Summer of festivals
In 2015 we held a number of events across the borough to celebrate our 50th anniversary.
They were so well received, and enjoyed by around 100,000 people, that we made 2016, 2017 and 2018 even bigger and better.
We plan to make 2019 the best year yet!
Events programme 2019
One summer.
Over 10 free events.
Have the time of your life!
Keep up to date with all the events
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Council events
- Barking Folk Festival
- Eastbrookend Country Fair
- Caveman Capers - Pre-history Festival
- Steam and Cider Fair
- One Borough Festival
- Roundhouse Music Festival
- Youth Parade
Barking Folk Festival
Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 June
Barking Town Square, Abbey Green and Abbey Ruins
A family-friendly festival celebrating folk music and dance from around the globe, complete with workshops, family fun and sensational street theatre. The evening concert in the beautiful setting of Abbey Ruins showcases the best names in folk music.
Eastbrookend Country Fair
Sunday June TBC
Eastbrookend Country Park.
Escape to the Dagenham countryside for a day of family fun at the Eastbrookend Country Fair, with plenty of shows, entertainment and activities that celebrate the joys of nature and country living.
A family-friendly festival in the grounds of Valence House Museum.
The festival looks at life in ancient times from the days of the caveman to those of the warrior queens that fought the Romans.
The days include demonstrations by costumed performers, including Will Lord, an expert in survival techniques and skilled in making tools from stone.
Workshops include cave painting and archery and our popular archaeological sessions on the poo detectives.
Steam and Cider Fair
Saturday 29 June
Old Dagenham Park
Enjoy traditional entertainment and attractions to reflect the borough’s rural and industrial heritage with steam engines, a classic car show, animals, arena acts and the popular Cider Stage featuring Country and Western favourites.
One Borough Festival
Saturday 20 July
Parsloes Park
This community focused event is back and promises to be even bigger and better.
Thrilling entertainment, dance, street theatre, family fun, and more; you name it we have something for all the family.
Roundhouse Music Festival
Sunday 21 July
Parsloes Park
A retro 70s rock concert with a modern twist to celebrate the rich musical history of the borough’s Roundhouse pub which has played host to some of the world’s most famous rock bands.
Don’t miss our BIG headliner, unbelievable tribute acts and the final of the Roundhouse Unsigned Competition.
Youth Parade
Sunday 22 September
Old Dagenham Park to Parsloes Park
Our sixth annual youth parade to celebrate the borough’s inspirational young people and the positive contribution they make.
The parade culminates with a great family friendly event showcasing a number of clubs, groups and activities aimed at young people.
The event is also jammed packed with free family entertainment, workshops, rides and attractions.
Partner events
Ticket prices apply for events marked *
DAGFEST Toggle accordion
By Creative Barking and Dagenham
Saturday 15 June
Dagenham Village
DAGFEST was the first festival created by local residents - the Cultural Connectors - and is now an annual summer festival with a village feel. In 2019 expect more outstanding circus, dance, street performance and music.
Get involved
How to exhibit at our events, plan a street party or hire a park for your event.
Community Projects Toggle accordion
Flower Folk
Part of #thisisme
Be part of our community project to create handmade flowers for the festivals that symbolises your personality.
Flowers can be knitted or made from recycled plastic bottles or why not knit lengths of beautiful festival bunting.
Please feel free to use the flower or bunting guidance patterns, if required:
How to Knit Your Own Bunting.pdf
We want the whole community to take part!
Deliver your flowers to our Drop Off Points at Barking Learning Centre or Dagenham Library.
For your school, club or family to take part contact us at summeroffestivals@lbbd.gov.uk
Thank you to all the knitters, crafters and artists for their time, their art and their passion!
Exhibiting Toggle accordion
If you wish to exhibit at any or all of the events please complete the stallholder’s form and send back along with all requested documentation:
Stallholders guidance pack 2019
We look forward to working with you on making 2018 another successful year of events!
Catering at the events Toggle accordion
If you would like to cater at our events please complete the application form and checklist and send to us along with the following by Friday 23 February:
- Food Safety Management System based on HACCP Principles (SFBB or equivalent)
- Risk assessment document for the operation of all catering units
- Public Liability insurance (£5 million minimum)
- Proof of local authority registration of all units and current hygiene rating
- Food hygiene certificates for all staff handling food
- Price list
- Photos of food and catering unit
Sponsorship opportunities Toggle accordion
The Summer of festivals event programme will be confirmed shortly and there are some great opportunities for businesses to get involved.
We can offer a range of sponsorship packages and are also always happy to discuss bespoke requests.
Summer of Festivals sponsors brochure 2019
Find out more
Please contact us to arrange a meeting.
Julia Pearson
020 8227 5247
or
Sarah Belchambers
020 8227 3192
Our 2018 sponsors
Once again, we would like to thank all of our 2018 sponsors and partners who, through their support, helped create a very memorable year – we hope to work with you all again.
Hire a park for your proposed event Toggle accordion
The Events team will consider a wide range of event applications for all types of events including:
- fun days
- concerts
- sports events
- festivals
Funfair and circus applications are welcome and are reviewed by the Parks Team.
Organisers can be commercial companies or charitable organisations.
Please note that for large scale events (5,000 people or more), the application window is between September and February.
Events guidance pack (DOCX, 5.72 MB)
To apply to hire a park for your proposed event
Complete the application form and return along with your application fee.
Park hire application form (DOCX, 63.15 KB)
Once your application has been agreed in principle, the following forms must be completed along with your Event Management Plan (EMP).
Designated Premises Supervisor consent form (DOCX, 60.06 KB)
Emergency services event summary sheet (DOCX, 13.96 KB)
Risk assessment template (DOCX, 68.03 KB)
Send completed forms to:
Applications are subject to approval by the council including the Licensing and the Safety Advisory Group.
Street parties Toggle accordion
Street parties are a great way to get to know your neighbours, improve community spirit and have a fun day right on your doorstep - what’s not to like?
Meet your neighbours in a fun way and let everyone join in.
With more independent lives we don’t have many chances to bump into people.
Holding a street party is easier than you might think.
If you are considering planning a street party, please ensure you complete the application form in full providing all the information requested.
Street party application pack (DOCX, 628.13 KB)
Send your completed forms to:
The Events Team
Julia Pearson. Barking Learning Centre, 2 Town Square, Barking, Essex, IG11 7NB
020 8227 5247