After a massive summer programme of walks, talks, tours and music, the Friends always organise an end of season event. Last year it was a Bollywood party, in previous years we have had Mexican and Spanish parties. This year, thanks to the Friends Sponsor Wallacea Living, a large screen will be set up at the Bandstand. With the help of an entertainer and the Mamma Mia movie, we shall all have a great party with singing and maybe even dancing!
7 concerts at the end of July – all were a huge successes with rave reviews. Of particular note was the closing concert, sponsored by Benugo.
An open-air classical music performance featuring the Lark Ascending beautifully played by violinist Lana Trotovsek, was attended by the Music Festival’s Patron Sir Karl Jenkins and his wife Carol.
There has been strong interest this year by company teams who have made 21 enquiries and completed 12 days’ work. They will do 5 more days in September. Government bodies like Defra, academies like The London Business School, environmental charities, small local companies and some giants like Hermes, all wanting to signal their environmental and sustainability credentials, have looked to Regent’s Park. If you would like to join the litter picking team and do something for the community, contact Mike Baker by clicking below.
Swing Sunday was arranged 4 times this summer. The first, sadly, was rained off, but the second and third have been huge successes – with as many as 80 people following the lessons provided by Swing Dance UK. After practice, they danced to the Sid Bolan Big Band on July 28th and the South London Jazz Orchestra on August 25th. One final Swing Sunday will take place at the season closing concert on September 22nd with the Duke Street Big Band. Come along and enjoy it at the Bandstand – it’s FREE.
The Regent’s Park’s Open-Air Theatre’s production of Fiddler on the Roof continues until September 28th. A magnificent production earning 5-star rave reviews and sell out audiences is well worth seeing. Many people think that the Open-Air Theatre is just another London Theatre but it is much more.
It is an independent charity founded in 1932, and we are lucky to have it in “our Park”. We are also lucky to have the talented James Pidgeon as Executive Director. He has created a series of sell out shows including La Cage aux Folles, Legally Blonde and 101 Dalmatians. These amazing shows are now touring the world, providing revenue to keep “our theatre” alive and well in Regent’s Park.
Friends Members can enjoy discounted tickets by booking Price Band A – in person at the Box Office, available from 2 weeks prior to the performance. Excludes Saturday evenings and a maximum of 2 tickets per transaction.
Former Friends’ Committee Member Peter Darley has published a new book that offers a comprehensive history of the Chalk Farm railway heritage. Looking over two centuries, it explores the pivotal role in transportation, its subsequent decline and its current resurgence. The deceptively plain title disguises a rich historical treatment which concludes with a forward-thinking perspective on the potential future of the railway lands. Copies of the book can be obtained for £25 incl. p&p from Camden Railway Heritage Trust, 21 Oppidans Road, NW3 3AG or by contacting the author at Darleyp@aol.com
The Royal Parks charity announced the planning approval for the new garden in The Regent’s Park that will commemorate the life of Queen Elizabeth II. Work is now underway to transform a disused plant nursery in the heart of The Park into a beautiful two-acre garden It is set to open in 2026, to mark what would have been the late Queen’s centenary year.
The Park is sometimes blighted by the influx of geese at this time of year. Thy arrive for their annual moult and goose numbers increase from tens to hundreds. The park maintenance teams sweep the paths routinely, but at this time of year they also schedule additional cleansing. Paths are wetted and brushed, ensuring that the sweeper sucks up the resultant liquid rather than letting it drain into the lake. The recent lack of rain, although appreciated by visitors, has not helped the cleaning effort.
Recognised among the country’s best parks
London’s Royal parks, including Hyde Park and The Regent’s Park, have been recognised as some of the best in the country, and retain their Green Flag Awards, the prestigious international award for parks and green spaces. Our congratulations to Park Manager Nick Biddle and his team.
This very busy pedestrian crossing is controlled by a 15-year-old “Puffin” (Pedestrian User-Friendly Intelligent Crossing) traffic light system which prioritises the needs of pedestrians. At peak times in good weather there can be large crowds coming from or going to Baker Street or trying to enter or leave the Park. As the current lights do not allow sufficient time for all to cross a study is being commissioned to see how the crossing can be improved and made safer.
The good news is that our Treasurer Jody, is expecting a baby! She will be leaving our Committee around the end of 2024, and we are looking for someone to replace her. It is not difficult work but you need bookkeeping skills. If this could be you, please write to Chair@Friendsofregentspark.org.
Take advantage of all that the Park offers – many of us are lucky to be regular park users.
Mark Elliott
Chair- Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill
Enjoy the summer and all the wonderful events that the Friends are organising!
Mark, Chair – Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill
Thank you to our sponsors
©2024 Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill
Friends of Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill is a registered charity in England and Wales (no 1201666)
