The Wimbledon Common Cannizaro Festival returns this month after taking a year out last summer.
By Mohamed Moallim
The Wimbledon Common Cannizaro Festival returns this month after taking a year out last summer.
Last year’s event was cancelled due to the recession which hampered many of the festival’s sponsorship from local businessmen.
Now taken over by local events company BSL, festival goers can now look forward to 16 colourful nights in the Common.
Jonathan Bodansky, managing director of BSL, says he is thrilled to be involved. Being a local resident he is excited to bring back the festival.
“BSL is confident that in 2010 it can restore and revitalise the festival,” Jessica Clouting, BSL member added.
“Jonathan and his team have put together what is hoped to be 16 nights of a good fun with a variety of entertainment that should cater for all ages and all tastes.”
First held in 1989, the annual festival has been run by different groups over the years, appointed by Merton Council.
The festival originally showcased wide range of arts such as opera, dance, jazz and Shakespeare.
However in recent years it began to take a more populist form, which has helped in increase attendances.
Tomoki Takahasi, also of BSL, describes the festival as: “The perfect British summer evening.
“It is the only festival of its kind in the area with one night jumping out for everyone.”
Acts this year includes Abba, Elvis and Barry White tribute acts, 606 Jazz club, 1960s Allstar Band featuring The Kinks, Mick Avory, and an ‘Evening at the opera’ with Passionata.
One event during the course of the festival that will prove to be fun is the celebrity All Star night in support of Sport Relief, which will take place during the Wimbledon tennis finals and being presented by F1 pundit Eddie Jordan.
The festivities this year promises to have plenty of surprises in store with rumours that tennis and F1 stars paying a visit.
The Wimbledon Common Cannizaro Festival will run from July 2nd – 17th.
