Month: October 2025

The programme puts culture in the hands of the local community 

Colours of Redbridge has been awarded £998,936 as part of Arts Council England’s largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio, which sees £42 million invested in 45 programmes from 2026–29, to deliver more grassroots-led cultural experiences in areas across England where involvement in arts and culture is below the national average. 

Colours of Redbridge is an ongoing programme in East London that uses arts and culture to bring communities together and make a positive difference. It empowers Redbridge residents to lead creative projects, from large-scale artistic commissions to community-run workshops.  

Watch this short video clip to find out more on the latest project from Colours of Redbridge `Home Away from Home’ Touring Truck Art:

By amplifying underrepresented voices, building skills, and supporting wellbeing, the programme tackles social challenges while fostering pride and creativity. Its inclusive, community-led approach helps create lasting cultural engagement, making Redbridge a more connected and vibrant place where people from all backgrounds feel valued and empowered.   

CPPs bring together community, grassroots and cultural organisations as partners to take the lead in choosing, creating and taking part in creative and cultural activities. CPPs are empowering local people to pursue the art they want, where they live.   

This funding is made possible thanks to National Lottery players. Every National Lottery ticket purchased generates money for good causes and enables people in villages, towns, and cities up and down the country to get access to cultural experiences where they live. 

Martin Solder, Chair of Vision Redbridge Culture & Leisure (Lead Consortium Member) said:
“As the lead organisation and host for Colours of Redbridge, we are absolutely thrilled to have secured this funding for our community. The programme has truly transformed the cultural landscape of our borough, empowering residents to take the lead in commissioning and creating outstanding arts and culture. Witnessing this phenomenal impact has been inspiring, and we can’t wait to see what our community will achieve in the next three years.” 

Michelle Walker, London Area Director, Arts Council England, said:
“Creative People and Places is about empowering people to bring creativity into everyday spaces in ways that are important to them. We’re thrilled to support a new round of locally rooted projects that reflect the energy and diversity of London’s communities, from citizen-led assemblies and eco-focused events to youth-driven initiatives. With National Lottery funding, these programmes will help Londoners shape the cultural life of their neighbourhoods.”  

For more information visit the Colours of Redbridge website.


Black History Month honours the past and inspires the future

Each October, the UK comes together to recognise and celebrate the contributions, achievements, culture and history of Black people both here and around the world. First celebrated in the UK in 1987, Black History Month has since developed its own distinct identity, shaped by the UK’s unique history and diverse society.

But why October? The month was chosen to align with the start of the academic year, encouraging schools and universities to engage from the outset. This provides opportunities for education, creativity, and reflection. Vision Libraries support this with a programme of school sessions, alongside a wide variety of community events.

Black History Month in Redbridge

This October, Vision Redbridge are proud to present a programme of activities for all ages – from performances and workshops to storytelling and personal histories. Events will highlight the achievements of Black individuals in Redbridge while celebrating the deep cultural heritage of African and Caribbean communities.

Launch Weekend – Patois by Jeanefer Jean-Charles & Associates

Kick off Black History Month with Patois, a powerful performance by British-Caribbean choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE. Blending traditional Caribbean choreography, contemporary dance and original music, Patois explores lost languages, longing and belonging, reawakening hidden voices and stories of the past.

Saturday 4 October
11am and 2pm
Ken Aston Square (outside Fullwell Cross Library), Barkingside IG6 2EA
Free, all ages welcome – seating available

A Weekend of Culture and Colour

Alongside Patois, enjoy a vibrant mix of performances, workshops and art in Barkingside, in partnership with Colours of Redbridge:

  • Sakthi Fine Arts Dance Group – 11:40am
  • Ambassadors of Dohl – 2:40pm
  • Inclusive art workshops with Barkingside Art Club (for children and young people with SEND)
  • Arts Award Discover in a Day craft activities
  • Home Away from Home Truck Art – a dazzling, jewellery-box installation full of colour and celebration

Sunday 5 October
1pm and 3pm (with BSL interpreted shows)
Ilford Town Centre (outside the Town Hall), IG1 1LL

Accessibility: An information point will be available on both days, offering noise-cancelling headphones, Easy Read materials and support to help you find a good viewing spot.

Beyond October

While Black History Month is a time of focused celebration, recognising diversity and cultural heritage is something we value year-round. At Vision Redbridge we are committed to celebrating the many communities that make Redbridge such a unique and special place.

For the full programme of events, visit: visionrcl.org.uk/black-history-month

Redbridge’s Hainault Forest and Valentines Park, both proudly secured a spot in the UK’s Top Ten Parks in 2024 – a huge achievement that shone a national spotlight on Redbridge’s much-loved green spaces. Now, in 2025, they’re aiming even higher – and they need your help to make it happen again, by voting in the People’s Choice Awards.

Councillor Namreen Chaudhry, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Communities said, “This summer, nine of our parks once again retained their prestigious Green Flag Award, a mark of excellence in management, safety, cleanliness and community value. We know these parks are well-placed for a People’s Choice Award, so if you love your local park, if you appreciate the joy of listening to birds chirping as you walk through the trees in Hainault Forest, or if your little ones can’t wait for their next visit to their favourite playground, then please do vote. Redbridge certainly deserves its place in the top of the UK’s parks and outdoor spaces.”

Councillor Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council said, “I take pride in our parks because I use them with my family, and I know how much they matter to people across Redbridge. They are safe, welcoming places to walk, play sport, meet friends and enjoy nature. We are fortunate to have such extensive green space and wildlife in a London borough. Our track record speaks for itself, from retaining nine Green Flag Awards to regularly featuring in the UK’s People’s Choice top ten, and that success comes from our high standards, good facilities and the community that uses and cares for these places. We will keep investing, listening and improving so our parks remain beautiful for everyone for generations to come. If you love your local park as much as I do, please take a moment to vote and help keep Redbridge in the UK top ten.”

With more than 2,200 Green Flag parks across the UK competing for just ten coveted places, every single vote matters. The support of local people could help put Redbridge parks back in the national spotlight – showcasing the pride we all share in our local green spaces.

Voting is simple and only takes 30 seconds. People can even vote once per device – so don’t forget your phone, tablet, laptop, or work computer! And if you can’t decide, why not back Hainault Forest or Valentines Park, which have both flown the flag for Redbridge in the Top Ten before?

You can vote online here;

Voting closes on 31 October 2025, so don’t miss your chance to show some love for your local park.

Martin Solder, Chair of Vision Trustees, said:
“Redbridge is home to some of the finest parks and open spaces in the UK, and it’s thanks to the dedication of our Parks Team and the support of the community that we continue to achieve national recognition. Last year’s success showed just how much our green spaces mean to local people. Let’s build on that momentum and see Redbridge parks celebrated once again in 2025.”

To find out more about our Green Flag Parks visit our dedicated webpage.

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