Common People returns to the Bandstand

Common People, a free cultural event showcasing local musicians, dance groups and performance artists, returns to Clapham Common on Saturday 30 April, the Bank Holiday weekend.

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Bandstand Beds, the organisers, plan to repeat the overwhelming success of the first event in 2014 when over 500 people on Clapham Common throughout the day enjoyed a diverse line up of acts, drawn from a wide range of local performers across south London.

The aim is to showcase the rich seam of local talent — including singers, bands, choirs, poets, street dance, cabaret, beatbox and rappers — who live, work and learn in Lambeth and its neighbouring boroughs.

The Angel Band, a well-known and respected folk music group, will open the show at 12.30pm. Swing Patrol, a dance group, will get the audience on their feet mid-afternoon with a lively set of 30s & 40s swing music. There will also be an Open Mic slot at which local performers can try out a new act. The full line up will be announced over the course of the next few weeks.

Common People is organised by Bandstand Beds who are developing a corner of the old green waste site just off Windmill Drive on Clapham Common into a community food-growing garden complete with a polytunnel.

Bandstand Beds will also be launching ‘Brighter Clapham’ at Common People to celebrate the Clapham Food Route, an initiative linking various groups in Clapham who are committed to growing food or cooking with home-grown or locally sourced ingredients. Grownups and children will be encouraged to plant sunflowers at home or at school to nurture into full bloom over the summer. Potted seeds and plants will be available at Common People.

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Local community groups are also supporting the event. CCMAC is lending its support.

The Spinney, part of Clapham Manor School’s Children’s Learning Centre on Clapham Common and a joint venture between Clapham Manor Primary and Heathbrook Schools will be promoting its Saturday morning Mud Club and Natural Thinkers Garden, its outdoor learning centre.

Friends of Clapham Common and the Clapham Society will have a stall. The Clapham Society will lead a historical tour of the Common.

Lambeth Sustrans, the cycling charity, and Lambeth Council will have a stand at which people can learn more about walking and cycling routes through the Borough and further afield across London. Dr Bike will be on hand to repair bicycles and give advice on how best to look after them.