Strut the Square was commissioned by Arbeit Studios Green Lanes as part of their programme to activate Devonshire Square, ahead of its redesign, and the high street in Palmers Green. The event, held on Saturday 20 July, engaged a wider diversity of local people and stakeholders in the town centre development of Palmers Green.

Artist Vedi Roy, in collaboration with local charity shop and social enterprise Philanthropy, styled participants aged 24 to 50 years in clothes from the charity shop. A whole catwalk was installed on the Square and at the end of the fashion show members of the public got involved too. There were 200 attendees throughout the day, with a strong representation from the LGBTQ+ community.  Catwalk participants said taking part in the event had built their confidence, enabled freedom of expression and challenged perceptions.  Esther, the Manager of Philanthropy, said that it was the happiest she has felt while representing communities in Palmers Green.

The event has generated a Palmers Green Queers Group, who would like to hold similar events in the future. The local Vicar has offered to host a winter event in her Church (you can see from the images below she got involved too!).