After a decade-long pause, The Roxeth Show will be making a return to South Harrow on Saturday (July 12), more than 45 years after South Harrow and Roxeth Ratepayers Association put on the first event in 1979.
Having largely been driven by one individual, Ian Jones, a “great deal of energy and leadership” behind the show was lost when he died and, despite local charity Harrow and Pinner Lions taking over the running of it, the event came to an end in 2014.
Now a team of residents has rallied to bring it back.
South Harrow is a diverse part of the borough – with large Nepalese, Romanian, and Sri Lankan communities – and The Roxeth Show, held at Roxeth Recreational Ground, was seen as a way of bringing people together.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Cllr Rashmi Kalu believes the death of Mr Jones “marked a turning point”.
He said ‘Can we bring it back?’ was still one of the most common questions at his Roxeth library surgeries.
Cllr Kalu said: “I’ve lost count of how many residents have asked ‘whatever happened to The Roxeth Show?’ It’s clear there’s a real sense of loss and a longing to restore something that once brought so many people together.
“What made it so special was how it reflected diversity – from Bollywood dancers to Morris men, it brought cultures together in a way that felt natural and celebratory. In today’s digital age, where people can easily retreat into online silos and have fewer reasons to engage with those outside their immediate circles, I think we’ve lost a key part of what made local life so rich.”
Due to support from park groups, teachers, Scout leaders, business and residents, what started as “a few nostalgic conversations in coffee shops and community meetings” has turned into a reality. The “demanding” logistics are taking up most of his evenings now but Cllr Kalu said the passion behind it makes it all worthwhile.
The Leader of the Harrow District Scouts volunteer team, Paul Turner, has been instrumental in making the event happen. Having attended every Roxeth Show from 1979 to 2014, Paul has been able to advise on what worked and what “didn’t quite go to plan”.
Paul said: “We had a hot air balloon one year that inflated but we were unable to get it in the air. The largest ferris wheel in the country; that one was a bit messy. A Wild Wild West show that required the most safety regulations we ever needed, there were live rounds and explosions and real cowboy re-enactments.
“And the fireworks for the 20th show—those were special. More people joined in the evening celebrations, and it felt like something for the whole community.”
Welldon Park Primary School assistant headteacher and Roxeth Show committee member Louise Bloomfield said she is “thrilled” to have the opportunity to help organise the day. She added: “The Roxeth Show is a fantastic way to connect with neighbours, celebrate our community, and enjoy a fun-filled day. I remember the shows of my childhood and can’t wait to see everyone come together to make it truly special.”
Roxeth Park Friends Group chair Dr Manek Patel described the festival’s return as “something special” and “a long time coming”.
He said: “All of our walking group and tai chi practitioners have been looking forward to this day for months. We have missed it. Our community has always been here but it’s always a bit more special to have the full tapestry of South Harrow with us.”
Between 11am and 5.30pm on Saturday, Cllr Kalu said the Roxeth Recreational Ground “will be buzzing” with food stalls, live music, and family activities. There will be pizza, kathi rolls and cocktails, while local acts like Trumpet Musketeers and Indie Choir perform.
Welldon Park Primary will lead a number of showcases, alongside the “legendary dog show” – compered by Radio Harrow and pet shop judges – and Pepe’s Peri Peri Extreme Wing Eating Challenge, which is “definitely not for the faint-hearted”. As well as the top prize in the community raffle to include two tickets to England vs Wales at Wembley Stadium, Cllr Kalu said the festival is “shaping up to be the community event of the summer”.
