Twickenham Festival 2013

This annual event has grown over the last few years and runs from 6 June - 7 July in 2013.

I popped along to Twickenham riverside yesterday to see some of the dragon boat racing and check out the open artist studios on Eel Pie Island.  Normally visitors aren't allowed on the little island so it was a rare chance to have a look around.

There were mini maps available at the bridge over to the island so you could follow the trail of studios.  The island itself was as interesting as the art on show although there were areas marked 'residents only' so some areas were still out of bounds.  Frustrating for the more curious (or nosy) among us.

The place had a Mad Max meets hippy commune feel to it.  Sound odd?  It was odd.  There were paintings, prints, cartoons, sculpture, pottery, jewellery on display and for sale.  It was a mixed bag but some stood out for me including ceramic sculptures of pigs, cows and sheep by Delyth Jones (http://delythjones.co.uk/).

For more information about art on Eel Pie please visit http://www.eelpieislandartists.co.uk/www.eelpieislandartists.co.uk/Welcome.html

Some images from the island to give you a feel for the place ...

Barbie made an appearance but with dubious company

Trespassers will be caged!

Me trying to be arty with the side of a shed

If you're intrigued then the island is open again on 28-30 June.  Plus the French market is also on Church Street on the same days so you can pick up some gloriously smelly cheese, spicy sausage, decadent patisserie or a crepe or two.

The festival culminates with the Twickenham Green fete and the Strawberry Hill Music & Fun Day on Saturday 7 July.  At the fete there's usually live music, lots of stalls, food and drink plus plenty to keep the kids entertained (12pm-8pm).
Similar things will be going on at Strawberry Hill House along with water zorbing, shetland pony rides and a children's fairground.  (http://twickenhamalive.com/SHM&FD13.html)

All this and al fresco dining on Church Street so let's pray for some sunshine.  I can particularly recommend Pulcinella for amazing Italian food and Pincho for a Mediterranean menu and tapas.

Transport is easy.  Twickenham rail station has plenty overland trains running from Waterloo or you can take the District Line tube to Richmond then change to overland train, or catch a bus outside Richmond Station (numbers R68, R79, H22 and 490).