Sayer Street to host inaugural Elephant & Carnival festival

Taking place on Saturday 25th September, the carnival sees community organisations flat 70 and Run Dem Radio join with neighbouring businesses and local charity Latin Elephant, to showcase the styles and flavours of African, Caribbean and Latinx artists and creatives through dance, photography, music, food and more.

flat 70’s exhibition space will reflect on  Elephant & Castle’s heritage by hosting a photography, poetry and audio exhibition with historic imagery of the area and its bustling, close-knit communities.

After a difficult year of event cancellations for artists and cultural organisations, flat 70’s alternative festival offers visitors the opportunity to join in on the celebrations, spotlighting south London’s closely linked African, Caribbean and Latinx communities.

In addition to artistic works, visitors will be able to enjoy a wide variety of food and drinks from around the world from local and independent businesses on Sayer Street. Tasty Jerk, Mikos, Bobo Social, and Beza Ethiopian will set up street food residencies on Sayer Street for the day and Elephant Park-based community radio station, Run Dem Radio, will set the soundtrack to the festival, playing a wide range of sounds from the Global South and the diaspora.

Throughout the day the  dance collectives, Oraceon dance crew, At Your Beat, and the Federation of Latino American Artists and Groups (FLAG) are set to perform emotive routines, drawing reference from the diverse backgrounds of Southwark locals.  Kids can also enjoy complimentary family-friendly entertainment, with games, performances and interactive activities planned to take place throughout the day. 

Located in Elephant Park, flat 70 was founded in February 2020 by siblings Anthony and Senam Badu in response to the regeneration of the area and the need to hold space for communities of colour. Celebrating and exchanging the gift of African and Caribbean culture, flat 70 offers a function-fluid space for artists, designers and cultural workers of African and Caribbean heritage as well as other traditionally marginalised groups. flat 70 is underpinned by 5 core pillars: artist development, artist care, financial empowerment, cultural celebration, and cultural exchange.

The event will take place on Saturday 25th September, from 12pm to 20:00pm. Entry is free to all.