Hoxton Street party launches Shoreditch Festival

IT's always a good sign that even before you reach your destination the omens are good.

And that’s how it felt for this year’s Hoxton Street festival as the rich aroma of foreign foods wafted through the streets informing you you were definitely heading in the right direction.

And despite the never ending drizzle the festival’s first day seemed to be a big hit with the crowds.
First off if you were in the mood for making some noise then the free drumming workshops would have been right up your street.

Elsewhere on the open-mic stage, many took the opportunity to belt out their own rendition of classic pop tunes or catch some of London's top buskers perform unique semi-acoustic sets.

Unfortunately the empty dance floor left a sad sight - no doubt many feared that a bad move could result in injury… or worse… the prospect of looking foolish by flailing about on the floor with as much grace as Bambi on ice.

Still the rain didn’t delay everything; the kids got to have their fun with the Ministry of Stories, the most community minded and imaginative stall of the day.

Founded by, amongst others Nick Hornby, the charity that inspires youngsters to write held a prominent place in the street festival welcoming onlookers to the new Children’s Republic of Shoreditch; a state with its own spy network, embassy and children designed rules. No doubt they were looking for new recruits to carry on the work of the world’s youngest nation – and probably some tips on how to jumpstart the economy.

Of course no street festival could be complete without its arts and craft stalls and this one had a handsome array of vintage bric-a-brac, handmade jewelry and pictures and paintings to entice enthusiastic bargain hunters.

As can be expected in east London the rich variety in communities reflected the multicultural feel to make the first day of this nine day Shoreditch festival a success.

And if all that wasn’t enough, perhaps the opportunity to drink in the atmosphere of the Hoxton Street Beer Festival and sample specially brewed Shoreditch Festival Cask Ale put a smile on many a face well into the night.