Twickenham’s largest celebration of independent businesses is set to return after A Taste of Twickenham foodfest street party received overwhelming support from the local community.
The event, which is set to take place on Sunday 13 September 2026, has been a hit success in the past with the most recent edition in 2024 drawing 14,000 visitors and featuring 40 independent Twickenham businesses.
At a meeting earlier this month, locals and business owners who attended a meeting, voted in huge numbers in support of the festival to be restored.
A celebration of everything Twickenham, it offers a chance for local vendors to promote themselves through taster stalls and open business viewings along the high street.
Created by local campaigner, Lauri Riviera, A Taste of Twickenham is a community focused, nonprofit company, ran by volunteers.
Lauri said: “It was a way for businesses to showcase themselves directly to the public.
“If you imagine you see a restaurant, you might pass it and never go in, but if you taste a little bit of something and meet the people, you might just go back.”
Lauri was inspired by the generosity of struggling independent businesses while volunteering at a charity event for the RNLI.
She has since made it her mission to ensure that Twickenham’s independent businesses are protected and celebrated.
She added: “I would like Twickenham to stay Twickenham and not to turn into a town centre full of chains.”
Lauri’s passion for Twickenham is clear on her Instagram, which is awash with promotions for hidden eateries and upcoming music events.
Lauri also launched 60’s day, which saw Church Street transformed into the era of knee-high boots, Beatles and bob hairdo’s.
Her hard work doesn’t go unnoticed either. The trust from the local community saw multiple Twickenham vendors already agree to pledge donations to help make the event a success.
Money is the biggest challenge for Lauri and her team. It is estimated the food fest will cost £30,000, so fundraising and sponsorship is vital to allow an event of this scale to go ahead.
She said: “[Last time] we had street performers, several stages doing live music – we even had a comedy club last time.
“It was such a buzz.”
But at its heart this event is about community, keeping independent businesses growing and attracting more to the area.
Lauri said: “If it wasn’t for everybody here and those who put the effort in on the day, then events like this wouldn’t happen.”
More can be learnt about a Taste of Twickenham on their website.
Featured Image: Oscar Stevens
