Blog: May Day Fayre Feast

Published 3 May 2019 by Charlotte Marshall

This Saturday, Waltham Forest's Hornbeam Centre will be offering attendees at Chingford May Day Fayre the chance to try some delicious free food at the feasting tent. We spoke to Hornbeam Coordinator Anne Redelinghuys to find out what to expect and to find out who they'll be working with on the day.

Tell us about the feasting tent and what you will be up to on the day.
The Hornbeam Centre will be offering people the chance to come together and celebrate by sharing delicious, homemade (by us!) food, at the Chingford May Day Fayre on 4 May. We strive to empower and educate people to help reduce food waste in the community. All the food we’ll be serving and sharing with the May Day community will be created from fresh produce that would otherwise have been thrown away.

There will be a surplus food stall, where food will be given away and the meals are all free. Amongst those that will benefit will be the hungry cyclists, who have journeyed to the Plain from all over. Everyone can join in and add some extra treats to their picnics when they pay us a visit. We would love to welcome you and have a chat.

What other organisations will you be collaborating with?
Organic Lea, who produce and distribute fruit and vegetables locally, will be serving an organic meal made from produce, locally produced and sourced. Claire and the team will be on site to tell you about this amazing space that is located in Chingford and how you can get involved in growing food or sign up for the weekly box scheme delivered to a place near you.

This is Rubbish will be performing Cirque de Surplus and encouraging people to join them prepping the salad and partake in the giant salad toss on a huge tarpaulin. Discover how you can save the world through vegetables and bread crusts from Sammy that will be doing his tricks.

Leyton Gurdwara, a local Sikh Temple, will be serving a traditional Punjabi meal - Chola (chickpea curry).

Walk the Loop, will provide nature-based and recycled materials, kids and family activities. Join Olivia and the team and learn more ways of interacting and engaging as families in creative ways.

Outside the tent, a giant copper Samovar will be serving that age-old sign of hospitality, a cup of hot tea.

How much will the food cost?
Nothing! It’s totally free and all the meals are vegan. The food at the surplus stall will contain vegan and vegetarian products. You will be a great micro food volunteer by taking food and helping to save the environment by stopping it going to landfill – take as much as you can use or bring a donation! You can find out more about what we educate people on regarding best before dates here.

Chingford May Day Fayre takes place on Chingford Plain on Saturday 4 May. Bring a picnic and join the fun from 4pm! Read out event FAQs here for full information, including links to suggested cycle routes to the Plain.