Sutton STEAM Fair brings family entertainment to the High Street

Small crowd of people watching a young woman playing the guitar and singing
The Sutton STEAM Fair brought an incredible week of extraordinary attractions, lively workshops and fun memories for almost 10,000 attendees! From live performances to pottery-making to flying drones, this has certainly been the best fair yet!
The fair opened from Sunday 25 June with taster events that would appeal to all ages; an anime drawing workshop for teens, a painting party for young children, and a separate Paint and Party event which gave adults the chance to get social with a brush and drink of choice. Friday 30 June saw 17 schools from across the borough visit Sutton Grammar School for a special Schools STEAM Fair Day, where Sutton’s pupils experienced scientific experiments, zorbing, art workshops and more! The Mayor Cllr Colin Stears was in attendance; given an impeccable tour through BMX displays, pottery making and music workshops, by the student advisory group who helped plan the STEAM Fair.
 
Patricia Park CEO of Enjoy Sutton, The Town Centre Business Improvement District said:
 
‘We were delighted that through this series of STEAM events we were able to engage with over 9800 people through activities, workshops, and performances. Over 1000 Sutton primary and secondary school students attended our Schools day at Sutton Grammar. It’s wonderful to see months of planning and the vision of our Year 12 focus group delivered to the benefit of so many. Roll on 2024!’
On Saturday 1 July, Sutton High Street and Manor Park were filled with activities enjoyed by many residents and families. Attendees were spoilt for choice with Immersive Experiences who brought a flood of bubbles, a VR session and a planetarium to the STEAM fair! The many food outlets were heaving with enthralled fair goers. You might have even heard the next great music artist being born if you passed by the DJ workshop with music producer Paolo Tossio, or the First Class Rap workshop with Rap Game UK winner, Big Jest. Moreover, the Sutton STEAMs Ahead Shed Loads of Happiness project brought together and celebrated community groups across Sutton with exhibits all about what makes them happy.
 
The day was closed out by a brilliant demonstration from Gravity Industries, launching into the air in a jet-powered flight suit for all attendees to watch in awe. Thank you to all the exhibitors, businesses, organisers, workers and volunteers who came together to make this one of the most successful events in Sutton history!
Beverley Dixon, Member of African and Caribbean Heritage Association (ACHA) said:
 
‘I just wanted to say how much I enjoyed the event on Saturday. Everything ran so smoothly and the children in particular had a lovely time. I think the community really appreciated all the hard work.’
 
An attendee of the Sutton STEAM Fair said:
 
‘I went with my family to the STEAM fair in Sutton yesterday and I was extremely impressed. What a fun, interesting and inspiring day out we had! I honestly couldn’t believe how good it was and wish to pass on my thanks and praise to the organisers and participants.’
 
STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. All these themes were represented across the STEAM fair and the Sutton STEAMs Ahead programme, which continues throughout 2023. Keep up with the rest of the programme by following the website.

Did you attend the STEAM fair? Let us know your thoughts by filling out a very short questionnaire.
A young woman dressed in a lab coat and large green hair holding a bubble blowing machine
Mayor Cllr Colin Stears placing a VR headset on his face
Small crowd of people watching a young woman playing the guitar and singing
A cluster of school children wearing high-vis jackets looking towards Mayor Cllr Colin Stears
An young male rapper having a pleasant conversation with a small female child
A woman hovering over the ground in a green and brown coloured flight suit with air thrusters attached to her arms