Balham Partnership News!

From the 19th – 22nd of July 2012, The Bedford in Balham will present a fresh, new festival for London. Over 4 days and nights there will be a whole host of live music performances, panels with successful industry professionals, interactive master-classes and community initiatives. By bringing together the best in traditional and contemporary acoustic, folk and roots music, The London FolkFest aims to create an intimate yet compelling musical experience for not only the general public but also the local community and emerging artists.

After the inaugural London FolkFest last year, 2012 sees it grow into a larger, ticketed festival combining industry and creative panels during the days and live acts at night. Shows will take place over three stages within The Bedford, providing an eclectic mix of music across the rooms.

There will be over 30 performances including headliners Brother & Bones (“Devastatingly pure… Arena sized soul…” – Ilike Music), Skinny Lister, Luke Concannon (formerly of Nizlopi) (“Political, intense, angular and beautiful’, Colin MurrayBBC Radio 1) and the much appraised Alessi’s Ark(“A bewitching stage presence and an angelic vocal make Alessi’s Arkvery easy to love”, Clash). Megan Henwood will also be performing, she has recently been all over BBC Radio 2 and was a nominee at this year’s Folk Awards having won an award there in 2009.

There will also be an official “Free FolkFest Fringe” running simultaneously, with a daytime stage in the Balham community area, performances in local bars and restaurants and the return of the popular “Stairwell Sessions” in the ornate staircase rising through The Bedford. With food, clothing and artisan stalls and spaces manned by local businesses, this will be a boutique festival experience. 

For full details and to book tickets visit www.thelondonfolkfest.com

The first Balham Comedy Festival will be run from Thursday 5 to Sunday 8 July centered around the fabulous Bedford Pub – home of Banana Cabaret (www.bananacabaret.co.uk)  – one of the finest and most established Comedy Clubs in the whole universe. The festival is organised by local comedian John Moloney. 

Such stellar comedians as Harry Hill, Al Murray, Milton Jones, John Moloney,  Ed Byrne, The Steve Frost Impro Allstars,  Stephen K Amos,  Ardal O’ Hanlon, Marcus Brigstocke, Lucy Porter, Tania Edwards, Paul Chowdhry,  Paul Tonkinson, Adam Bloom and many others will be gracing the stage and rolling the punters in the aisles. 

For full details and to book tickets visit www.balhamcomedyfestival.com

The Vintage Event have partnered with Wandsworth Council and the Balham Partnership to create a Vintage Diamond Jubilee Street Market & Tea Party to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Sunday 3rd June. 

This unique event will take place in Hildreth Street, Balham, London SW12 from 12noon to 6pm and will feature 25 different vintage stalls offering a selection of the very best trend led vintage fashion, accessories and homeware stalls in London with eras spanning from the 1930’s to 1990’s. 

A pop-up vintage beauty parlour and ‘Mother’s Ruin’ gin & tea stall will be available along with impromptu swing dancing sessions and a nostalgic mix of live vintage music.  A children’s entertainment area will also be in place in the community space, Bedford Hill offering some jolly old fashioned fun with Punch and Judy shows running throughout the afternoon.  

For full details visit www.TheVintageEvent.com/TheJubileeSpecial

Organised by the Ritherdon Road Trader’s Association, this years Spring/Summer Street Party will be held on Sunday 27 May from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Following on from last years fun and hugely successful family event, this charming and loved local parade of businesses and shops will host an even larger variety of family friendly stalls and entertainments.

The businesses on the parade are all joining in and will offer special tasters and competitions.

-         Hide in the secret garden or watch a demonstration at Quirky Dovetail.

-         Sample new wines with Dan at Thorolds.

-         Relax and watch the event go by from the terraces of the French Café and Locale restaurants.

-         Try the best home baking and coffee withDeeat Delight Bakery.

-         Help Johnny paint at Gallery Midnight.

-         Enter the best photo of the day competition at Robbies.

-         Fun and face painting at Slaters Newsagents.

-         Keep your memories with an Instant studio portrait at Robbies studio.

There will also be some interesting stalls.   

For further information visit www.facebook.com/RitherdonRoad.