Published: 27 July, 2012
by AMY SMITH

THOUSANDS of people poured into Clerkenwell at the weekend in the sun to experience a celebration of live street art and performance, including an iron horse and a giant “binbot”.

More than 50 artists were involved in the third annual Whitecross Street Party, contributing to a huge outdoor art exhibition with 18 artists producing live paintings on the street.

Founder of the festival and stencil artist, Ted Baden, said: “It’s been a really good weekend. The weather has come out on top and we’re all over the moon. It’s been a hard slog, with a lot of organising, but everyone’s come up with the goods.”

Smells mingled from the long parade of food stalls, while a giant William Blake skull peeked through the buildings. Entire families hula-hooped in the circus skills area, while nearby, a huge dinosaur skeleton appeared to be excavated from the side of a house.

And if you looked closely, on the pavement there were tiny pictures painted on chewing gum by artist Ben Wilson.

Robots were definitely crowd favourites; mime artist Paka paraded his remote-controlled iron horse, while Giles Walker’s robotic artwork “Outside the Box” performed recorded interviews with homeless people.

Mark Bracegirdle, from Single Homeless Project (SHP), explained that the homeless charity have been involved in organising Whitecross Street Party since its inception in 2010.

“I think this weekend has raised SHP’s profile really well,” he said.

“People have been engaging with the homeless robot and understanding some of the difficulties homeless people face. Also, a good number of the stewards and workshop facilitators are SHP clients.”

The bustling street was frozen by the surreal sight of a giant pink robot made of recycling bins rolling its way down the road. For many, it was their favourite moment of the day. “The highlight has to be the bin robot,” resident Paul Renvoize said. “It’s spectacular!”

The art exhibition along Whitecross Street continues until September 9.

>> Click here for pictures of the event