Carshalton’s artistic and musical heritage will take centre stage this summer as the Carshalton Festival returns from 24 June to 5 July, bringing together musicians, artists, performers and community groups from across the area.
From folk sessions in local pubs to independent record shops and open studios, organisers say the festival reflects the area’s long-standing reputation as a hub for creativity and community arts.
“A hotbed of creativity”
Despite the wider decline of many high streets, Carshalton continues to support independent cultural spaces, including two record shops and a network of walkable pubs that regularly host live music.
Richard, owner of Logo Fiasco Records, said the festival offered a chance to showcase local talent.
“The area is a real hotbed of creativity and the festival is an opportunity to showcase the incredible array of talent that we have on our doorstep,” he told Secret Carshalton.
The shop will also produce a special Carshalton Fanzine during the festival, inspired by the local social scene and designed to celebrate the area’s creative community.
Community traditions
Traditional performance arts will also feature prominently in the programme.
Black Swan Border Morris will organise a mini Day of Dance across Carshalton, bringing together several morris dancing groups.
Colin, the group’s Squire, said: “We are pleased to be involved in the festival as we are always happy to support community events — especially when, like the festival, they are arts-led events.”
Music, art and performance
The 12-day festival will include performances, exhibitions and community events across multiple venues.
Highlights include performances from Carshalton Jazz at the Honeywood Museum, while Baroque chamber trio The Purcell Players will perform at Oaks Park.
Cryer Folk will host an evening at Cryer Arts, and a Music Pub Crawl will feature 10 acts performing across six pubs.
At Logo Fiasco Records, audiences can also attend an intimate live “Tiny Desk Performance”.
The festival’s performance programme will additionally include a drama fringe presented by members of the nearby BRIT School, featuring new writing and short works.
Visual arts also form a major part of the programme.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Carshalton Artists Open Studios will showcase the work of 79 artists across the area. Visitors will also be able to see an exhibition of teenage art in Carshalton Beeches, alongside a retrospective display at Honeywood Museum featuring the nine artists who have participated in CAOS since its launch.
Specific dates and times are still to be confirmed. For more information, visit the Carshalton Festival website. Visiting Carshalton? Find out more here. To explore upcoming local events, visit the Secret Carshalton events page
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