came together to co-create a community-led multi-art project, presented by Artillery Arts. The finale event celebrated the story coming to life in Langthorne Park, Leytonstone.

Local resident and author/illustrator of Grandad's Island, Benji Davies, attended the finale event. Here, he is seen drawing Grandad for those in attendance.

The Three Valley Male Voice Choir were on hand throughout the day to sing sea shanties, including an original song inspired by Grandad's Island called 'Land Ahoy!'

Dancers from the Leytonstone based X7eaven performing arts academy took inspiration from the jungle elements of the book to create a dance that was performed in the Langthorne Park amphitheatre.

X7eaven dancers performing in the Langthorne Park amphitheatre.

Suntrap, a local initiative encouraging residents to explore our natural environment brought a variety of species seen in the book to Langthorne Park for visitors to interact with.

Waltham Forest London Borough of Culture 2019 volunteers, the 'Legends of the Forest' assisted visitors throughout the day in a variety of ways.

Benji Davies also did a live reading of Grandad's Island. The book itself deals with issues including migration, linking generations, love and loss, ecology and travel.

Local artist Helen Maurer worked with around 100 school pupils to create a soundscape that played throughout Langthorne Park on the day.

A free communal feast was served up during the finale event, with local fare from Sikh Gurwara, The Hornbeam and Organic Lea.

Young visitors were encouraged to write letters to loved ones throughout the day on typewriters, a communication tool they may have never used before.

Grandad's Island is a universal tale that's been translated into 35 languages.

The Babel Project saw the book being read in English, Polish, Japanese, Spanish, Italian and German at the same time.

The next video encapsulates the community spirit that was vividly clear throughout the day and the entire project.