From the initial meetings led by Space Makers Agency in 2011, it was clear the West Norwood Feast could be something spectacular. The skills already inherent within the community, combined with a deep seated passion to make the project a long-term success, set the core foundations of the Feast. The monthly market is a platform on which conversations can be had, friendships have been made, and skills can be shared. It is the outer shell, the projection of what truly lies at its heart – the Feast volunteers. Our aim is to make West Norwood a better place to live by encouraging the development of the town centre through social and economic interventions;
- Giving voices to various demographics within the community.
- Supporting and offering opportunities for locals to showcase their skills.
- Encouraging entrepreneurship.
Our aim is to do these things through a range of projects and interventions.
Key Milestones
- January 2011 – Feast conceived with volunteers and Space Makers Agency.
- April 2011 – The first successful Feast event was held on 3rd April, with thousands of visitors.
- May – August 2011 – Logistics managed chiefly by Space Makers Agency and a cadre of volunteers.
- October 2011 – Steering Committee formed to ensure sustainability and strategic direction.
- December 2011 – First Christmas event organized, run entirely by volunteers, as the hand-over process begins from Space Makers to the local community.
- April 2012 – Feast became fully volunteer-run with a part-time coordinator overseeing operations.
- May 2012 – Awarded additional funds through OLF 2. The award is aimed at supporting additional neighbourhood events such as the Slow Food Festival and a Summer event timed to coincide with the opening of the Olympics.
- June 2012 – Feast holds a special event celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
- July 2012 – Olympic Opening Evening event with a giant screen and picnic at St Luke’s Church.
- October 2012 – Feast day supporting the local Food Bank.
- December 2012 – Repeat of successful Winter Lights Christmas event.
- March 2013 – Launch of the ‘I Love Feast’ event to engage the wider community.
- April 2013 – First Feast of the year featuring a new design and signage.
- September 2013 – First pop-up cinema evening in partnership with Picturehouse.
- December 2013 – Inaugural Small Business Saturday event; Winter Lights with 20 stalls inside the church.
- April 2014 – Steering Group explored charitable status.
- September 2014 – Collaboration with West Norwood Health & Leisure Centre to open the Health & Wellbeing hub.
- December 2014 – Opening of the Health & Wellbeing hub.
- August 2015 – Health & Wellbeing hub renamed the Family Hub, offering free Lambeth Play Partners activities for families.
- 2016 – Production of a popular series of cotton tote bags to fundraise for Feast.
- April 2027 – WiNGiT (West Norwood’s Got Talent) performance space launched for young people at Health & Wellbeing Hub.
- November 2019 – Sustainability push: encouraged traders to use compostable and recyclable packaging, asked visitors to take rubbish home and bring their own containers.
- 2020 – Feast begins collaboration with Station to Station BID to host a Saturday Christmas Market
- June 2020 – Launch of #StayHomeFeast during the COVID-19 pandemic, bringing the community together online with live music, cooking demonstrations, and virtual stalls, supporting local traders and entertainers during lockdown.
- May 2021 – Feast returns to in-person events with enhanced safety measures
- December 2021 – Winter Festival Market, in collaboration with Station to Station, featuring festive stalls and entertainment.
- 2022 – Feast featured over 75 stalls across four hubs, including the Artisans’ Market, Fresh ‘n’ Green, Food Fair, and Village Green (renamed Health & Wellbeing Hub), offering a diverse range of goods and activities.
- December 2022 – Christmas Market held in collaboration with Station to Station.
- March 2023 – Launch of ongoing live music fundraisers.
- April 2023 – Feast returns, continuing community engagement and local celebration.
- December 2023 – Christmas Market held with Station to Station.
- 2024 – Artisans’ Market moves to former Village Green, becoming a thriving hub with a curated designer-maker market, live music, kids’ activities, and coffee.
- December 2024 – Christmas Market held with Station to Station.
- September 2025 – Updated Feast signage funded by a Lambeth grant.
- September 2025 – Production of jute and tote bags for fundraising.
West Norwood Feast continues to thrive as a volunteer-led initiative, offering a platform for local artisans, food vendors, musicians, and performers to showcase their talents. Feast remains a testament to the power of community collaboration and the ongoing effort to make West Norwood a better place to live.