The street party pro
ali Perotto, 57, an actor from Deptford in London, helps to organise ashfest, an annual street party first held in memory of two neighbours lost during a tragic house fire in 2014. now in its fifth year, ashfest brings together food, community and music for the whole street to enjoy.
The deaths of two of our neighbours in 2014 took a terrible toll on the street. The fire was in the family home they’d lived in for over 40 years. We wanted to come up with a way of commemorating them, which is why one of our neighbours first put a note around people’s doors asking if any of us would be interested in participating in The Big Lunch community street party, in their honour.
Following a massive positive response, we had a meeting and, inspired by The Big Lunch, decided to hold a mini street festival of our own. That was in 2015, and Ashfest has been going strong since then.
We try and keep it on the same day as The Big Lunch because it’s easier to apply for permits from the council. Plus there are legalities, such as closing the road, and security and insurance. We wanted to have music as well as food, so we set up a stage in Judy’s front garden (another neighbour, and one of the organisers) for local bands to play. Last year we attracted around 150 people.
Everyone contributes in their own way. We get various things donated locally, for example we have a school in the area that lets us borrow furniture.
The first year we did some fundraising, to cover expenses for children’s activities and also event insurance. With these funds and ongoing donations “in kind”, we haven’t had to raise any further money for the past three years.
I’ve got to know my neighbours so much better, and it really drives my own personal sense of community spirit. All that hard work creates an incredible sense of achievement once the day comes. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
Judy says: “I was born in the street and Ashfest is a lovely way to bring neighbours together. I also love our celebration because it reminds me of my youth, and the street party we had for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee when my kids were little!”
The Big Lunch takes place on
1-2 June 2019. For more information, visit edenprojectcommunities.com
“I’ve got to know my neighbours so much better”