A host of famous faces will take to the stage in Barking and Dagenham this summer for a jam-packed weekend of music and entertainment – and residents can enjoy it all for free.

 

The Becontree Forever Weekender, made up of two one-day events – the Becontree 100 Festival and the Roundhouse Music Festival will take place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 August at Parsloes Park, Dagenham.

 

First up on the Saturday (14 August), music fans will have the chance to hear the likes of MOBO award winner YolanDa Brown, London rock duo the Nova Twins, a DJ set from IDLES frontman Joe Talbot, and headlining performance from singer-songwriter Frank Turner. 

 

The free one-day festival, which is part of the Becontree Forever programme of events, is being produced in collaboration with Love Music Hate Racism to promote unity through music and celebrate the centenary of the Becontree – the biggest housing estate in the UK. 

 

The next day, on Sunday (15 August), gig-goers can enjoy another free day of music with the return of the Roundhouse Music Festival, with this year’s event featuring rock and ska bands from the 60s and 70s. 

 

Acts including The Boomtown Rats, the Neville Staple Band from The Specials, The Blockheads, and John Coughlan’s Quo will perform as well as a host of new musicians, as part of the Roundhouse Unsigned Competition, held in partnership with Studio 3 Arts. 

This will be a wonderful opportunity to be able to enjoy time with friends, family and neighbours enjoying some live music again and creating more fantastic memories together.

London’s own Soho Radio will be broadcasting live from the Becontree 100 Festival on the Saturday.

 

Both events will also have a range of entertainment and family fun available throughout the day including creative workshops, fun fair rides, explosive arena acts, exhibitions and at the Becontree 100 Festival, a Flamingo Carnival Parade led by a giant flamingo puppet!

 

Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, Cllr Saima Ashraf said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our residents the chance to come and see some world-class musicians right here on their doorsteps – for free. 

This is to celebrate the centenary of the Becontree Estate as part of the Becontree Forever programme. This is just one of many events and projects in the heart of Barking and Dagenham we will have, to not only recognise one hundred years since these first homes for heroes were built, but to also say thank you to our community for their resilience this past year. 

“This will be a wonderful opportunity to be able to enjoy time with friends, family and neighbours enjoying some live music again and creating more fantastic memories together.”

 

Love Music Hate Racism National Organiser, Alex Losardo said: “Love Music Hate Racism are thrilled to celebrate the achievement of Becontree’s 100th year with the vibrant local community by doing what we enjoy most, bringing people together with music.  We have so much more in common than we do different, and nothing demonstrates that better than the music we all listen too. We refuse to accept division, racism, and hate while we continue to absolutely Love Music.”

MOBO Award Winner, YolanDa Brown, who is playing at the Becontree 100 Festival said: “East London has been my home since I was born. I went to school, grew up and now live there with my family. It is super special to be playing at the Becontree 100 Festival with Love Music Hate Racism and I am honoured to be sharing my music with such a diverse community, full of love. Finally Barking born YolanDa plays in Barking and Dagenham!”

 

Rock duo, The Nova Twins, who are playing on Saturday said: “We are so proud to be involved with such an amazing community. Giving a voice and a safe space to people like us is so important, in a world that can seem so divided. We must unify and lift each other up, now more than ever. We have played at a previous Love Music Hate Racism event and it did exactly that. It’s such an electric atmosphere. We encourage more people to get involved.”

 

Both events will take place subject to Covid-19 restrictions and following current government guidelines. Closer to the event more details will be released with regard to these guidelines.

 

For more information about events coming up this year, visit our Summer of festivals page and the Becontree Forever website.