What is the EcoFair?
The EcoFair is one of South London’s best community days out, held each August Bank Holiday Monday in the beautiful surroundings of Carshalton Park.
With three stages of live music, over 120 stalls, delicious food and drink, children’s activities, wellbeing, local organisations, crafts, environmental ideas and plenty to see and do throughout the day, it’s an event that appeals to all ages.
Why should I come?
Because you’ll enjoy a great day out and, at the same time, you’ll be supporting a local charity.
Whether you’re coming to enjoy the music, browse the stalls, discover something new, meet friends, enjoy the food or simply relax in the park, your admission helps make a real difference.
The EcoFair isn’t a commercial event. It’s organised entirely by volunteers to raise funds for EcoLocal’s charitable work in the local community.
Who organises the EcoFair?
The EcoFair is organised entirely by volunteers.
Hundreds of local people give their time throughout the year to plan the event, organise the music, recruit stallholders, promote the event, set up the event, steward the site, welcome visitors and pack everything away afterwards.
Everyone involved in performing on the three stages also volunteers their time, making the EcoFair a genuine community event in every sense.
Where does my admission money go?
Staging an event of this size involves considerable costs, including stages, sound equipment, fencing, toilets, first aid, insurance, security, waste management and much more.
Our aim is to keep admission as affordable as possible while providing a fantastic day out for everyone.
Every ticket you buy helps give the EcoFair the best possible chance of raising funds for EcoLocal. Because the event is organised entirely by volunteers, we’re able to keep costs as low as possible and maximise the amount that can be invested back into local community and environmental projects.
After the costs of staging the event have been met, any surplus helps support EcoLocal’s charitable work throughout the year, including:
- Inclusive Cycling for people with disabilities
- Carshalton’s Secret Walled Garden
- Eco-Wellbeing for older people
- Community Food Growing
- Environmental education
- Community volunteering
- Nature conservation and environmental improvement projects
- Activities that help bring local people together
By coming to the EcoFair, you’re helping support these projects for the benefit of our local community. we have donations buckets around the site on the day – we are very grateful for all your cash donations on the day.
Is the EcoFair good value?
We certainly think so!
Your admission gives you a whole day to enjoy three stages of live entertainment, over 120 stalls, children’s activities, demonstrations, community organisations, delicious food and drink, a licensed bar and a wonderful atmosphere in one of South London’s most attractive parks.
Because everyone who organises the event is a volunteer, you’re not only enjoying a great day out—you’re also helping support a local charity.
What can I see and do?
There’s something happening throughout the day.
You can enjoy:
- Three stages of live music and entertainment
- More than 120 stalls
- Delicious food and drink
- Children’s activities
- Health and wellbeing area
- Local artists and crafts
- Community organisations
- Environmental displays and ideas
- Sustainable businesses
- Demonstrations and activities
- Licensed bar
- Beautiful park surroundings
Is the EcoFair only for people interested in environmental issues?
Not at all.
Many people come simply because it’s a wonderful day out.
Some come for the music, some for the food, some to browse the stalls, while others come to spend time with family and friends in the park.
If you go home with a few new ideas for living more sustainably, that’s an added bonus.
Can I spend the whole day there?
Absolutely.
Many visitors arrive in the morning and stay well into the evening.
With entertainment taking place throughout the day, there is always something new to enjoy.
Is the EcoFair suitable for children?
Yes.
Children love the EcoFair. There are activities throughout the day and plenty of interesting things to see and do, making it an enjoyable family day out.
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
What food and drink is available?
There’s a fantastic choice.
From freshly prepared vegan and vegetarian dishes to sweet treats, coffee, ice cream and more, there’s something to suit almost every taste.
You’ll also find a licensed bar serving real ales, organic lager and other drinks, plus a pimms stall.
Can I buy things?
Yes.
You’ll find more than 120 stalls selling everything from local crafts and artwork to plants, sustainable products, gifts, books, farmers’ produce and much more.
There are also community organisations offering ideas, inspiration and practical advice on a wide range of topics.
Can I pay by card?
Many stallholders accept card payments, but not all.
Bringing some cash is always a good idea.
How do I get to the EcoFair?
We encourage visitors to walk, cycle or use public transport wherever possible.
Carshalton Park is well served by buses and trains, making it easy to reach without a car.
Full travel information is available on our How to Get to the EcoFair page.
Is the EcoFair accessible?
Most of the event takes place on grass in Carshalton Park.
While the majority of the site is accessible, there are a few slopes and weather conditions can affect some areas.
If you have particular accessibility requirements, please contact us before your visit and we’ll be pleased to help.
Can I bring my dog?
We would prefer that you didn’t bring your dog. Some children and adults are frightened of dogs, and busy crowds can make this more difficult.
If you do need to bring your dog, it must be kept on a short lead at all times, and you are responsible for ensuring it is well behaved and cleaned up after.
Guide dogs and other assistance dogs are, of course, very welcome.
What happens if it rains?
The EcoFair takes place whatever the weather.
We recommend checking the forecast and dressing appropriately, but don’t let a little rain spoil your day!
Can I volunteer?
Yes – and we’d love your help.
The EcoFair is organised entirely by volunteers and there are lots of different ways to get involved, whether you’d like to help before the event or on the day itself.
It’s a great way to meet people, learn new skills, make new friends and help support one of South London’s best-loved community events.
Still have a question?
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please get in touch.
We’ll be happy to help and we look forward to welcoming you to the EcoFair.
