221 - Save the Date/Bring it Back! 🗓️
Welcome to the new year! We’ve got our 2024 calendar out and we’re busy circling dates to save. 🗓️
So far, we’ve got recurring events like January’s Londonlicious, March’s Record Show, July’s festivals in Vic Park etc., on the list, but if you’ve got news on something new—drop us a line via thelocalistyxu@gmail.com and give us the details!
Until then, here’s a look back at four annual events from the past that we’d love to see make a regular return…
🎈 London Balloon Festival
Watching a giant hot-air balloon shaped like Tony the Tiger slowly inflate and gently rise to the heavens alongside dozens of other balloons of varying colours, shapes and corporate sponsorship for 25 YEARS IN A ROW (!!) was pure magic. With Harris Park due for some upgrades this year, now’s the time to start planning for the festival’s return! 🐯
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🐥 Rubber Ducky Race
Can anyone remember why we used to race Rubber Duckies from the bridge at Oxford down to Harris Park back in the 80s? Does it even really matter?! We were awfully fond of this event and would be the first to volunteer for clean-up should somebody have access to a dump-truck and a few thousand rubber duckies…🏁
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🌱 Grickle Grass Festival
We’re big fans of Growing Chefs and the local music scene and The London Children’s Museum—which is why the 10 year run of The Grickle Grass Festival was such a riot. Granted, last year’s re-imagination of the event (as Winter Spectacular) was, well, spectacular: so here’s hoping there’s more in store for 2024! 🤞
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🎶 Home County Folk Festival
Too soon? Here’s hoping the legacy of the festival’s nearly-50-year-run is enough to bring the music back in some shape or form. 🙏
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Ooh, I recall seeing pictures of the rubber ducks, or perhaps I had arrived in London in time to experience it. I vaguely remember being assigned a number for something or other.
Another one I’m hoping we’ll see again is the short-lived but delightful London Tweed Ride!