Forget the frozen north – the place you’ll want to be this Christmas is the cool east or, to be more specific, Winterville in Victoria Park. Never heard of it? That’s not surprising as this magical temporary kingdom isn’t set to come into existence until December 2.
When it materialises, though, it’ll make you feel all warm and fuzzy right through to New Year’s Eve. Combining east London’s creative energy and talent drawn from across Europe, this new winter destination is aimed at all ages. The idea is that it will be somewhere kids will clamour to visit, while parents will be more than happy to indulge them.
So what will be on offer? Not just the obligatory outdoor ice rink (which is covered, so if you book ahead it won’t be a disaster if it rains). There’ll be a roller disco, too, with DJs provided by some of London’s hottest promoters. The House of Fairytales, who curate imaginative creative activities for children, are also on board. Plus there will be a Santa’s grotto, romantic horsedrawn carriage rides taking in the park’s lake and pagoda, and fairground rides including a huge Ferris wheel (we love those things although they can be confusing if you’ve raised a few festive glasses: you may find yourself wondering why the London Eye has suddenly shrunk). For those who like a surge of adrenaline with their Christmas spirit, vintage motorcycles will perform daring stunts on an original Wall Of Death.
Fuelling the fun will be street food outlets to suit all tastes. Wholefood Heaven will keep the vegetarians, vegans, raw and wheat- and glutenfree foodies healthy and happy, while Madame Gautier dishes up traditional French fare, local Dalston business Voodoo Ray’s serves up tasty pizza slices and Anna Mae’s provides crucial carbs, with variations on that cold-weather staple, macaroni cheese. Winterville may be a whole new world but it’s still in east London so its indoor pub will have craft beers on offer.
In the atmospheric wood-panelled and mirrored Dutch Spiegeltent, Friday nights will be hosted by Bugged Out! and on Sundays Summer Rites will present the cream of London’s alt-cabaret scene, kicking off with the Gay Bingo Christmas Show on December 7. Panto is promised too.
