The idea
In a quiet corner near Hammersmith Bridge, neighbouring communities raise funds for deserving local charities providing vital community services. The St James Street festival is a fun-filled family event organised and run entirely by residents. It brings the neighbourhood together, is supported by small local businesses and forges community spirit. It attracts hundreds of local residents and passers by who enjoy the carnival-like atmosphere. Attractions include magicians, live music, a circus school, a luxury raffle, tombola and an ice cream van. Stalls sell new clothing, barbecued food, antiques, cakes, face painting and there is a children's corner. Previously a local property developer donated funds and logistical support. Next year in its absence, we are seeking other big businesses to step in and support us to give back to the communities impacted by their activities and receive a valuable marketing opportunity.
What we'll deliver
- Raise funds for deserving local charities or projects whose work benefit local residents.
- Organise a street festival with live entertainment and fun attractions for families.
- Connect neighbouring communities together and boost community spirit.
- A great sense of satisfaction and pride in the community.
Why it's a great idea
At its heart this popular festival celebrates the best of British community spirit and brings people together in an area of disparities. Hammersmith has and is experiencing massive redevelopment, bringing new homes, businesses and jobs for many. However, this growth is eroding the social fabric of the area: neighbours often don't know each other and large development projects drive wedges into neighbourhoods, pushing small businesses out. Events like our festival unite communities which otherwise face further alienation, for great common causes. The St James Street W6 Festival is a wonderful opportunity for businesses, big and small, to show they care for the communities they affect, knit some of that social fabric back together and help raise badly needed funds for worthwhile charities. All the work is done by a handful of neighbours. This year they did not run the festival due to a lack of resources but are determined to hold the festival in 2019, undaunted by the challenges.
Steps to get it done
- Secure sponsors
- Diarise project planning meetings
- Assign tasks to team members
- Secure prizes for luxury raffle and tombola
- Print raffle ticket books
- Book live entertainment
- Prepare marketing material
- Hire stage and sound equipment
- Sell stalls to craftspeople and others
- Put in place an accounting system
- Inform local police and council
- Hire marquees, stall tables and chairs
- Update artwork and print banners, flyers and posters
- Secure volunteers
100% of the funds raised by the festival are donated directly to deserving charities or projects. Last year we supported Maggies West London which has an office in St James Street and a centre at Charing Cross Hospital, and the Brain Tumour Research Campaign, which also has a centre at the hospital. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer and yet only receives just 1% of the national cancer research budget. 16,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Maggies centres offer free practical, emotional and social support for cancer patients and their families and friends. This year we are adding The Upper Room, a front line charity in Hammersmith working with socially and economically disadvantaged people . The Upper Room helps people experiencing homelessness and provide basic necessities and training to find their feet and dignity again. The festival brings all sections of the community together, physically and in spirit.
