Organised by Haringey Council, Public Voice and the NHS North Central London Integrated Care Board (ICB) in collaboration with many local creative, voluntary and community sector (VCS) partners, this vibrant and free-to-attend event saw the borough’s older residents come together, engage in a variety of activities and explore what it truly means to age well.
The Leader of Haringey Council, Cllr Peray Ahmet, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services, Cllr Dana Carlin, the Mayor of Haringey, Cllr Sue Jameson and South Tottenham ward member, Cllr Sheila Peacock, were also in attendance in what proved a celebration of connectivity, life and the richness of ageing.
The festival was divided up into six dynamic zones (Connect Well, Wellness Dome, Think Well, Physical Activity, Eating Well and the Creative Zone), with one of its many highlights being the Purple Parade.
Inspired by Jenny Joseph’s iconic poem Warning, which celebrates defying age-related stereotypes, attendees were invited to don their favourite shade of purple and march through the park alongside festival organisers.
The parade represented a chance for our older community and their allies to be seen, heard and celebrated, honouring the invaluable contributions they make to society at large.
Adding a touch of creative flair, artist Donald Waugh, who runs ‘PavementToCatwalk’, collaborated with eight ambassadors to design unique headpieces for the parade - each one symbolising the diverse journeys we all take as we grow older.
Festival goers also got to enjoy dance and live music performances as well as participate in an extensive array of hobbies and pursuits such as ‘Create Your Own Story,’ Nordic walking, pickleball, walking cricket and much more!
