Highams Park has spent July and August wrapped in music, with al-fresco pop-ups and events bringing local performers to venues right across the town centre — and there is more still to come through September.
The Highams Park Season of Music opened on Saturday 4 July outside LFS Interiors and Smile Avenue Café, with the Melodica Moods trio, fronted by Highams Park Jazz Club's own Soner Ersen.
Since then residents and visitors have heard Summertime Cuban Rhythms at Yaz Restaurant, Melody & Mozzarella at Vino Tap and Cello Supreme on the Garden Café Terrace, and were taken to Hawaii for a themed event at the Hulali Tiki Shack — along with plenty of other lively pop-ups dotted around the town centre.
For the businesses hosting the performances, the difference has been felt on quieter summer days.
"Summer Streets has been great for Highams Park," said Kirsty, General Manager of Vino Tap. "It's been brilliant to see the community come out and support local musicians and businesses, particularly over the summer when trade can be a little quieter."
Councillor Chanté Johnson, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, said: "We want to support our high streets to keep them busy and thriving so local people can benefit. I want to thank the amazing businesses of Highams Park for hosting, all the Highams Park community groups, music groups, and musicians involved, and residents for supporting local businesses and helping make the Season of Music a success."
The season is funded through the Greater London Authority's Summer Streets programme and delivered in partnership with Waltham Forest Council and a roll-call of local groups: Highams Park Planning Group, Highams Park Jazz Club, Highams Park Business Group, Harmony E4 and Waltham Forest Music Society.
The programme continues throughout September.
