Short Blue Place in Barking will host two more Summer Streets events in October featuring dance, art and delicious food.
The two events are part of the launch of Short Blue Food Court, a new street food market in Barking town centre.
With funding from the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets programme, the council has installed 6 food kiosks on Short Blue Place, where local food businesses will prepare and sell hot food, drinks and snacks.
The event on 24 October will be the official launch of the market with a takeover event curated by arts group One Room Collective. Customers spending over £10 on food at the market will receive tickets for a raffle with prizes including shopping vouchers and a tour around the Women’s Museum.
Food traders taking over the new kiosks include:
Noodle Bar have been selling their delicious Singaporean noodles in the area for over six years.
Dragos Romanian - Alexandra and Dragos create a variety of dishes inspired by their Romanian heritage.
Nomie’s Kitchen is grounded in the Nigerian food that founder Vivian experienced growing up. Expect rich and authentic dishes, including stews, tasty soups, rice, pies and sweet treats.
Sital Jeel serve a range of Sudanese food including falafel, liver, lentil soup, burgers, fish and omelettes, as well as authentic ginger tea, coffee and juices.
Samarkand Palav is a family run street food business whose signature dish is Palav, a rice dish from Uzbekistan. They have a variety of other dishes, including vegan, all with the authentic flavours of central Asia.
The two events follow a previous one held in August where hundreds of residents enjoyed dance performances and delicious food.
As well as food, residents can enjoy cultural activities and performances:
Friday 16 October, 4pm – 6pm - curated by artsdepot:
- 4pm-6pm: A Recipe for Barking & Dagenham arts workshop with Sarina Mantle
- 4.15pm-4.45pm: Get involved with the National Centre for Circus Arts
- 5pm-5.30pm: Roll Play performance by Simply Cypher
- 5.30pm-6pm: Get involved with the National Centre for Circus Arts
Saturday 24 October, 12pm – 2pm - curated by artsdepot and One Room Collective:
- 12pm: Public welcome and DJ starts
- 12.10pm: One Room takeover begins
- 12.10 to 1pm: Emerging local artists showcase
- 1.15pm to 1.30pm: Maryam – singer/songwriter
- 1.30pm to 1.45pm: Kayden Rons - singer/songwriter
- 1.45pm to 2pm: Svetlana - singer/songwriter
artsdepot were announced as the preferred operator of Broadway Theatre in Barking earlier this year.
Cllr Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “These events are a great opportunity for residents and visitors to come together, enjoy free entertainment and support local businesses.
“The launch of our new food court is another important step in our work to create a thriving town centre that people are proud to visit, work in and spend time in.”
Cllr Rubina Siddiqui, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Skills, said: “The new Short Blue Food Court will provide exciting opportunities for local entrepreneurs and independent food businesses to showcase what they have to offer.
"I encourage residents to come along, enjoy the activities and sample the fantastic food on offer.”
Funding for the events and the new food kiosks containers has come from the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets programme.