Colours of Redbridge Wins Redbridge Social Value Award at Ilford & Redbridge Business Awards

We are thrilled to announce that Colours of Redbridge has been voted winners of the Redbridge Social Value Award at the annual Ilford & Redbridge Business Awards, held on Thursday 4 December. The award was presented by Councillor Khayer Chowdhury at the ceremony in Ilford.

Since its launch in 2023, Colours of Redbridge has delivered hundreds of community-led activities and events, that have made tangible differences to the lives of local residents: bringing communities together, improving health and wellbeing, and creating job opportunities. The community is at the heart of every project with a dedicated team of Community Producers designing and delivering events. This summer’s highlights included a disability-led street parade, a rooftop immersive dining experience, and the world’s first touring electric Truck Art installation. Over 150,000 people have taken part in the programme to date and the vast majority live, work or study in Redbridge and are from traditionally underrepresented groups.

Earlier this year, Colours of Redbridge was awarded £998,936 as part of Arts Council England’s largest ever Creative People and Places (CPP) Portfolio; a national programme, which creates more community-led, creative experiences in areas of the greatest need.

Sabina Basir, Community Producer, said:

“Being part of Colours of Redbridge has been an amazing journey. It has been wonderful to engage with so many members of the community — some of whom we don’t often see — and to witness their enthusiasm while participating in our events.”

Linda Speedwell, Chair of Friends of Loxford and Consortium Member for Colours of Redbridge, said:

“We’re delighted to get this recognition after the hard work that Colours of Redbridge has done to bring our communities together. The programme celebrates the amazing cultures, abilities and resilience of our communities. I’m bursting with pride – I went home last night and just thought ‘Wow, this is a real moment.’ We would particularly like to thank Arts Council England for their support of the programme.”

Martin Solder, Chair of Vision Trustees, said:

“On behalf of the Colours of Redbridge partnership, I would like to say how immensely proud we are for this well-deserved recognition. This award highlights the power of the arts to bring people together, spark creativity, and make a real difference in our communities. Colours of Redbridge continues to demonstrate how residents, given the right support and opportunity, can lead inspiring projects that enrich life across Redbridge.”

Pete Nichols, Programme Director for Colours of Redbridge, added:

“This has been such an important season for us: seeing the joy on people’s faces at the events, watching people make new connections and helping people understand the different communities who call Redbridge home. Special credit to our fantastic team of Community Producers and volunteers who have ensured all our projects truly reflect the diversity and rich culture of the area.”

You can find out about past and present projects at www.colours.red, and discover how to attend future events, get involved or donate to the programme. An impact report will be published early next year, alongside a new programme of community-led activity.

Note to editors:
Colours of Redbridge is a programme of community-led arts and culture in the borough of Redbridge. It is part of Creative People and Places (CPP), a national programme from Arts Council England, where local people decide what culture happens in their area. The programme supports people who live, work or study in Redbridge develop their own creative and cultural projects for everyone to enjoy.

As well as funding from Arts Council England, the programme is supported by the following local organisations: Friends of Loxford; Muslimah Sports Association; Ekota Academy; Age UK; SPACE Studios; Community Action Redbridge; Ilford Business Improvement District; and Vision Redbridge Culture and Leisure (lead member).