Events are returning to Barking and Dagenham and they’re starting with a bang as the east London council celebrates the King’s coronation with a weekend of events on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 May.
On Saturday 6 May in Valence Park and Valence House, residents will be able to mark King Charles’ Coronation at the Coronation Day where there will be a whole host of royal themed activities and music for people of all ages to get involved with including:
- Live screening of the Coronation
- Tributes to The Beatles, Spice Girls and Chas and Dave
- Proms in the Park with High Voltage
- Free tours on the Royal Rail train
- Family fun at ‘Barkingham Palace’
- Funfair rides and free bouncy castles for kids
- Stalls and free facepainting for kids
Residents will also be able to walk up the red carpet and have a selfie with the ‘Crown Jewels’.
Sunday 7 May will see the return of the One Borough Festival that will incorporate aspects from previous events including the Steam and Cider Fair and the Roundhouse Music Festival. Alongside tributes to Phil Collins and Genesis, Elvis and Dolly Parton, there will also be music from Basil Gabbidon, founder member of Steel Pulse and brought to you by Love Music Hate Racism, Sistacated Duo and 2022 Roundhouse Unsigned Winner Jordan Hemmingway.
Throughout the day, there will also be steam engines and classic cars on show, thrilling arena acts and dinosaurs returning to Barking and Dagenham.
Over the weekend, there will also be workshops, talks, music bingo and a silent disco taking place in Valence House, where residents will also be able to have a look around the historic building.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership & Engagement, is really looking forward to the weekend and said: “I’m delighted to share the details of our Summer of festivals Weekender and what a way to start this year’s events as we celebrate King Charles’ Coronation.
“We know how much residents enjoy the events that are put on throughout the year and I believe this Weekender will be one to remember. From lots of live music, family fun, workshops and plenty of free activities for everyone to get involved in, it really will be a great couple of days. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone there.”
There will be a variety of food stalls selling cuisines from around the world, but the council is also encouraging residents to bring snacks from home (not alcohol) and have a picnic. There will also be locations around the site where residents can fill up their water bottles for free.
There is a £2 car park on site, which can be accessed via Margery Road.
To find out more about both events, residents should head to www.lbbd.gov.uk/summeroffestivals.