319 LULU

FESTA JUNINA

As usual I came across the Festa Junina event while endlessly scrolling events on social media, it was to be held at the easily accessible Sneinton Market and on a Sunday I hadn’t any plans, perfect! On the day there was also to be a Jubilee street parade in Nottingham old market square between 12 and 1pm so I made plans to arrive and see the parade then walk up to the market after. 

When I got to Nottingham a small crowd had gathered in front of the council house in the square to watch a group of women performing belly dancing they were soon joined by a samba band and a local breakdancing school, by now performing to a large crowd the mini dancers showcased their moves to an impressed audience. I received a message from a friend about the samba band due to perform at Sneinton market so we quickly headed over to catch their performance.

As it was a ridiculously hot day I was in awe of the dancers and band, it looked completly exhausting! The samba band was amazing and carried on smiling and enjoying their music even though I am sure they were struggling with the heat, next to the band was demonstrations of Brazilian dance fighting called Capoeira. I have never seen the half dance half fighting before, and can appreciate the skill levels to perform it effectively, one guy had cat style reflexes that made his moves seem effortless, and if I tried anything like that I would have fallen over. The smell from the market stalls wafted through the market and smelled amazing, the only thing I can say is only the middle avenue was used for the market so it felt very cramped at times, it could have been expanded to two to give that extra room. Throughout the day different performers kept a constant entertainment from accordion players to dancers and even a conga! Altogether it was something a bit different and a free event as well.

SKEGNESS STEAMPUNK

It has been a while since I attended any steampunk events, having previously visited Whitby and Lincoln Asylum (the last event back last August bank holiday), I was itching to dress up and outfit watch the day away. I love all things steampunk and would like to be able to get to more events but asI rely on trains, busses or lifts they can be difficult to get to so when I saw Skegness were hosting their first steampunk adventure I couldn’t help but head over, a single train ticket brought online can be as little as £7, I caught the earliest one I could and made it there in time to still get a breakfast from the Wetherspoons there.

The event was held at the Church Farm a short walk away from the train station, it was easy to find and I handed over the five pounds admittance fee for the day.  I didn’t mind the fee at all as every penny raised on the door goes towards the upkeep of the farm as it is a not for profit event and run mainly by volunteers and is a registered charity. The farm itself was fascinating there were stalls dotted everywhere and a main area for the acts to perform, I had a look around all the old farm machinery and saw Bob the old working steam tractor who wasn’t looking bad despite being created back in 1892. I chatted to a few fellow steampunkers and even managed to get a photo of the mayor and the lovely organiser and member of East Coast Steampunks Christina Ruby Willow. Entertainment took the form of The curious House of Stories, who self describe as music myths mirth and mayhem in a rather amazing yurt, live bands Corvid Preest and Chasing the Dark, of course there was the tea duelling, nerf gun shoot outs and teapot racing.

For those interested in the event, social media links- East coast Steampunks UK 

No comments:

Post a Comment