Fun Day ‘26: Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Park
Under deep blue skies, residents and community members gathered on 18th July for a fantastic Fun Day at MFN. The grass may have been so dry it crunched beneath our feet with every step, but that certainly didn't stop people from making the most of a wonderful afternoon packed with activities, entertainment and great food from the Home Grown ladies.
Children spent hours perfecting their bicycle kicks on the ever-popular bouncy castle, while the face-painting station transformed little faces into everything from tigers and butterflies to superheroes and even Andy Burnham. Halfway through, it’s not entirely clear how, but a slushie man showed up and proved to be a very welcome way to cool down in the summer heat, with a steady queue of residents forming under the midday sun, soundtracked by DJ Papa’s Afrobeat mix.
No community event worth its salt would be complete without some decent nosh, and Gill and Portia knocked it out of Eythorne Park with a perfectly pitched menu of chicken, chickpea curry, rice and peas, burgers and hotdogs.
Long time community partners Live United organised volleyball sessions that attracted enthusiastic, if slightly dubious, players, while Tuesday evening Youth Clubbers Fight4Change introduced residents to pad boxing, giving everyone a chance to let off some energy and learn a few new skills in the shade of our enormous London plane tree, planted around the 1870s, according to my sources.
One of the day's highlights was a visit from the local Fire Brigade. Their fire engine drew plenty of attention as firefighters engaged with residents, answered questions and shared important safety information. In an unexpected reminder of the vital work they do, the crew received an emergency call and had to dash off midway through the event, lights flashing and sirens sounding, to respond to an incident elsewhere.
Visitors also enjoyed browsing a fantastic range of craft stalls organised by Tuesday’s crochet queen, Zoe, showcasing an impressive collection of handmade gifts, trinkets, artwork and unique creations. The talent on display was a genuine celebration of local enterprise and craft.
As the afternoon happily bimbled towards it’s conclusion, Brixton Chamber Orchestra tore through a memorable headline performance. Their set, delivered by a 40 piece orchestra, blended classical and contemporary bangers, tunes that captured the spirit of the day perfectly. Residents danced together on the crispy lawn, while others leaned in from their balconies, filming stories and sharing the atmosphere with friends and family.
Days like these do not happen by accident, and we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the people who helped make it possible: thank you to Daniel, Papa, Leroy, Gill, Portia and Zoe for their sterling efforts, and emotional support throughout.