Celebrating Hopping Memories

Over 200 residents and guests helped THCH celebrate our annual hop festival at the courtyard garden just off Cable Street on 8 September

The festival, now into it's fourth year, celebrates an East End tradition going back generations, which saw many families leave the tough life of inner city London for a month in the fresh air of the hop fields of the Kent countryside.

Many families saw this period as a working holiday, with the hop season a chance to meet up with old friends and make new acquaintances, the chance for East End children to play in a clean and safe environment away from the hustle and bustle of London, and of course, the chance to earn a few extra pounds.

Our first festival was held in September 2006 and the event has become a mainstay of the THCH events calendar.  This year, partygoers were entertained with a band playing many 'old classics' whilst there was plenty to eat with traditional East End favorites, pie & mash and jellied eels.

Member of Parliament for Poplar & Limehouse, Jim Fitzpatrick and Baroness Uddin both popped in, spending sometime chatting to residents and enjoying the occasion.

To view images of the day, please see our Facebook page by clicking here

Four years ago we decided to remember this bygone age when we completed the Thirza House development and to make sure the traditions of the past are not forgotten and each year, have produced a booklet and photographic exhibition to run alongside the festival.

Both the booklet and exhibition have been created using many images kindly donated by residents.  A copy of the booklet is available to download below (slow download) or on request to Rene Poole by calling 020 7780 3070.

Hopping Exhibition

This years' exhibition will take place between 20-24 September at 285 Commercial Road, London, E1 2PS.  The event will be open between 9am and 5pm.