Green and sustainable: all the fun of the Fair on May Day

LIA REES

Everyone is invited to the Green Fair on May Day, on behalf of Sustainable Newham – the network behind it. The Fair is a free, welcoming festival run “by the people, for the people”, rather like Newham Voices

It’s a celebration of the many groups and grassroots projects making local life better. A wonderfully diverse array of creative, caring people, linked by an interest in making things “green” or “fair” so the “Green Fair” was born. There’s entertainment, inspiration, sustainable crafts, fun for all ages, and plenty of plants. Young people lead the way in the Youth Zone (with Newham

Woodcraft). A “Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle” marquee has workshops and skillshares from the likes of Newham Cyclists and the Women’s Institute.

There will be discussions with artists, musicians, schools and youth groups, gardeners, wildlife experts, heritage crafters, mutual aid groups, radical history and folklore enthusiasts: it’s exciting to see how much they have to share.

The Green Fair will link up with other local events: some groups will be there in person, others via displays and handouts. Come and learn about the great work of Maryland Events Group, Community Road Centre, the Forest Gate Festival, our lively LGBT+ scene (Spring Is Queer, Forest Gayte Pride), all the gardens and parks we can find –and many more.

Sustainable Newham was born in the Forest Gate and Maryland Community Assembly, but all suitable projects in Newham are welcome. We’re calling for volunteers to make Newham’s first Green Fair a success – and then bring it to every neighbourhood in the Borough.

As a member of the Forest Gate Festival committee, I am proud to offer my artwork and connections to this vital celebration. May Day, Forest Lane Park: join us! A better world is possible.

Green Fair (and Sustainable Newham): 1 May, 11am-4pm, Forest Lane Park, E15 www.sustainablenewham.org