Weavers Fields is a lovely open space in the crowded Bethnal Green area of London. At just over 6 hectares in area, it is not the largest of such London green spaces, but it is one of the most welcome. The name of the park comes from this area having once been the centre of London's silk weaving trade.

There are several large park sculptures that pay homage to its industrial past, featuring motifs such as silk moths, ribbons, weaving shuttles, spinning wheels, and mulberry leaves. The entrance sign to the fields also features a "woven" theme, with interlaced red and black iron bars supporting the signpost.

Each year the park hosts the Baishakhi Mela Festival, which is a celebration of the Bengali New Year and the largest such celebration in the UK. This street festival is extremely popular, and is second only to the Notting Hill Carnival in terms of attendance.

More than 100,000 people turn out for the Baishakhi Mela event, which is a celebration of Bengali and Bangladeshi food, art, and music. This event has been taking place here since 1997 and just gets more interesting and elaborate with each passing year.

The park has an impressive array of tree varieties. The Tower Hamlets Borough Council has made a serious effort at sustainability in recent years by planting over 200 native trees in the park. Majestic trees like the horse chestnut, rowan, hawthorn, and ash tower over the open space. The eastern edge has wild cherry, silver birch, and aspen trees and an assortment of rustic grasses. In this area, you will find a fenced dog walking section as well.

The paths are informal and wheelchair friendly, and there is also a children's play. Two football pitches are also available for those who are a bit more sports-minded.

If you find yourself in need of refreshment, there is a community café at the centre of the park, too.

This park provides a much needed oasis of leafy green for the people in this intensely urban part of London.

Visiting Weavers Fields

Bethnal Green Road, Shoreditch, E2 6HD

Photo courtesy: LoopZilla

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