It is only the end of June, yet we've already enjoyed an extraordinary spell of hot weather. I hope you've still found time to enjoy Watermans Park over the past few weeks. Looking ahead, our plans for the summer include:
Summer Bandstands – On Saturday afternoons throughout July (4pm–6pm) we'll be staging our fifth Summer Bandstands season. This Saturday, 4 July, expect an American-themed programme to celebrate Independence Day!
Throughout July we'll also be supporting Speak Out in Hounslow, a wonderful charity that works with adults with learning disabilities and autism. There will be handcrafted products made by members for sale, or you can make a cash donation if you wish.
Our final Bandstand on 25 July marks the start of Love Parks Week and is supported by the Brentford Football Club Community Engagement Team. We'll be joined by the wonderful Speak Out in Hounslow Choir and other guests.
Naij Burritos, a local company, now has a concession in the park and will be serving burritos, rice bowls, plantain, and soft drinks from the western end of the park, near the picnic benches. Perfect if you're planning to enjoy a Summer Bandstand or simply spend an afternoon or evening in the park.
Creative Mile weekend 5 & 6 September – The Creative Mile team has arranged for Hop, Paddle, Splash! by Scirocco Dance Theatre Company to perform in the park, with several performances each day from late morning until mid-afternoon. It is a participatory outdoor dance experience designed for families.
We're also hoping the park will be displaying an exhibit from The National Gallery's Art on Your Doorstep project. Full details will be available on the Creative Mile website.
Gardening Club – We'll be holding occasional gentle gardening sessions by the western entrance throughout the summer. Please check our website for dates and times, or simply drop me a note if you'd like to come along.
Around the Park
Green Dragon Path – At the beginning of May, around 25 of us, including lots of children, spent a happy afternoon creating a mown dragon path through one of the wildflower meadows, now largely taken over by grass. Sadly, the dragon soon lost its white teeth and toes and the flowers have struggled in the hot weather. But the path is still there if you know where to look!
Waterside railings – The riverside railings are nearing the end of their useful life and the Council will shortly be replacing them. I don't yet have a timetable, but the works should have only a limited impact on the park.
Watermans Riverside – The future of the Watermans Riverside site is likely to take some time to resolve following the ending of the joint venture. However, the Council has committed to exploring all options and has confirmed that the Friends will be involved in early discussions. The Friends Committee will shortly be meeting Tom Bruce, Deputy Leader of the Council, to introduce him to the park and discuss its relationship with the future of the riverside.
Whether you come along to a Bandstand concert, join us for a spot of gardening or simply enjoy a walk beside the Thames, we hope to see you in Watermans Park over the summer.
With best wishes, Philip
Philip Jones
Chair, Friends of Watermans Park
30 June 2026