Sheep shearing, vegetable sculptures and, er, a Wall of Death. It's a lineup so eclectic, it can only mean one thing — Lambeth Country Show is back.
The annual two-dayer pitches up in its usual Brockwell Park location in 2023 — on the earlier-than-usual weekend of 10-11 June. For those unfamiliar with how it plays out, Lambeth Country Show is basically south London sticking a cornstalk in its mouth, putting on a West Country brogue, and channelling some seriously rural vibes. There is livestock. There are beekeepers. And we hope and pray that the legendary Chucklehead Cider stall will be dishing out its usual potent supply of festival juice.
But you can't take the south London out of, well, south London — and this year's Lambeth Country Show also promises a slew of stuff you won't find at your average pastoral get-together. Here are a few of the things we're especially excited about:
- The Chocolate Museum recently announced it was moving out of its Brixton location, but it's popping up at Lambeth Country Show, with chocolate making, and the chance to create your own chocolate wrapper. (Sat & Sun) 🍫
- No judgement from Tuneless Choir London Vauxhall, who invite anyone and everyone to join in with a sing-song whether or not you know the words... or indeed can sing at all 🎶 (Sat)
- Community internet station BMC Radio are broadcasting live from Lambeth Country Show all weekend — go and say hi 📻 (Sat & Sun)
- Satirical artist Darren Cullen parks up his Hell Bus — described as "a pre-apocalyptic marketing suite about oil company greenwashing" (Sat & Sun)
- Lambeth Best in Show puts the 'lamb' into Lambeth — with 100 well-turned-out sheep spanning 25 breeds. The kids will adore it, and let's face it — so will you. (Sat & Sun)
- A brand new stage for 2023, LatinoLife is a sizzling showcase of salsa, reggaetón, samba, jazz, fusion, folk, funk and more — set to get you jigging (especially if you've had a couple of Chuckleheads). (Sat & Sun)
- The pre-mentioned Wall of Death is a new attraction for 2023 — although this daredevil act of speeding bikes around the inside of a huge cylinder has been around for the best part of a century, it never fails to make people wow (and wince). (Sat & Sun)
- There's music galore all weekend over various stages — and topping the whole festival is reggae superstar Anthony B, who'll have half of Lambeth swaying in the evening sunshine/drizzle on Sunday, with his politically-infused brand of reggae. (Sun)
Lambeth Country Show, Brockwell Park, 10-11 June 2023, free entry
