Eat London

In January 2007, Tower Hamlets Summer University (THSU) was approached by London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) to take part in Eat London, a massive public arts/celebration event involving food and 14 community groups across London.  THSU were one of only two youth groups to be involved with workshops taking place during the Easter holidays in preparation for the main event in April, design, cooking and construction of two sections of London (Aldwych and Covent Garden) as part of a gigantic food map!

Students had to take responsibility for making their own sections of the map and were challenged to be creative, inventive and work with people they had only recently met. Some students had only minimal cooking experience so new recipes had to be created and everyone had to support each other.  Students also worked on a performance piece for the procession which would take part on the day.

In the two days leading up to the main event in Trafalgar Square on Saturday 28th April 2007, students worked hard to cook all the food for their sections and assemble the map.  On the event day students met early for a quick briefing and last minute rehearsal.  There was a brilliant atmosphere with tourists asking us questions about the event and the young people were made to feel important. Nearing 12pm, the crowds grew and finally the event began. Despite all the previous hiccups, the tables were ready and the procession went smoothly, with the THSU young people improvising as they approached their table.  Hundreds of people were queuing to eat the map and a hectic hour followed in serving food until our sections were demolished!

The event was an incredible experience for all involved and all the hard work was worth it in the end.