This year Spokemead were proud to be supporting ‘Rockifest’, held on Sunday 13th July. The event was to celebrate 90 years since the first buildings went up on the Rockingham Estate 1935-2025.
The day began with the South London Samba Band and the Elephant Queen leading a colourful procession around the estate, arriving at the main stage on Rockingham Street for 1pm to kick off the festival.
Throughout the day, there was an eclectic mix of live music, from ska to folk to reggae and West African, hosted by MC Angel and DJ Snuff.
In the workshop space by the community centre, there were Kendo and Taekwon-Do demonstrations, a Zumba class, followed by our Keepie Uppie and then Breakdancing Competitions.
The wellbeing space offered a place to relax with massages, yoga sessions, and a chance to help weave a willow elephant. Visitors also found information about the estate’s gardens and allotments, along with support from various organisations, ourselves included.
In the kids’ space, the circus came to the estate! There were acrobatics, an aerial show, and even the chance to give it a go. Children enjoyed a circus-inspired toddler dance class, a capoeira workshop, circus skills sessions, side shows and games, and space hopper races (time trials). Reggae nursery rhymes were performed from a bubble-blowing, bicycle-powered sound system, alongside arts and crafts, face painting, and a bouncy castle.
Visitors were encouraged to bring their bikes for registration on the national bike registry, and Dr. Bike was on hand to make minor repairs.
Inside the community centre, people explored the rich history of the area through ‘our heritage exhibition’, and took some time to unwind in the tearoom.
Overall, it was a fantastic day and a great chance to talk with our closest residents as our offices are right next door !!
