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Saturday 18 July 2026, 12.00pm to 1.00pm
Sunday 19 July 2026, 12.00pm to 12.00pm
Adanna Women’s Support Group warmly invites you to join us in celebrating South Asian Heritage Month
This special event is centred around storytelling and embracing unity in our differences, creating a welcoming space to share experiences, celebrate culture, and build community connections.
What to expect:
Tuesday 21 July 2026, 1.00pm to 5.00pm
Enjoy with popcorn and refreshments
FREE Children’s Arts & Crafts
Friday 24 July 2026, 9.00am to Sunday 30 August 2026, 7.00pm
New for Summer 2026, young visitors can take on 'Choose Your Tudor', an interactive trail based around professions from the Tudor era.
A fun and exciting way to learn about the Tudors whilst exploring the house and gardens.
Sunday 26 July 2026, 1.00pm to 5.00pm
Enjoy with popcorn and refreshments
Free Children’s Arts & Crafts
Tuesday 28 July 2026, 1.00pm to 5.00pm
Enjoy with popcorn and refreshments
Free Children’s Arts & Crafts
Thursday 30 July 2026, 9.00am to Saturday 28 November 2026, 7.00pm
This brand-new exhibition celebrates our borough’s footballing legacy and features objects on loan from the National Football Museum and the world's largest private football collection.
Thursday 30 July 2026, 10.09am to Wednesday 30 September 2026, 1.00am
Splashy Land in Barking Park brings together three major experiences: London’s biggest splash park, the UK’s only Unicorn Boating Lake, and Bounsea, a giant inflatable obstacle course.
The perfect place for families searching for outdoor activities!
Get free tickets
Free tickets available for B&D residents. Competition closes on Sunday 16 August.
Thursday 30 July 2026, 12.30pm to Thursday 20 August 2026, 2.30pm
This series of writing workshops, led by Preetha Leela Chockalingam, focuses on decolonising thinking, letting go of inherited beliefs linked to colonialism, while using South Asian history as a starting point.
Participants will be encouraged to turn their thoughts and feelings into writing such as poetry, short stories, scripts, or the beginnings of a novel.
Online through Pen to Print
Saturday 1 August 2026, 9.00am to Saturday 29 August 2026, 7.00pm
Create a scratch‑art portrait of someone important to you. Scratch away the surface to reveal bright colours and patterns underneath, and share your story through art.
Suitable for all ages.
Saturday 1 August 2026, 9.00am to Wednesday 30 September 2026, 7.00pm
Collect a map or activity pack from the Discovery Centre, and get ready meet Arty and his many friends along the way!
Saturday 1 August 2026, 11.00am to 12.30pm
Led by photographer and curator David Bennet, the Brilliant Trees Exhibition, this season, we’ll be exploring the summer trees of Valence Park on a relaxed, family‑friendly photography walk.
Suitable for all ages.
Wednesday 5 August 2026, 11.00am to 12.00pm
Bring your littlest Vikings along for a gentle, sensory introduction to the world of the North. Museum Minis sessions are designed to spark wonder through storytelling and singing.
Suitable for under 5s.
Wednesday 5 August 2026, 12.00pm to 3.00pm
Come along with Company Drinks for a delightful blackberry picking walk! Enjoy the beauty of nature together.
It’s a perfect way to connect with neighbours, enjoy fresh air, and gather the season's best berries!
Thursday 6 August 2026, 10.30am to 11.30am
From bug hunts and mini‑beast spotting and scavenger trails to picnics and outdoor story moments, pack a snack, grab your hats and suncream, and come and explore!
Suitable for ages 0 – 4 years old.
Saturday 8 August 2026, 12.00pm to 2.00pm
Come along for an afternoon of conversation, creativity and cultural exchange featuring community stories, family activities including henna, calligraphy and bracelet making, plus a community show-and-tell.
Suitable for ages 5+.
Adults £3, Child £2
Saturday 8 August 2026, 12.00pm to 2.00pm
From 12pm to 2pm, visitors are invited to drop in, enjoy tea and cake, and take part in a relaxed afternoon shaped by the people of Barking & Dagenham.
Two short presentations will explore themes of equality and lived experience, ensuring that guests can catch a session whenever they arrive. They are:
Tuesday 11 August 2026, 11.00am to 2.00pm
Ever wondered if snakes really are slippery? It’s time to find out!
Gain a better understanding of these fascinating creatures, plus, enjoy reptile- and bird-themed interactive sessions!
Tuesday 11 August 2026, 11.00am to 12.30pm
The Valence Craft Lab is a playful, ever‑changing space for hands‑on making. Explore, experiment, invent, and bring imaginative characters and objects to life.
Craft a unique companion to take home! Book online, suitable for ages 5+.
£5 per child