Summer Highlights with Colours of Redbridge

This summer, Colours of Redbridge brought people together to celebrate community, creativity, and culture. Each event was an opportunity for everyone to connect, learn, and have fun. In this blog, we highlight some of the most memorable moments, shared by our brilliant community producers and volunteers, who helped make these unforgettable events possible! Also, a big thank you to everyone who came to watch (or take part in) our events this summer – we hope you enjoyed getting involved and trying new things! 

‘Colours of Redbridge put on an amazing series of events that brought people together in the most fun and colourful ways. From the vibrant Truck Art showcasing south Asian culture to the Kite Flying event that had kids (and adults) beaming with pride, every activity was a perfect blend of tradition and creativity. The experience was not only enriching but also a joyful celebration of our diverse cultures. Each activity offered something unique, engaging people of all ages and backgrounds.’

– Sophy, Data Collection Lead

Linda from Friends of Loxford and Jordan from Colours of Redbridge standing and smiling infront of Hainault Forest with kids and parents kite flying in the background.

Volunteering

‘Volunteering for Colours of Redbridge, has been amazing, bringing joy and happiness to all those that attend. Working alongside the friendly and wonderful staff enhancing the experience.’ 

– Linda from Friends of Loxford

Family and Community Producer standing and smiling, showing off decorated mugs in front of decorative, colourful South Asian Truck Art Van.

South Asian Truck Art

‘The Truck Art project was amazing with really creative and fun activities for the community. I think truck art symbolises our culture, heritage and values. I was happy to see a real south Asian truck in Fairlop waters.’

–  Priti, Community Producer

‘One of the few initiatives creatively blending traditional crafts with modern artistic expression. This project was important in building community connections, promoting cultural awareness, and offering creative, hands-on experiences to participants.’

–  Nausheen, Community Producer

Group of people mixing tea leaves at the Colours of Redbridge tea making workshop at Mercato Metropolitano in Ilford. Colours of Redbridge summer banner in the background.

Cultural Food Festival

‘The recent cultural food festival in Redbridge was an amazing five-day event that brought something new and exciting each day. We didn’t just get to taste the yummy food from different cultures—we learned how to cook it ourselves! I hope it becomes a regular tradition because it was such an enjoyable and tasty experience!’

– Roopal Metha, Community Producer

‘The pizza making workshop was well attended and very well organised. The chef was excellent he gave us clear easy to follow instructions and patiently went round helping individuals who he spotted were having problems. Redbridge is a borough with residents and workers from many ethnicities, which is why I think food workshops based on dishes from around the world have been well received by everyone.’

– Cynthia, Community Producer

I attended a session on the benefits of herbal leaves and spices, and it opened my eyes to how powerful natural ingredients can be. Learning about the traditional uses of herbs for both flavour and health benefits gave me a deeper appreciation for the cultures that have passed down these practices through generations.’

– Sophy, Data Collection Lead

Two women smiling and holding up colourfully designed sewn purses as part of the Stitch Your Style Fashion Design Workshops inside The Exchange Ilford.

Stitch Your Style

‘This was an excellent idea for a taster session. The last time I sewed anything was at school! I’m very pleased with skills I have learned.’

– Cynthia, Community Producer

Parents and children kite flying in Hainault Forest

Fly High Shine Bright: Kite Making and Flying

‘This year’s kite making and flying workshop was an amazing experience that brought families, friends, and the entire community together for a day of fun. The sky was filled with colourful kites of all shapes and sizes, creating a beautiful, vibrant display that everyone enjoyed. The workshop wasn’t just fun, it was a celebration of togetherness and the unique spirit of our community.’

– Roopal Metha, Community Producer

‘This workshop was great for children and families who learned to build and decorate their own kite as well as learning how to fly them. I enjoyed each and every bit of making a kite using stencils, blocks and different colours.’

– Priti, Community Producer

Farida (left) and Roopal (right) at the Languages Café in the Kenneth More Theatre, holding up blackboards with colourful writing 'Numele meu esta Farida' (left), 'Eu Sunt Roopal' (right). People standing and sitting in the background.

Languages Café

‘I really enjoy the Languages Café as it is fun, interactive, and you get to learn about the different languages in Redbridge. It was a refreshing, fun, and unique way to learn languages while building a sense of community. I highly recommend it!’

– Roopal Metha, Community Producer

‘One of the most rewarding experiences for me was participating as a tutor in the Language Café. This initiative was designed to help people learn new languages and explore different cultures. Being able to share my knowledge and help others learn was incredibly fulfilling. The environment was warm and inviting, with participants eager to learn and exchange ideas. The sense of accomplishment I felt from teaching was beyond words — it wasn’t just about language; it was about bridging cultures and creating connections.’

– Sophy, Data Collection Lead

Group of people parading with colourful flags at the Streets of Colour Parade in Valentines Park.

Streets of Colour Parade

‘The procession through the park was magical, especially for the children. Definitely an event to be repeated. I enjoy going to these events because you meet new people, the atmosphere is great, you are learning new things and keeping fit at the same time. It’s especially good for people who are retired and are looking to occupy their time with something useful for the community.’

– Cynthia, Community Producer

‘To wrap up the series of summer projects, the Flag Parade brought everyone together in a display of unity. People carried flags representing their countries and communities, walking together in a moving demonstration of solidarity and shared humanity. It was a visual representation of the diversity we cherish within Redbridge, and seeing all the flags fluttering side by side felt like a true celebration of global unity.’

– Sophy, Data Collection Lead

 

To get involved with other events in our programme, check out our Come along page for details.

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