A hidden gem in East London has become the go-to spot for family fun and frolic in the last of the September sun – even better than any beach according to some parents.
Fellowship Square in Walthamstow is a cultural outdoor space decorated with a multitude of mini water fountains, light displays and bench seating.
The grand water feature has 144 individual water jets, which are programmed to sync with music and multi-coloured illuminating lights.
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Fellowship Square has 144 individual water jets, which are programmed to sync with music and multi-coloured illuminating lights
(Image: MyLondon)
The Square was launched in July, following renovations by Waltham Forest council, and has since become a surefire draw for locals looking for a quick and easy day out with the family this summer.
With London temperatures sizzling all the way to 28C earlier this week, sun-seekers, parents and little ones alike all turned out to lap up the last minute scraps of this week’s heatwave.
Anna, a mum-of-one from Blackhorse road, Walthamstow, said coming to the Square was like a quick escape for her and her four-year-old during the last-minute scorcher.
“We feel like we’re at the beach, but better because it’s local,” she said.
“All the kids are running around and having lots of fun and staying cool in the water.
Fellowship Square also features fashion shows, food stalls and a cinema
(Image: MyLondon)
“It’s my first time at the Square, I found out about it from the council’s Facebook page and decided it had to be today as it’s so hot and my four-year old starts reception tomorrow.
“It’s so close to home and we don’t really get things like this around here. And it’s free so I thought, why not?”
Soaking up the sun at the new fountain has been one of the highlights of summer for so many families and carers in the area, said councillor Paul Douglas, cabinet member for Culture at Waltham Forest Council.
“Fellowship Square has become a new community space loved by children and adults alike” he added.
“On sunny days we’ve been seeing hundreds of people turning up to play in the jets. With our packed programme of cultural events taking place throughout the year, it is a place that appeals to all age groups.”
Teenagers have also been spotted at the Square. Local nanny, Jody, recalled seeing a teen on an e-scooter ride right into the water.
“I thought it was just for young kids but I think it’s for everyone,” she said.
“It’s good that the council has got security because sometimes the big kids mix with the little kids and it can be intimidating.
“I’m a nanny and I look after two kids who are 17 months and three. I thought it would be good to bring the kids out and do something fun instead of the same old thing.
“They love it so much they don’t want to leave.”
Kwaku Coker, Fellowship Square lead for Waltham Forest council, was on guard to provide security and premises support for the fountain area.
Kwaku Coker, Fellowship Square lead for Waltham Forest council, was on guard to provide security for the Square
(Image: MyLondon)
He explained a typical day at the Square: “It’s open all day because it’s a public space.
“But the fountains are open from 9am-7pm every hour on the hour for 40 minutes. For the last 20 minutes, we turn off the fountains usually for a bit of maintenance and to check whether the filters are okay.
“It’s for everybody to use. When the water is filled with adults, we programme the fountains to go a bit higher.”
The thrill of grown-up fun is one of the many qualities that attracted Geoff and his four-year-old daughter, both from Walthamstow, to the Square.
“We love that people mingle and have fun together in the sun. It’s great for the kids,” he said.
“To be honest we were curious and excited to come and check it out because there had been so much controversy when the old Town Hall fountain was removed. We were excited to see something different.”
Kwaku concurred that the arrival of Fellowship Square was perfect timing to provide something refreshing for local residents: “We are trying to be exceptional and provide something that really meets local residents’ needs.
“We don’t want locals to feel they have to travel so far to have some fun with the family.”
The public square has also played host to a lively-year round programme of arts and culture, which has scored lots of points in the hearts of locals.
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“We have also integrated other activities into the Square,” continued Kwaku.
“We have had fashion shows, food stalls and a cinema. It’s all a part of a scheme called Waltham Forest Culture.”
Councillor Paul Douglas, Culture Lead for Waltham Forest Council added: “A diverse and vibrant cultural life is the heartbeat of Waltham Forest.
“From the public art seen on every corner to our craft fairs and comedy nights, it is embedded throughout the borough. And in Fellowship Square – named for a quote from Waltham Forest’s famous son William Morris – we have a dedicated, year-round open cultural space, built around our reimagined town hall.”
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