Roundwood Park

Roundwood Park has been the setting for many public events. In its long history it had seen numerous religious and political open-air meetings, circuses, and much other such events. For many years it was home to the Willesden Show when the place would be crowded with people. Owners of pets of many types, flowers and vegetables, and even 'bonny babies' would compete for prizes in large canvas tents. Art and crafts were shown, and demonstrations of dog handling, sheep shearing, parachuting and trick motor cycling given. Later this became the Brent Show.[3][4][6]

Summer theatre, near the basketball court.

For more than 10 years after the Park opened, the Willesden Junction Brass Band gave concerts at the bandstand. This became so popular, that a new rustic-type bandstand was built to the south of the "Gymnasium", where more space for the audience was available. The hilltop became the viewing point.[3][4][6] Once Wembley Stadium was erected, it could be seen from the viewing point.

As band concerts lost their popularity, so the park lost its bandstand. In its place a new Summer Theatre was built in 1959. It has seen Shakespeare performances. Currently it is closed and run down, only used occasionally for special events.[3][4][6] The Summer Theatre was demolished in 2013.

Once a model railway track existed here. It was set up by the Willesden and West London Society of Model Engineers. A temporary track had been laid for the 1953 Willesden Carnival, and in 1954 it opened as a permanent attraction.

Charges for rides were 6d for adults and 3d for children, of which the Council took 50%. By 1957, steam engines were circuiting the raised loop of multiple gauge track during the summer months (subject to weather) on Thursday evenings and weekend afternoons & evenings. Roundwood Park Model Railway Club were running the enterprise in the early 1970s, but gradually the system fell into disuse, and was removed in 1998.[3][4]

To mark the 100th anniversary of the park in 1995, the paved rosebush-lined central pathway was equipped with sturdy new seats and a Victorian-style gazebo.[3][4][6]

After an approach by Willesden & District Caged Birds Society in 1955, the Council approved the establishment of an aviary. It was erected the next year. Although successfully fox-proof, it has been a target for thieves. Budgerigars worth £50 were stolen in the summer of 1963, and since then the security of the building was improved. Among the occupants are zebra finches, budgerigars, cockatiels, canaries, and golden pheasants.[3][4]

The wildlife area is a recent addition to the park. It used to have a pond surrounding the large willow tree. This has been filled in to prevent children from drowning. This particular area is the quietest section of the park, and also sanctuary for birds such as blue tit, common chaffinch, mistle thrush and great spotted woodpecker, as well as many common species.[3][4][6]

The fish pond near the Lodge was proposed by the Willesden & District Aquarist Club during 1956, and completed in 1957. It boasts a large willow and tulip trees.[3][4][6] In summer, turtles live in the pond.

Roundwood Park has always been devoted to floral displays, and a quiet and relaxing environment. Sporting activities are not usually catered for, with the exception of a bowling green built near the centre of the southern path, next to the café. It opened in June 1924 and has been successful ever since. It has occasionally been the target for vandalism, for example in 1958, but is usually in good condition.[3][4]

On the other side of the hill there is a basketball court. It was originally the children's playground then known as the Gymnasium. Between this and the fence is the storage area for compost, the recycling station.[3][4] There also used to be a putting green.

Sports facilities in Roundwood Park include:

• 
  Bowling Green, next to the Lodge Café
• 
  Basketball Court, near the Summer Theatre

George Irvin's Fun Fair

Current events, including George Irvin's Fun Fair (occurring every May 1 – 10),[9] Zippos Circus, and Eid Prayer in the Park, usually take place in the open space to the south of the park rather than in the main territory.

The annual fireworks display on Guy Fawkes Day is one of the few in London.[1]

The annual Brent Respect Festival is also a major event, celebrating the diversity and talent of the Brent community. It features many shows, workshops and theatrical performances.[10]