During the Golden Hour, your senses will be awakened with smells, tastes and even the sounds of unique and untold stories about local foods and cultures.
Inspired by sunset food sharing, such as Iftars, picnics and block parties, the centrepiece of the evening is a communal and magical rooftop meal at sunset. As you eat, characters from the recipes will draw you into their worlds and bring the dishes to life with stories and activities. At the end of the evening, you can reflect on your own memories of food and how it gives us a sense of belonging. This family-friendly event will leave you feeling fuller, both in your belly and your soul.
Contains: food sharing, immersive stories, family-friendly theatre.
Who is this for?
These immersive dining experiences are family friendly and welcome to all. Under 16s will need to be accompanied by an adult.
What is the format of each event?
Working with Hackney School of Food, we have curated a culturally-rich, four-course menu inspired by local stories from people in Redbridge. As you arrive, you will enter a recreation of a local street party, where the dishes will be presented by the characters from each story. As well as eating and enjoying the food, you will experience live performances reflecting the stories we have collected and there will also be some activities for you to try.
The menu is a mix of vegetarian and vegan food which will be announced closer to the time. Food allergens will be labelled but we are unable to accommodate individual requests.
The events are running on:
- Friday 5th September & Saturday 6th September, approx. 6-8PM*
- Friday 12th September & Saturday 13th September, approx. 5:45-7:45PM*
- Friday 19th September & Saturday 20th September, approx. 5:30-7:30PM*
*As the event is centred around sunset, exact times will be confirmed closer to the event.
How to book?
Use the link on the right-hand side of the page to book via Bookwhen or call us on 020 8708 2858 and choose option 4. For more information, email hello@colours.red.
Booking guarantees you a space, but there will also be some spaces available first-come-first-served on the day.
**Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the advertised start time as any empty spaces will be reallocated on the day.**
How do I get there?
The event will be held at the Exchange Shopping Centre, Level 6 Carpark Roof, 112 High Road, Ilford IG1 1RS.
Exact meeting points will be confirmed closer to the event. Note that this an outdoor event, although there are covered areas and spaces to sit and relax.
We recommend taking public transport where possible. Many bus routes and the Elizabeth Line stop nearby at Ilford station (a 5 minute walk), and there is limited parking at the Exchange Shopping Centre Car Park. Plan your journey at tfl.gov.uk.
Access
All our activities are step-free with facilities such as accessible toilets. Most activities can be easily adapted for people with varying disabilities or neurodiversity.
There is a Changing Places Facility on site, accessible on Level 1 via lift or stairs. At least one of the performances will offer BSL interpretation or live captioning. Please contact us to reserve a space for this opportunity.
Please email us at access@colours.red to discuss your requirements.
About the Artists
Mia Jerome – Writer and Director: Mia hails from Barking and Dagenham, and is an actress, writer, director and dramaturg. She studied Creative Writing & Television at Kingston University and trained as an actress and theatre maker at Fourth Monkey Theatre Company. She is an associate artist at Punchdrunk and recently wrote and directed ‘Rice & Peas’ – a three course, three act, immersive dining experience inspired by her family history. Mia will be writing and directing the food story performances of the evening.
Valentina Miranda – Set and Costume: Valentina is a Brazilian performance designer and multidisciplinary artist. She has recently worked with Black Women Kindness Initiative for their performance of ‘Unheard, Now Spoken’, amplifying the stories of women in Redbridge. She will be working closely with Mia to create an immersive and exciting setting for the ‘Golden Hour’ event.
Will Alder – Lighting: Before working with Colours of Redbridge, Will led the conversion of a Grade II listed building into an arts centre and community space in East London. He is an international Lighting Designer for theatre and events.
Hackney School of Food: A community-powered food education hub in East London. They teach children, families, and adults to cook and grow food in a way that’s fun, inclusive, and rooted in everyday life. They will be working with volunteers from Redbridge to design and create the four-course menu for the event.
Wayne Snooze – Illustrator: Wayne is an Associate Artist for Colours of Redbridge, working closely with our Community Producers to create the ‘Golden Hour’ event. He is also an illustrator passionate about creating work that is relatable and inclusive. Wayne will design a Zine that encompasses the inspiring food stories collected from the people of Redbridge.
Please arrive 10 minutes before the advertised start time as any empty spaces will be reallocated on the day.
*Image Credit ‘Golden Hour’, Wayne Snooze
