#FestivalVibes – Our Top 5 festival picks in Barking and Dagenham this summer
There are many great things about summer (not least the lovely weather), but for many it also heralds the start of the festival season.
Sure, most of us are pretty familiar with (or at least have heard of) the big players such as Glastonbury and Reading, but did you know that approximately 230 festivals take place across the UK every year? That’s not including non-music festivals either!
With such a rich plethora of festival outings, it would be rude not to check out what’s going on around you this summer. You may be surprised to learn that a range of awesome events are taking place right on your doorstep – and the majority are free to attend! Check out our Top 5 picks for 2017:
Steam and Cider Fair – Old Dagenham Park, 1 July 2017
A great one for family and friends, this fair celebrates the borough’s rural and industrial heritage. Visitors can enjoy an exhibition of steam engines and machinery, a classic car show, local music and dance, numerous stalls and workshops. A number of food stalls will be serving a range of fare and a bar will be serving cider and real ales.
DAGFEST – Dagenham Village, 15 July 2017
DAGFEST is Dagenham’s free outdoor festival of circus, music, street theatre and dance. For 2017, they tell us to expect circus performers, interactive theatre, local community commissions and lots of homegrown talent on the new Dance Stage. DAGFEST is curated by a steering group of local residents and produced by Creative Barking and Dagenham.
FYI if you’re looking for work experience this summer, DAGFEST are on the lookout for volunteers–check out the website and social media channels for more information.
Now That’s A Festival – Central Park Dagenham, 11 & 12 August 2017
OMG–an amazing line-up of nineties and noughties acts! Friday includes appearances from BootyLuv and Big Brovaz, whilst Saturday acts include Blue, S Club 7, B*Witched and many more! Squee! Embrace the cheese and enjoy a night of fun music and entertainment.
General admission tickets are priced at £25.00 per person online.
ThamesFest – Rivergate Centre, 16 – 18 September 2017
If you’re after something a bit different, the ThamesFest celebrates the river and the communities living close by. Across Saturday and Sunday the free festival will bring fresh and exciting performances to the borough including a physical theatre and dance piece inspired by mythical water creatures, communal dining, workshops, immersive walking experiences and much more. Another great one for all the family.
Youth Parade – Barking Park to Abbey Green, 17 September 2017
This year will mark the fourth annual parade celebrating the borough’s inspirational young people. Abbey Green will host inflatables and rides, music and dance, and lots of food and family fun.
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