Barking Town Centre will come alive on Sunday 23 August with Summer Streets, an afternoon of free, family‑friendly entertainment at the Short Blue Place from 12pm to 6pm.
The event is part of the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets programme, produced by Barking and Dagenham Council in partnership with Be First, the council’s regeneration company.
Residents can expect a vibrant mix of activities to get the community celebrating together, including:
- Dynamic performances from Linden Dance Company
- Dancing workshops
- Live DJ sets throughout the afternoon
- Hot meals, snacks and drinks available to purchase from local food entrepreneurs until 8pm.
Performances are being curated by ArtsDepot, recently confirmed as the new operators of Barking’s Broadway Theatre.
Two more events are planned for the autumn, with full details to be announced soon.
The Short Blue Place will soon host six new containers for food traders, enhancing its reputation as an eating destination and celebrating local food culture in Barking.
Cllr Dominic Twomey, Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: "It's great that we're able to deliver this free, fun event for the whole community with the support from the Mayor of London.
"We're working hard to provide even more facilities for people to eat, drink and enjoy in Barking Town Centre, and with this event and the soon to arrive permanent food containers, we're delivering on that."
Cllr Rubina Siddiqui, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy and Skills, said: "This event and investment into Barking Town Centre is great to see and will give the local business community a much-needed uplift in footfall.
"It was great to receive this funding from the Mayor of London and we're working hard to secure even more funding to improve the economy in every corner of the borough."
London's Deputy Mayor for Culture and Creative Industries, Justine Simons, said: "I am delighted that Summer Streets is back for a second year, bringing al fresco dining, live music and events to streets right across our capital.
"London's incredible culture and creativity can bring out the very best in our high streets and public spaces, and this fund gives boroughs and businesses the tools to make that happen. I can't wait to see Londoners and visitors enjoy everything on offer this summer, as we build a better London for everyone."