As large outdoor events can’t take place right now and all of Barking and Dagenham Council’s ‘Summer of festivals’ events cancelled, we’re making it possible to bring the festival experience directly to the homes of our residents with the One Borough One Love Festival!

On Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, from 11am to 9pm each day, we will be streaming the festival  bringing people live music, family fun and various workshops. Acts over the weekend include none other than legendary singing sensation Lulu along with reggae greats, Talisman, folk troubadour Beans on Toast, children’s TV presenter Andy Day with his Dino Raps show, Freddie Mercury and Dolly Parton tribute acts, international touring DJ/Dance act, Show Me Love and many, many more including loads of fantastic local music, dance and entertainment acts straight from Barking and Dagenham.

We know people have been disappointed that going to a festival this year has just not been possible. So, to bring that experience to the homes of our residents is such a wonderful idea and I know people in the borough and beyond, will absolutely enjoy!

Free ‘love heart’ craft packs were also sent out to our most vulnerable families and people in the borough. This was followed up by Saturday morning online craft workshops, via our Summer of festivals’ Facebook page, over the last few Saturdays and included fun family entertainment including magic shows and storytelling, which were a great success.

And there’s more… we also asked people to nominate local superheroes who went above and beyond during lockdown. We will be featuring very special dedications at the festival and nine lucky nominees received a live dedication and surprise performance from their street, with their very own mini festival which will also be shown during the course of the weekend.

Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, is really looking forward to this weekend of events. She said: “We know people have been disappointed that going to a festival this year has just not been possible. So, to bring that experience to the homes of our residents is such a wonderful idea and I know people in the borough and beyond, will absolutely enjoy!

“I for one, can’t wait specially to see Lulu and of course, all the acts performing who are from right here in Barking and Dagenham. Clear the diary and make sure you’re around to watch the One Borough One Love Festival on the weekend of the 19 and 20 September.”

For up-to-date information visit the Summer of festivals’ Facebook page in the lead up to the event.