Feast in the East! Smithfield 150 Bank Holiday

I Love Essex kicks off featuring East London by announcing a two-day, free festival this August Bank Holiday weekend celebrating the 150th anniversary of Smithfield Market. The new Culture Mile initiative devised by the Museum of London will take over the area which spreads across six festival zones. It’s incredibly family friendly -  you can show off (or not) at the roller disco; mix drinks from locally picked and foraged ingredients courtesy of Company Drinks who are hosting a drop-in mocktail workshop; or head to the under five’s garden area with complimentary healthy snacks from Motherbrunch, edible jewellery (think fruit, not metal) and baby changing area. There’s even a comedy club for over six’s while WAH will be offering express manicures for adults and kids. Need more? A sausage dog walk and a giant birthday cake which sprays sherbet are high on my list (see website for details on times so you don't miss out).

Meanwhile, the main stage will feature a female-dominated line up referencing a centenary of suffrage including headliner Nadia Rose (picture, above), Resis’Dance, NIMMO, Fay Milton, Dylema Collective, Girls Rock London and Disco Loco. Other elements include fairground rides, communal feasts, dog shows, marching bands, processions, pop-up markets, glitter stalls, dressing up and food and drink to celebrate London’s global food culture. Who says nothing in life is free?!

* On 25 and 26 August, 11am - 8pm, culturemile.london