It boasts an unlikely fusion of attractions, but is a highlight in the south London calendar nonetheless: the Lambeth Country Show returns to Brockwell Park for its 49th edition this weekend.
Over 120,000 visitors expected to flock to the park to make the most of its line-up of free entertainment.
Local choirs, dance troupes and bands are all performing – as are some well-known headliners.
Bringing a slice of country living to inner-city London is Vauxhall City Farm, with its sheep shearing displays, Best in Show and birds of prey – all annual highlights of the two-day festival. For those who prefer their animals domesticated, there’s the Paws & Pause Dog Day Care, where you can stock up on goodies for your four-legged friend (who sadly won’t be able to join you for the dog-free festival).
For those who prefer to tend to plants than pets, the Flower Show is a must, with fruit and vegetable exhibits, the ever-popular vegetable sculpting competition and the chance to hear from the green-fingered Friends of Brockwell Park.
Daredevil bikers, always a highlight for adrenaline junkies, are once again pedalling their way around the site – this time taking on the gravity-defying ‘Original Wall of Death’.
Here are more highlights to make a beeline for at the 2023 festival…
Windrush 75
WHEN: Various times, see website
A special programme of events to mark 75 years since Empire Windrush arrived in the UK from the Caribbean is being held on both days of the festival.
Look out for a display of artworks created by school pupils and, further afield, the chance to browse the Black Cultural Archives in Brixton.
ARTS & CULTURE VILLAGE
The Chocolate Museum
WHEN: June 10 & 11, all day
Don’t miss the chance to create some chocolaty treats at artisan French chocolatier Isabelle Alaya’s Chocolate Museum.
The Illusioneer – Theatre of Magic & Illusion
WHEN: June 10 & 11, all day
Be mind-boggled by magic tricks from the Herne Hill-based magic school. They’ll also be running workshops to let you in on their secrets.
Shamha Drumming For Wellbeing
WHEN: Check with a member of staff
Brixton-based Shamha Vibration are known for hosting free African drumming workshops as well as serving Moroccan food to their attendees. They’ll be offering drumming lessons on a drop-in basis at the festival.
Meanwhile, both Joy of Sound and Happy Drums are offering free, accessible music workshops for all ages.
MAIN ARENA
Les Amis d’Onno Equine
WHEN: June 10, 3:30pm (jousting show) and 8pm (stunt show); June 11, 3:30pm (stunt show) and 7:15pm (jousting show)
Twelve performers and eight horses from a leading equestrian stunt team will be performing a ‘Knights of the North Stunt Jousting Show’ and ‘Trick Riding Stunt Show’ on both days.
Solent Stars | Wheels and Thrills
WHEN: June 10 & 11, 2:45pm & 5:45pm
Cheer on the remarkably brave kids of Solent Stars CIC, a children’s stunt team with motorbiking skills to impress those twice their size.
MAIN STAGE
Omar
WHEN: June 10, 7:45pm
Leading soul musician Omar Lyefook MBE is headlining the festival on Saturday night.
With 40 years of making music under his belt, not to mention collaborations with Stevie Wonder and Estelle among many others, he’s sure to put on a memorable show.
Anthony B.
WHEN: June 11, 7:30pm
Reggae favourite Anthony B. is bringing his high-energy, multifaceted stage show to Brockwell Park, closing the festival in high spirits on Sunday.
Lambeth Country Show,
Brockwell Park, SE24.
June 10 & 11, 1pm – 9pm.
Admission: FREE.
