This almost secret event became very apparent to those living and working near Red Market in Old St, due to 50 tonnes of snow dropped there turning the area into a street scene snow park. Set up with a massive snow drop leading to rails, which were surrounded by London icons such as a postbox, a big red bus and a telephone box, the scene was set for London meets the mountains and as O’Neill’s slogan said, who needs a mountain.
Tonight was all about showcasing the UK’s finest skiers and snowboarders in a unique urban setting.
The event started with 24 riders in an open jam with cash prizes on offer for the best tricks. These involved using the telephone box and bus shelter and was a great exhibition of the skills these riders had. The most noteworthy trick was by Team GB snowboarder Jamie Trinder, performing a 50:50 frontflip off the London bus shelter, which really got the crowd going. However it was snowboarder Sparrow Knox that came first place, winning £500 plus £200 for winning two earlier best trick runs. On talking about his win Knox said “I just like to ride, we were all here as mates, I totally didn’t expect to win. It was a great format and a mad set-up.” For the skiers it was 17 year old TJ Harding who came first, bagging himself the £500 cash prize. Harding said “It’s something special to win in a place like this, completely unexpected. A great way to set up for the winter.”
The surroundings really enhanced the nature of this event, with graffiti clad walls from such artists as Stik and ROA, which were complimented by a live graffiti installation created whilst the riders warmed-up. Food stalls from local foodies, such as the iconic Burger Bear were available, offering ‘Burgers, Disco and Good Times’ with their amazing stacked burgers and ‘angry fries’. Stocked bars were armed with a selection of drinks, but it was the hot apple cider that was much needed to warm up many people throughout the event.
The MC’s for the evening really helped bring the night together, informing and entertaining the crowd, making them laugh throughout the event, which helped us forget how cold it really was out there.
O’Neill’s Shoreditch Showdown showed the 500 strong crowd the talent the UK has to offer in skiing and snowboarding, but it also showed it’s innovation and creativity. O’Neill’s #RIDEMORE campaign is about finding alternative ways to ride and to find different terrain, to step outside the ordinary. This definitely was no ordinary event and we can only hope to see more unique events in the near future.
Image Credits: O’Neill Shoreditch Showdown, Sam Mellish
