Join Redbridge Culture & Libraries for a vibrant celebration of life & death in this family friendly arts festival inspired by festivals and traditions from around the world.
This year, inspired by different customs and traditions from around the world, the annual Redbridge Festival of the Dead will be even bigger and take place in both Wanstead and Ilford. Join us for two colourful and memorable days. On Thursday 30 October, you are invited to join us at Wanstead Library from 12.30pm to 6pm and at Redbridge Central Library on Friday 31 October from 12pm to 6pm.
Everyone (big and small) is invited to come dressed up in brightly coloured clothes or their favourite Day of the Dead inspired costumes to join in with the celebrations and take part in the lantern parade – add some lights or glow sticks and you’ll be ready to light up our procession. Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed!
Click the links below to find out what’s happening at each location.
Festival Fringe
We are getting into the festival spirit across Redbridge Libraries with Cat and Hutch’s Storytelling show ‘Oscar Seeks a Friend’ in the lead up to the celebrations! Plus, learn more about Day of the Dead around the world and the Death Positive Library.
Festival of the Dead 2025
Festival of the Dead at Wanstead
Thursday 30 October
Wanstead Library, Woodbine Development Centre and Christchurch Green
Join us from 12.30pm to 6pm for the first day of our annual Festival of the Dead.
With live acts, storytelling, dance workshops and crafts, we have lots of activities planned – click the links below to find out what’s in store.
Please note that all times are approximate and could change on the day.
Festival of the Dead at Ilford
Friday 31 October
Redbridge Central Library, Kenneth More Theatre and Ilford Town Centre
Join us from 12pm to 6pm for the second day of our annual Festival of the Dead.
With live acts, storytelling, author events, dance workshops and crafts, we have lots of activities planned – click the links below to find out what’s in store.
Please note that all times are approximate and could change on the day.
Accessibility
We want everyone to be able to enjoy our festival and have taken the following steps to open the festival to a wider audience:
- Quiet spaces and relaxed performances
- BSL interpreted performances (More information to follow)
- Wheel-chair accessible venue and procession routes
- Service dogs are welcome
- Easy read guides
We are excited to be working with Vocal Eyes to bring the community Touch Tours and Audio Describing the Parade. See more here:
For those who prefer to come when the festival is quieter, we will have limited craft activities available from 12.30pm (Wanstead) and 12pm (Redbridge Central).
Please contact culture@visionrcl.org.uk for more information and if you have any specific access needs.
Content Warning: The festival deals with the theme of death which might be upsetting for some people. The subject will be approached sensitively, and all activities have been designed with family audiences in mind. Although the Festival is suitable for all ages, parental guidance is recommended for some activities.
Photography & videography will be taking place throughout this event.
This festival has been curated by Redbridge Libraries & Culture Development team for Vision RCL. Our festival has been visually inspired by Day of the Dead festivals from around the world and aims to be educational and to show appreciation of different cultures.
The Death Positive Library
Redbridge Library Service is the UK’s first Death Positive Library Service.
Death positivity is an emerging philosophy that reframes the way people view death and encourages people to speak openly about death, dying and grief.
Death positivity is about making the most of life, reducing the impact that our deaths have on the environment, and allowing those who are dying to do so with greater dignity and comfort.
Since 2017, Redbridge Library Service has been exploring creative ways to help people talk about death and grief by using books, films, arts, and tea and cake! We host regular events and have curated book collections on all aspects of death, dying and bereavement.
Our service has led the way in creating a national framework and has inspired other libraries across the UK and Northern Ireland to become death positive.