Festival fun returns to Wanstead with a green twist on Sunday 12 September

Festival fun returns to Wanstead with a green twist on Sunday 12 September

The annual Wanstead Festival is back this Sunday (12 September) with a green addition to add to the late summer fun.

The festival annually takes place on Christchurch Green. This year Redbridge Council’s Smarter Travel Team has also ‘reclaimed’ the adjoining Wanstead High Street from traffic for the day, to showcase the fantastic environmental and sustainable options available to residents.

The High Street will be closed from 7.30 am to 10.30 pm between Grove Park and Wanstead Place and bus diversions will take place on the day.

Bus Routes 66, W12, W13 and W14 will be diverted via New Wanstead, Green Man Roundabout and Cambridge Park in both directions.

Our green High Street event aims to promote active and sustainable travel opportunities; raise awareness of a healthy street approach, play streets, recycling, and the expansion of the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which comes into effect on 25 October 2021.

Residents will be able to take part in cycling events including bike rides led by experienced instructors and the chance to try out fun cycles and tricycles.

All our cycling events are free to participate in and attend although you must book in advance for the bike riding events at www.cycleconfident.com/sponsors/london-borough-of-redbridge/.

There will be two ‘Street Tags’ at the festival worth 1,000 points each as well as PE Code Cards to give away to those residents taking part in our cycle rides. Street Tag is an app you download to your phone where you can earn points that can be converted into rewards.

Our Neighbourhood Team will also be on hand to lead some play activities for our young residents as well as giving out information on recycling and guidance to help make your lifestyle become ‘greener’.

Cllr Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride at Redbridge Council, said:

“We are so pleased the festival can go ahead this year. It will be a great day of much-needed fun.

“Redbridge Council is really delighted to be able to allow more space for visitors to the festival by temporarily suspending vehicle access on part of the high street adjacent to Christchurch green and hosting activities to promote active travel.

“We really want Redbridge to become a greener and more environmentally friendly borough not only for our local residents but for all those who come to visit our parks, open spaces and high streets.

“This festival and our High Street event is a great way to support our communities who have been struggling through the pandemic and come rain or shine it will be a fantastic day.”

Information about the main event, the activities and entertainment can be found on the Vision website: visionrcl.org.uk/event/wanstead-festival/

The High Street which runs alongside Christchurch Green will be closed from 7.30 am to 10.30 pm between Grove Park and Wanstead Place.

The closure of the High Street requires several localised bus diversions on the day of the festival. Bus Routes 66, W12, W13 and W14 will be diverted via New Wanstead, Green Man Roundabout and Cambridge Park in both directions. Buses will serve stops on the diversion routes if requested. See travel changes at: tfl.gov.uk/buses/

High Street events at the festival

Activities at the on-street event will be in place alongside community and borough information stalls include:

Cycling:

• Fun bike zone: try out a range of fun cycles and tricycles on the high street ride zone including a smoothie bike
• Doctor Bike (www.cycleconfident.com/courses/dr-bike/): bring along your bike for a free safety check and basic repairs, carried out by qualified bike mechanics
• Led Cycle Rides: explore the area by cycle on routes led by experienced riders. You will need to book in advance of Sunday’s event at: www.cycleconfident.com/sponsors/london-borough-of-redbridge/ to take part. There will be two family-orientated routes and one for more confident riders so bring your bikes and join in the fun. The family cycle rides will be up to an hour-long with a maximum of 15 participants.
• Cycle Parking: We be demonstrating a cycle hangar for residents who need space to park their bikes. You can find out how to sign up to use them and request one in your area or neighbourhood in Redbridge.

Street Tag (www.streettag.co.uk/)

• This is an app you download to your phone where you can earn points which can be converted into rewards/prizes/vouchers. You earn points by cycling, walking, running, and undertaking physical activities both indoors and outside.
  There will be two Tags at the festival worth 1,000 points each as well as PE Code Cards to give away to those residents taking part in our cycle rides.