From the excitement of our Summer Festival to fun-filled family outings, this summer in Queen’s Park has been yet another one for the books! Although summer is not quite over, we want to reflect on the last few weeks and celebrate the coming together of our community, despite some of the challenges we’ve experienced over the summer, both locally and nationally.
The Summer Festival: A Day of Celebration and Fun! 
Our Summer kicked off with a bang at the well anticipated Summer Festival on August 3rd! This year’s event was extra special, marking the 20th anniversary of the festival and the 10th anniversary of Queen’s Park Community Council. With sunny skies, the festival was perfect for families, friends, and neighbours to come together. The Dog and Animal Shows were crowd favourites, while the Bouncy Castle and Face Painting entertained the kids for hours. Our Live Stage showcased incredible local talent, and the over-50s Party was a hit, with dancing and laughter all around. New additions like the Community Impact Zone, Waterzorbing, and Climbing Wall added extra excitement, while the expanded Food Zone at the Happy Hub had everyone’s taste buds tingling. The day was a massive success, filled with smiles, fun, and unforgettable memories.
“So great to meet neighbours and enjoy a relaxing afternoon locally.“
“Thank you very much for making this summer wonderful.“
Family Zone: Friday Nights of Fun
Queen’s Park was buzzing with energy every Friday evening at our Family Zone at the Jubilee Community Centre. Families and young people gathered for multisports, games, and good times. From football matches to basketball, these evenings were about having fun, catching up with friends, or making new ones.
“This was thoroughly enjoyed and it would be brilliant if others are organised and could be done again in the future.”
A Peek Inside Parliament 
Our Parliament visit was a standout educational trip for teens and families. Exploring the historic halls, meeting our new local MP, Georgia Gould, and learning how we can make a difference by petitioning and organising our communities around the issues which affect us. The workshop left many young attendees better informed about our political system and feeling inspired.
“Our visit to Parliament was both educational and inspiring, especially for my two teenagers. My daughter found it really valuable to see how and where important decisions are made. The experience sparked her interest in doing her work experience there. As a family from a global majority community, it was empowering to see her feel like she could belong in such an important place. The visit highlighted the importance of being included and having a voice in tackling racism. It’s time to change the story about who can be part of these spaces, and this experience made her believe she can help shape a more inclusive future.”
Cook & Eat: Delicious Adventures
Food, fun, and friendship were on the menu at our Cook & Eat sessions. Participants of all ages whipped up new recipes, including Chicken Alfredo, Marry Me Chicken, Tiramisu and Bread and Butter Pudding and left with full bellies and happy hearts. It was a great way to bond over food and discover some culinary talents in our community!
“The new recipes were a delight to learn, and my son, a reluctant cook, is looking forward to recreating these and has asked when the next Cook and Eat will take place.”
Storytelling & Creative Writing with Bush Theatre 
Imagination took centre stage during our Storytelling & Creative Writing workshop with Bush Theatre. Young children let their creativity run wild, crafting stories and sharing them with pride. This session was all about fun, expression, and some magic.
“I would say that it was really exciting to work in teams to create scenes and stories”
“It was lovely! I would recommend it. 10/10 m’wah!”
Community Trips: Sun, Sand, and Sights 
This summer, we took several unforgettable trips, bringing together families for some much-needed fun and exploration. Our day at Camber Sands Beach was all about sun, sea, and sandcastles, while the London Zoo trip had everyone in awe of the animals. The Tower of London offered a day steeped in history, with families exploring its fascinating grounds and tales of the past. We also made it easier for residents to enjoy a day out with free tickets to Kew Gardens and Kensington Palace, perfect for a DIY adventure.
“As a mum of twin babies and a toddler, these were such great activities. My family had a great time, and it was educational. The team was excellent, and Laurence was especially patient and helpful.“
“Brilliant trip as the weather was nice and would have liked to stay a bit longer. Very well organised”
Outdoor Cinema: Movies Under the Stars 
We transformed Queen’s Park Gardens into an outdoor cinema for a day, featuring back-to-back screenings of family favourites. From the animated fun of Kung Fu Panda 4 to the magical world of The Little Mermaid (2023) and the pop culture hit Barbie, it was a day of movies, popcorn, and laughter. The beautiful setting and perfect weather made this one of the highlights of our summer.
“Thank you for supporting families, bringing them together, and giving them a chance to enjoy their time. In my opinion, this was an experience I needed to enjoy with my children, especially since this summer we had no other chances to go anywhere or experience anything.“