Regent Street Festival

Regent Street Festival

09 September, 2008
by: Claire_loves_jam

So what exactly does put the Great into Great Britain? As this year's dismal summer makes its weary transition into the autumn months there doesn't seem much to shout about, so perhaps a festival celebrating all things UK is just what we-sun starved Brits need.

Ready availability of fresh food, live music, free stuff and face painting – it boasts all the ingredients of a great day out yet there's still something missing. In true British style you can't help but be drawn to the crowds meandering up and down Regent Street, but despite the high body-count the atmosphere is less than buzzing. Eating – yes, drinking – yes, merry-making? Sadly not.

Due credit must be given to the Royal British Legion Marching Band for the patriotic cheer their pomp and circumstance injects into the afternoon, and live hip-hop band Lazy Habits definitely impress with their indie/jazz fusion. However boy-band Avenue of X-Factor fame brings about a low point with vomit-inducing pop and choreographed dance moves – if this is what our great nation is all about then we're in trouble!

There's an abundance of kids' entertainment available with an English country garden in Hamleys, a carousel and a ferris wheel, as well as a LEGO stand which anyone in touch with their inner child would find hard to resist. However once you've caught a glimpse of some Morris dancing and suffer an ear clobbering from the dulcet tones of a passing troop of bagpipes, the only thing left to explore is... the shops.

Of course you couldn't celebrate Blighty without a bit of Shakespeare and street performances of Hamlet take place throughout the afternoon. To be, or not to be? It's tricky to find out as the throngs of people somewhat obscure the view.

After sampling a few treats at the mini Borough market – for which, it should be noted, I queued for in an orderly British fashion – it is time to leave the crowded street, still not quite sure what all the fuss is about.

Claire_loves_jam