London Green Fair

 I visited London during my first EuroTrip in 2008, so I've got the "main attractions" under my belt, in my camera, and out of my wallet.  I decided that this visit I would find the lesser known attractions throughout the summer, and the freer-the better!

Freebie #2 - The London Green Fair
http://www.londongreenfair.org/index.html 

I was drawn to the Green Fair for many reasons: it's in Regent's Park, it's educational, there's food, there's beer, there's live music...and it's free!

Getting to Regent's Park couldn't be easier- it's a block away from the Regent's Park stop on the Bakerloo Line. The fair itself required a walk from the Underground through Avenue Gardens, which set a beautiful, peaceful tone to the day.  The walk is lined with huge trees, beautiful flowers, and serene fountains.
(Chances are, I didn't have to walk through Avenue Gardens to reach my destination.  You'll find that I am terrible with directions, never carry a map, and rarely plan ahead-but that's how I stumble upon things like this...)

I beat the crowd, and decided to hit the vendors first.  There was definitely a diverse group of vendors set up here.  There were activists, plant vendors, clothing vendors, lots of educational booths, free books, and even a lady making paper mache clown faces!  I picked up loads of information on recycling, permaculture, and overall sustainability...oh, and some bamboo socks!  They're naturally antibacterial, breathable, soft...and on sale!  I love them- they are literally a treat for my feet!

After my big splurge on socks, I wandered on to what was bound to be the biggest decision of my day- the food vendors.  So many options: such limited room in my belly. After pacing the outskirts of the fair- where the vendors were aligned, and creepily watching what other fair-goers were eating- I mentally weighed my options, and settled on the Moroccan stand.  These guys were enthusiastic, the portions were huge, and the food smelled great!  I ordered the mixed vegetable tagine, and wandered over to the tent of destiny- the beer tent!

With my two favorite things in hand (food and drink) I carried on to my third favorite thing: live music.  There were two stages set up across the park from each other with various acts.  The sun came out (a real rarity) and I enjoyed two hours of music and beer before I realized I had just given myself a wicked farmer's tan. (Let's be honest: farmer's burn.)


Here are tasters of my top three fave performers- well, the only three that I bothered to Google after the show-so they must've been good!:

I am Harlequin


Hollie McNish-
This gal is a poet, and I thought she was amazing!  
 http://youtu.be/F5kxtz9J2hw






City Shanty Band
These guys rallied the crowd- with a tamborine, drums, stomping, clapping, singing, shouting...