September 2022

18
Wanstead Village Directory
CHEERS TO MEATSPACE
As the Wanstead Fringe limbers up for its ninth annual showcase – with
a range of real-world events running from 9 to 25 September – founder
Giles Wilson has one eye on the 10th anniversary next year
It’s not a pretty word, but it is powerful:
meatspace. It’s the opposite of
cyberspace. While for two years we
conducted all sorts of social interactions
online, we are now back, fully, in the world
of meatspace, where real people actually
meet other real people, in real life.
When we started the Fringe in 2013 it was a
bit of a joke at our own expense. We loved
Wanstead, yes, but we knew that cultural
activities were a bit thin on the ground
here, and we had a limited choice of venues.
So, we decided to improvise with what we
had – the open-air Kinema being the prime
example.
We didn’t have any money either, so again,
we improvised with some sponsorship – from
its earliest days (as now) with Petty Son and
Prestwich being the first to put a hand in
their pocket.
Things seem to be working. Starting on Friday
9 September, there will be a wider range of
Wanstead Fringe events than ever before.
Three different plays; some 10 book events in
the inaugural Wanstead Book Festival; pottery
classes; live music; comedy; more open-air
cinema; quizzes; talks; spoken word artists and
the return of the jumble trail.
The number of venues has grown. For the
first time this year, we’ll be in the excellent
Wanstead High Theatre, something of a
hidden gem.
And more sponsors have joined too. Along
with Petty’s, we now have Edwards Duthie
Shamash, THP Chartered Accountants, The
Wanstead Society, Eton Manor RFC and The
Duke – names I never tire of reciting because,
without them, there wouldn’t be a Fringe.
Wine tasting is one of
many events taking place
as part of the Fringe
So, as we head into a 10th anniversary year,
where do we go from here? How do we
embed the Wanstead Fringe as a cultural
anchor? What do we need to do now to make
sure it’s around for a 20th anniversary?
Part of it is having the right people involved.
Part of it is having the right ambitions. Part
of it is growing as Wanstead grows. But I’d be
a fool if I didn’t say a large part of it too will
come down to having enough money.
So, we’re coming up with some ideas for how
people can join in this homegrown venture,
either with their time, their ideas, or if they
prefer, with their money. Thousands of people
will be taking part in Fringe events this month.
If you’re one of them, and you want the
Fringe to be around for future generations of
Wanstead people, please take a look at the
website to see how you can help.
But for now, it’s back to the meatspace. I love
the internet as much as anyone, but I can’t
wait for this Fringe to begin, in real life.
For more information and to book
tickets for all Wanstead Fringe events,
visit wansteadfringe.org
To advertise, call 020 8819 6645 or visit wnstd.com