Windmill Festival 2011
Despite the discouraging weather forecast, the 2011 Windmill Festival went ahead at full power.
The guided tours of Brixton Windmill were fully booked, and we also had a queue of people who just turned up and were able to visit the first floor.
We released the brake and turned the cap so the sails were into wind, but sadly there was not enough of a breeze for the sails to turn on their own. However, visitors were able to see the sails turned by hand, and those lucky enough to be on a guided tour were in the cap at the time. “The sight and satisfyingly rumbling sound of the brake wheel and windshaft turning above our heads was very impressive and really brought it alive,” says Nick Weedon, who was leading the tour.
Our local MP, Chuka Umunna, gave a speech, tweeted about his visit, and recorded his visit on his website.
And the musical entertainment provided something for all tastes, from local folk bands the Hobos and No Frills Band, through rock (B4B) and blues (2CC) to the Soup Ukelele Club, flamenco and a cockney sing-along courtesy of the Pearly Minstrel. Sam, the young saxophone soloist, was particularly popular.
As well as a bouncy castle, a stilt walker and Spanish dance lessons, children were entertained by innovative puppets, whose heads were made from cabbages and other vegetables!
Many thanks to all the volunteers from the Friends of Windmill Gardens, Veolia and Blenheim Gardens Resident Management Organisation who were involved in organising the festival, raising funds, guiding and stewarding, running stalls and collecting donations. Without all your hard work this would never have happened.
You can see more photos in the Gallery and on Flickr.
