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 and 2017 even bigger and better.
We plan to make 2018 the best year yet!
Events programme 2018
One summer.
Over 10 free events.
Have the time of your life!
SOF Save the Date leaflet 2018 (PDF, 733.27 KB)
Keep up to date with all the events
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Council events
Barking Folk Festival Toggle accordion
Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 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 Toggle accordion
Sunday 24 June.
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.
Steam and Cider Fair Toggle accordion
Saturday 30 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 Toggle accordion
Saturday 21 July.
Parsloes Park.
This community focused event is back and promises to be even bigger and better.
This year is themed ‘Heroine of the Stage’ to mark the 100th anniversary of women winning the vote. The stage programme will be dedicated to the best of musical theatre.
Thrilling entertainment, dance, street theatre, family fun, and more; you name it we have something for all the family.
Roundhouse Music Festival Toggle accordion
Monday 27 August.
Central 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 Toggle accordion
Sunday 16 September.
Barking Park to Abbey Green.
Our fifth 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 7 July.
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 2018 expect more outstanding circus, dance, street performance and music.
Now That’s a Festival * Toggle accordion
By Actz Media and ADS Events.
Friday 24, Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 August 2018.
Central Park.
Big name music concert that promises to take you on a nostalgic musical journey!
With food, drink, entertainment, fairground rides, shopping and fashion shows.
R&B Sunday * Toggle accordion
By Actz Media and ADS Events.
Sunday 26 August.
Central Park.
Part of the 'Now That's a Festival' event.
Get involved
How to exhibit at our events, plan a street party or hire a park for your event.
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 2018 (DOCX, 95.53 KB)
Stallholders application form 2018 (DOC, 581.50 KB)
We look forward to working with you on making 2018 another successful year of events!
Sponsorship opportunities Toggle accordion
The Summer of Festivals event programme has now been confirmed 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 2018 (PDF, 1.55 MB)
Find out more
Please contact us to arrange a meeting.
Julia Pearson
020 8227 5247
or
Sarah Belchambers
020 8227 3192
Our 2017 sponsors
Once again, we would like to thank all of our 2017 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 the terms and conditions form, and return along with your application fee.
Park hire application form (DOCX, 63.15 KB)
Park hire terms and conditions (DOCX, 70.38 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