Barking and Dagenham is set to bloom this spring with a series of exciting events and exhibitions to celebrate the season and Easter.
Two of Barking and Dagenham's cultural sites are reopening their doors just in time for the season. Eastbury Manor House, a Grade I listed Elizabethan house known for its beautiful architecture and rich history, reopens its doors after being closed for winter maintenance works on Sunday 30 March. Visitors can enjoy the launch of a thought-provoking new immersive audio-visual exhibition by Aislinn Evans, exploring the A13 - the main road which cuts just behind the Manor House - and the communities that live alongside it (30 March – 27 April). Younger visitors can also enjoy the annual Eastbury Egg Hunt and follow an exciting trail on the house grounds (20 April).
In addition, the Women’s Museum, an inclusive space showcasing the history, heritage, stories and role of women from the local area and beyond, will once again welcome visitors from Wednesday 12 April. The reopening commences with a free artistic community programme ‘Desire Lines’ and a brand-new exhibition ‘Tender Women’ by local artist Sahra Hersi, in collaboration with a group of women from Adanna Women’s Support Group.
Valence House is also set to host a variety of family-friendly events throughout the Easter period including a Museum Hunt (8 – 19 April) and the return of the popular Easter Farm where young visitors can meet the newest additions to Gemma’s Farm and take part in animal themed activities (16 April).
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “We’re proud to put on a range of events and exhibitions for everyone to enjoy this Spring and Easter. Whether you're exploring our borough’s heritage gems, enjoying family-friendly Easter activities, or taking in the new wonderful exhibitions on show, we look forward to welcoming local people and visitors alike over the coming weeks!”
KEY EVENTS
- 30 March – 27 April
‘Road Movie’ exhibition, Sunday 30 March – Sunday 27 April (during house open hours), Eastbury Manor House.
When is a road not a road? When it’s a wormhole, a border, a sound barrier. The A13 cuts up our borough, flip it on its head and rethink how we live alongside the road. Open view evening takes place on Friday 28 March, 6-9pm, with a talk and Q&A with the artist. All welcome - under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
- Tuesday 8 - Saturday 19 April
Museum Hunt, Valence House, 10am - 4pm
Look high, look low and have a fantastic time trying to find the hidden objects around Valence House to claim your sweetie prize. FREE. Drop in. Museum closed 12pm-1pm.
- Saturday 12 April
Tender Women exhibition, Women’s Museum, 11am – 4pm.
Tender Women is an exhibition inspired by the theme of 'Desire Lines,' developed through a series of five workshops with women from the Adanna Women's Support Group. Led by local artist Sahra Hersi, who facilitated and designed the workshops, the project employed various creative techniques including indigo dyeing, cyanotype, cross-stitching, collaging, and poetry writing to explore how women can carve out their own paths in society.
- Wednesday 16 April
Easter Farm, Valence House, 11am – 4pm (SEND quiet hour is 10am – 11am, and requires booking)
Come and meet some of the newest additions to Gemma’s Farm and take part in animal themed activities. FREE. Drop in.
- Sunday 20 April
Eastbury Egg Hunt, Eastbury Manor House, 11am-3pm
Easter has arrived at Eastbury. Search high and low for the hidden eggs of all shapes and sizes to win a sweet treat. £5.50 (includes admission to house, trail and a sweet prize)