About this Event
There's no better time to take a closer look at wonderful 'Planet Tooting' south west London SW17, the jewel in Wandsworth 'London Borough of Culture' than at the peak of the alphonso mango season, when a river of gold stretches along Upper Tooting Road! The Tooting-Wandsworth area of south-west London is rich in history and the contribution of migrants dates back centuries to the arrival of French Huguenots. As its expanding population saw it turn from a village to a suburb, a wave of Jewish tailoring businesses saw Tooting High Street flourish. Over the last seventy years the arrival of a migrant population from South Asia, East Africa and the Caribbean helped rebuild a shattered post-war country, whether constructing houses, staffing London transport or populating the newly-formed NHS. The Walk features the streets that shaped Sadiq Khan, St George's Hospital, two outstanding indoor markets and a spectacular array of restaurants, eateries and shops reflecting a population who have come here from all over the world. From The Titanic to The Windrush, to one of the most iconic old cinemas in Britain, there are so many fascinating stories and connections!
The markets were of course the star turns on the recent highly-acclaimed 'Tooting Food Festival' – an unforgettable two day spectacle, the perfect showcase for what has become ‘the culinary capital of south London’. On a joyous weekend, Tooting and Broadway Market pulsated as people came from London and beyond, eyes popping at the range and quality of beautiful cuisine on offer. From across South Asia and its diaspora: Sri Lankan, Mauritian, Pakistani, Punjabi, Afghani, Gujarati, and East African, from the Caribbean, Phillipines, Japan, Ghana, Thailand, Turkey, South America, Mexico, Somalia, Ethiopia and every corner of Europe.
Its migrant population has undoubtedly helped Tooting evolve into one of the most vibrant, cohesive and diverse communities in London, acknowledged with a blue plaque on Tooting Market where so many people from all over the world have for generations; worked, shopped or passed through. Have a look at this recent film from JoolzGuides to get you in the mood!
Geoff Simmons runs a community history project in south west London called Summerstown182 alongside his job as a graphic designer. This involves Guided Walks and Talks, working with schools and putting up plaques. Over the last ten years a trail of these have emerged along the Wandle Valley, shining a light on some of the lesser-known history in this area. Have a look on Geoff's blog for more details or follow @summerstown182 on social media.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Tooting Broadway, Tooting High Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 11.55
