The music programme at Wanstead Fringe 2025 brings a rich mix of community and creativity, with events taking place at what are turning into some of the area’s most beloved Fringe venues. Giles Wilson reports
Opening the festival at St Mary’s Church on 5 September is the much-loved, eve-of-Fringe musical charivari, with Joe Walters again turning impresario. This event has become something of a Fringe tradition – a lively and informal programme bringing people together to enjoy an eclectic mix of musical styles and tastes. It’s the perfect way to set the tone for the days ahead: warm, welcoming and full of Fringe spirit.
The Duke street party – which takes over Nightingale Lane for one marvellous afternoon each September – will have live music featuring their house band The Dukes of Duke, with everything from classic crowd-pleasers to hidden gems to discover.
In the Crossing Continents concert at Wanstead United Reformed Church, the talents of two accomplished soloists will combine to take listeners on a vibrant and exciting journey with music from Latin America, Spain, France and beyond. Ricardo Curbelo will be playing harp, cuatro and maracas, and Fiona Harrison will play classical/Spanish guitar.
We also have pianist Yuki Negishi, who will be playing as a soloist at Holy Trinity Church – a programme including Ravel, Chopin and Beethoven. Yuki will also lead two performances of the Saint-Saëns classic Carnival of the Animals, which paints musical portraits of the lion, swan, elephant and others; a real treat for families who love music.
Another treat for families will be Alice in WonderBand at St Gabriel’s Church, a whimsical journey through the curious world of brass bands as seen through the lens of the classic children’s story. Each part of Redbridge Brass band will take on a different character to bring the story to life. They’re going to be warming up with a selection of tunes based on famous stories: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Matilda, Harry Potter and more.
On 20 September, The Friends of St Gabriel’s present Harmony Happening, a relaxed singing workshop led by Jenny Goodman, whose warm, inclusive approach has made her a favourite among the community choir.
One of the musical highlights is something completely new. Wanstead-based composer Simone Spagnolo has worked with harpist Clara Gatti Comini to create something you will never have heard before. Reveries, taking place at St Mary’s, is a headphone-based immersive play, which combines harp music, narrative text and what is described as “spatial sound design.” It’s going to be a full audio experience that creates an atmosphere where recollections dissolve and truth intertwines with imagined lives – a personal and intimate experience that unfolds inside your own mind.
Finally, the festival draws to a close at St Mary’s on 27 September with the return of the much-loved Natural Voices Choir, an uplifting finale that captures what’s at the heart of the Fringe.
For more information on Wanstead Fringe events, visit wnstd.com/fringe
