Askew Road Arts Festival Brings Local Culture to Life in Shepherds Bush
A new celebration is about to light up Shepherds Bush as the first-ever Askew Road Arts Festival kicks off on 18 September. Running until 25th September, this exciting event will bring the arts community of Askew Road to life, showcasing local artists, writers, and businesses through an array of family-friendly activities. The festival is set to transform the area, celebrating both its past and present with ceramics, textile installations, music, and creative workshops.
The heart of the festival will be Starch Green, renamed ‘Gaggle Goose Green’ for the event, which will be transformed into a lively festival village on Saturday, 21th September. Visitors can enjoy Morris dancing, face painting, and an author-inspired scavenger hunt, creating a fun-filled atmosphere for all ages. Local children’s author Molly Arbuthnott will launch the Wild Goose Chase scavenger hunt, inspired by her latest book about Jennifer the goose and her adventures along Askew Road. Families will collect stamps and feathers from participating shops before returning to the green for a special mask-making session, exploring the area’s rich cultural backdrop.
Art enthusiasts can explore Askew Gallery at 159 Askew Road, where two unique exhibitions will run daily from 12pm-5pm. Local artist Clare McAuley’s striking 30ft textile piece captures the character of Askew Road, while photographer Harriet Challis presents “Then & Now,” juxtaposing historic images of the neighbourhood with contemporary views. This creative journey through time highlights the evolving landscape of the community.
Kite Studios, located in nearby Bassein Park Road, will host an exhibition by neurodiverse artists on 19th September, followed by drop-in art and clay workshops for children the next day. The studio, formerly home to Jamaican model Fanny Eaton, will also feature a talk by Angela Bolger, author of the play “Out of the Picture – the Fanny Eaton Story,” shedding light on Eaton’s impactful life in Victorian London.
The festival is organised by the Askew Road Business Association (ARBA) with support from H&F Council, and it aims to foster community spirit while supporting local charities, including West London Action for Children and the Sulgrave Club. Artist Tessa Brown, who played a key role in the festival’s development, is creating an installation titled “Laundry Lines” that honours the area’s historic laundries. This captivating display will feature specially designed garments, drawing on Askew Road’s arts scene and history.
Local artist Kate Fishenden, the festival curator, highlighted the deep connections between the artwork and the neighbourhood: “Our artists have passionately responded to Askew Road’s history, culture, and lived experience. Their work resonates deeply with our community.” Visitors are encouraged to explore the hidden “Ghost Tiles” by ceramicist Linda Bloomfield, designed to evoke archaeological remnants that reflect the area’s past.
Forevermore Tattoo will offer special Askew Road-themed temporary tattoos to commemorate the festival, while Peckings Records will curate a reggae playlist celebrating the legacy of George ‘Peckings’ Price, the record label’s founder. On Sunday, 22nd September, art lovers can attend the “Bouncing off the Wall” graphics art fair at Greenside Primary School, featuring artists and prints inspired by 20th-century design, along with a vintage tea room.
Philippa Smith, chair of the Askew Road Business Association, expressed her excitement: “We are thrilled about the range of events, from captivating artist installations to thought-provoking talks, and it’s great that so many Askew Road businesses are involved. There’s truly something for everyone.”
For more updates on the Askew Road Arts Festival and details of its events, visit EyeOnLondon for ongoing coverage.
