Green Lanes festival shows true Tottenham spirit

Publication date: Wednesday 21 September 2011

The second Harringay Food Festival on Sunday attracted around 20,000 visitors and reflected the real spirit of the Tottenham area, so affected by last month's riots, say organisers.

Cllr Nilgun Canver, Haringey Council Cabinet Member for the Environment and chair of the Green Lanes Strategy Group, said:

"Here is the true spirit of Tottenham. This was a massive, peaceful street festival less than half a mile away from where serious disturbances took place last month.

"The success of the event was a testament to the hard work of the organisers and volunteers who decided the show must go on despite the riots and that it would be even better than before. This is Haringey at its best, long may it continue."

The first festival in 2009 was born out of adversity following trouble in the Green Lanes area of Harringay that prompted residents and traders to fortify their community by building this festival together. It attracted more than 10,000 visitors, exceeding all expectations. The food stalls were extremely popular so this year's festival organisers prepared to be busier than ever.

The festival was organised by the Green Lanes Strategy Group which has helped transform the Lanes over the last nine years. It comprises local residents' groups, traders, police, council officers and councillors.

Rob Chau of Harringay Traders’ Association said:

“The festival celebrated all of the fantastic things Green Lanes has to offer with a tremendous variety of food and a range of interesting stalls and entertainment.

“Local people have worked very hard to make this a really memorable day out that will strengthen the community for years to come."

Andy Newman, of the Gardens Residents' Association said:

"This was a true community event involving the three local residents' and traders' associations who all worked together to make this year's festival even better than 2009's festival."

Photos show:

• top: Festival audience enjoying watching the bands
• bottom: Police joining revellers dancing in the street

For more photos see our Flickr page (external link)

For more information see www.harringayfoodfestival.com (external link)

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