Giant creatures, sunset food sharing on rooftops and glittering trucks await to transport East London’s Borough of Redbridge to another world this autumn, with free activities for everyone to enjoy.
You’re invited to be transported into a world of new experiences as part of the Colours of Redbridge ‘Other Worlds’ programme this August and September.
The programme launches at the end of August with ‘Big Small Wonders’, a spectacular street parade featuring giant creatures inspired by land and sea made by Emergency Exit Arts and Kinetika, choreographed by co-founder of STOMP, Carl Smith.
Inspired by sunset food sharing, such as Iftars, picnics and block parties, ‘The Golden Hour’ will celebrate unique and untold stories about local foods and cultures from the rooftop of the Exchange Shopping Centre. The project is directed by Punchdrunk-collaborator Mia Jerome, fresh from her recent collaboration with Sir Lenny Henry, and the delicious menu has been curated by Hackney School of Food.
The season finishes with the world’s first touring electric ‘Truck Art’, designed by residents of Redbridge with London artists and Pakistani-based artisans on the theme of ‘Home Away From Home’. The truck features hand-painted panels from Islamabad artist Abid Bhai and sculpted to life by Redbridge-born blacksmith, Felicity Jones. The moving masterpiece will feature alongside an array of fantastic craft workshops and south Asian musical and dance performances.
This year’s ‘Other Worlds’ programme begins on Saturday 30 August with the ‘Big Small Wonders’ parade through Valentines Park and Ilford High Street. This is followed by the ‘Golden Hour’ immersive dining experience which starts on Friday 5 September at the Ilford Exchange. The season finishes with ‘Home Away From Home’, a touring Truck Art showcase, which begins on Saturday 27 September at Hainault Forest Visitor’s Centre.
All events are free to attend and there are activities suitable for all ages, interests and accessibility requirements. Booking is recommended for most workshops and activities, which can be done online or over the phone, although there will also be some spaces for people to turn up on the day.
For the full programme listings, visit the Colours of Redbridge website, call 020 8708 2858 and choose option 4, or keep an eye out for listings in your local library.
Photo Credit: Nyla Sammons for Colours of Redbridge
Community Producer, Val Simpson said: “The Big Small Wonders parade has given me a real sense of purpose and of community. The local residents have helped to create something fantastic, inclusive and unlike anything you have ever seen before. We hope to see you there!”
Local Blacksmith, Felicity Jones said: “Creating the truck has been such a beautiful project to be part of and an incredible opportunity to build something bold and unique that truly reflects the creativity, diversity, and imagination of the community. I’ve especially loved running the community metal workshops, where participants poured their own ideas into custom panel designs. Seeing people grow in confidence and express themselves creatively through metalwork has been a real highlight. I can’t wait for people to experience the truck for themselves.”
Programme Director of Colours of Redbridge, Pete Nichols, said: “I really hope people love the events we’re putting on this year. Each project has been shaped by our community, every step of the way. Our job now is to deliver something truly transformative for people in Redbridge and do their ideas justice. All the activities are free, and I hope people come along, enjoy what they see and tell all their friends and family. This is a great opportunity to get out, have fun and connect with each other.”
For anyone interested in getting more involved in the Colours of Redbridge programme, please email hello@colours.red.
About the programme:
Colours of Redbridge is a programme of community-led arts and culture in the borough of Redbridge. It is part of Creative People and Places (CPP), a national programme from Arts Council England, where local people decide what culture happens in their area.
The programme supports people who live, work or study in Redbridge develop their own creative and cultural projects for everyone to enjoy.
As well as Arts Council England, the programme is supported by the following local organisations: Friends of Loxford; Muslimah Sports Association; Ekota Academy; Age UK; SPACE Studios; Community Action Redbridge; Ilford Business Improvement District; and Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure.
