Barking and Dagenham Council in partnership with Creative Barking & Dagenham will be hosting a community focused Winter Lantern Parade followed by a spectacular firework display on Sunday 7 November, to celebrate the centenary of the Becontree Estate.

Part of the council’s Becontree Forever programme, the Winter Lantern Parade will take place on Chitty’s Lane to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first houses built on that road, on the estate.

As the dark nights draw in, this is an opportunity for people to come together and light up the borough’s streets

To mark this occasion, there will be a parade starting from Henry Green Primary School on Chitty’s Lane and end up at Valence Park, where there will be a free, fun family event, featuring amazing acts, street theatre and live music followed by a spectacular fireworks display.

The parade, organised in partnership with Creative Barking & Dagenham, will involve local schools and residents from around the area and will include illuminated big heads and lanterns.

Work has been ongoing with Henry Green Primary School, Becontree Primary School, Valence Primary School on the estate, to create the artworks and there has been opportunities for families to attend free creative workshops too.

Creative Barking and Dagenham have also worked in partnership with Global Streets to bring Dundu, the Giant of Light to the parade. This internationally acclaimed outdoor arts company will lead the parade with local Cultural Connectors.

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf said: “Our last Winter Lantern Parade was held way back in 2019 and was spectacular with all the wonderful light displays. As the dark nights draw in, this is an opportunity for people to come together and light up the borough’s streets whilst marking such an important part of our it’s history to celebrate 100 years of the Becontree Estate and the first houses built there.”

For more info visit: www.lbbd.gov.uk/winter