mayors town show - Deborah Day Theatre school - me and my teddy bear

Wet weather failed to dampen the spirits of Newham residents at the weekend as they flocked to East Ham’s Central Park for the Mayor’s Newham Show.

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Around 25,000 people turned up to the two-day event as it returned bursting with free family fun including a carnival, competitions, music, games, performances, arts and crafts, cabaret, a fun fair, a farm and even a beach.The carnival started at Cheltenham Gardens on Saturday and processed through the streets of East Ham ending up in Central Park with the main show.

Pupils from primary schools and musical groups took part in the carnival such as the Dhol Academy, Kinetika BLOCO and the Newham Steel Band, entertaining spectators as they danced along with the procession.

Despite the rain, visitors were determined to have a summer holiday at the seaside as a beach was brought to the heart of Newham, with people taking donkey rides, relaxing in deckchairs, playing crazy golf and some families even joined Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales for a dip in the paddling pool.

The mayor kept busy by welcoming people to the annual event, visiting various attractions and signing a pledge with the British Heart Foundation to make Newham’s hearts healthier.

Sir Robin said: “The weather may have been against us but more than 25,000 people gathered for a wonderful family event with had something for all ages to get involved in.

“Once again the show demonstrated that people enjoy feeling part of their local community and that is why we will continue to host these free fantastic events.”

Crowds pulled on their waterproofs to watch a musical extravaganza as Britain’s Got Talent was brought to the main stage by James Anderson, a member of boy band finalists New Bounce performed for fans on Saturday while the Barnsley and Newham Youth Choirs performed on Sunday.

The Deborah Day Theatre brought all the fun of the theatre to the main stage on Sunday as younger performers sang Me and My Teddy Bear and older pupils did a rendition of I’ll Say Anything from East End favourite Oliver Twist.

The second day also saw the announcement of the winner of the Newham Talent Quest which saw finalists battle it in front of the judging panel which was headed by Newham young mayor Ali Mohamed and members of the Youth Council.

For those wanting a break from the summer showers, the cabaret tent was full of top acts from complex jugglers Troupe to the Black Eagles acrobats.

Residents also learned karate, got active in zumba lessons, performed daring feats of tight-rope walking and got creative by knitting and making T-shirts in the arts and crafts tent.

Those of a more traditional persuasion attended the Newham Village Fete to win competitions at the arcade stalls, wander and marvel at the vegetables in the Grow Your Own Competition.