Regent Street Festival 2007 - an Indian summer

The annual Regent Street Festival, one of the most exciting outdoor free street events in London takes place on Sunday 2 September 2007 and will showcase all the flair, colour and magic of India from 12 noon until 8pm.

Regent Street will be closed to traffic, as dance processions and musical displays transport audiences to a country famed for its exotic festivals. The renowned designer Sumant Jayakrishnan will be dressing Regent Street for the occasion.

The Regent Street Festival is organised by the Regent Street Association and supported by the Ministry of Tourism - Incredible India, Visit London, the GLA, The Crown Estate, Westminster City Council and the New West End Company.

The main stage

On the contemporary music front, BBC Asian Network will be providing a diverse programme of music hosted by award winning presenter, broadcaster, DJ and musician Bobby Friction, talented urban music DJ Kayper, and radio host and musician Noreen. Recognised Asian artists include Niraj Chag, Rishi Rich Showcase, Lippicool, Panjabi Hit Squad featuring Ms Scandalous and Alyssia, Raghav, Swami and Lembher Hussanpuri.

Street performances

The centre piece for the day comes courtesy of a spectacular dome shaped aerial rig supporting talented performers from India and the UK inspired by the theme of India Now.

Dance performances

There will be various dance displays such as Manipuri Dance whose performances include the simple use of hand held fir hoops’ ornamental swords and drums. Ranpaa is an extraordinary dance on stilts originating from West Bengal and is one of the very few folk dances in which each of the dancers wear ankle bells. The Perulias Chhau of Bengal are famous for their exaggerated masks and will entertain the crowd with their vigorous dance form and famous somersaults.

Music performances

This Jaipur Kawa Brass Band is a traditional street band from Rajasthan with a vast array of musical influences – jazz, Western traditional, Indian traditional, Bollywood theme tunes, Hindustani classical music, sophisticated percussion rhythms – creating a sound which is individual, spontaneous and unexpected. The unique Shree Muktajeevan Pipe Band established in 1972 in honour of Gurudev Adya Acharyapravar Jeevanpran Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa, is a processional band who will be appearing at various times throughout the day. Added to this the London based Dhol Academy, in collaboration with spectacular events company Walk The Plank, will provide a show incorporating a large mobile Dhol drum structure, live drummers, stilt walkers and pyrotechnics.

Asian Wedding Horses

An elegant White Asian Wedding Horse and Carriage will add to the Indian atmosphere and offer visitors a quick journey around Hanover Square.

Children’s entertainment

The front of Hamleys will be transformed into a Goan beach, a fun place to get involved with a children’s art workshop inspired by the flora and fauna of Southern India. To add to the fun, Puran Bhatt will lead a Rajasthani string puppet ensemble. Visually ravishing and accompanied by live music, the puppets will be telling traditional folk tales from the beach. The Mobile Giant Water Turtle Sculpture will encircle the beach during the afternoon.

Handicraft stalls

Artisans will be visiting from India to demonstrate their handicrafts, which will include handloom weaving, batik printing, embroidery, appliqué and mirror work, bead work and jewellery. Many of these items will be available to purchase on the day.

The Indian bazaar

A street Bazaar with market stalls will add to the Indian flavour with spices, herbs, silks, teas and more.

Food court areas

Masala Zone will be offering delicious Indian Food in the three tented food court areas in Regent Street. Heddon Street, Regent Street’s Food Quarter will have live entertainment throughout the day with many of the restaurants offering Indian delicacies.
Retailer activities

Many of the retailers in Regent Street are supporting the Festival and adopting the Indian theme for the day.

Regent Street continues to flourish with the £500 million remodeling and revitalisation programme by The Crown Estate, which is creating a quality environment for people and tourism alike. Within the last two years Regent Street has seen many flagship store openings including Habitat, Zara Home, Brooks Brothers, Kurt Geiger, Penhaligons, Duchamp, Tommy Hilfiger, Timberland, Hoss Intropia, Bose, COS, Samsonite and Desigual . Soon to open are mobile and camera technology experts Nokia, and H & M, Russell and Bromley and the National Geographic store.

The eighth annual Regent Street Festival is a spectacular finale event to the India Now season and you can receive regular updates from Regentstreetonline.com