Creative Barking & Dagenham

Creative Barking & Dagenham Creative Barking and Dagenham (CBD) is about local people choosing, creating and taking part in brilliant art experiences in the borough.

We are part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme (CPP). At the heart of our programme is an open and growing network of local residents. The network plays an active role in all our activities and events.

30/03/2026

It’s been a month… and we’re still thinking about this ✨

Those cold February nights didn’t feel so cold. Not when the streets were full of light, music and people coming together.

From handmade lanterns to shared moments along the routes, Winter Lights wasn’t just something you watched - it was something you felt.

It brought neighbours together, lit up familiar places in new ways, and reminded us what can happen when a community creates something side by side.

If you were there, you’ll know. And if you weren’t - this is a glimpse of what it felt like.

27/03/2026

As we reflect on Winter Lights Festival 2026, we’re incredibly proud of what was created across Barking & Dagenham.

Over five days in February, the borough was transformed through light, performance and shared experience - made possible by an extraordinary collective effort.

Thank you to our partners, artists, producers, volunteers and local communities who brought this to life.

With special thanks to Arts Council England and the L&Q Foundation for their support, alongside Barking Riverside Limited, Hill Group UK, Home Décor GB Ltd, MPD FM, Peabody and all of our delivery partners across the borough.

From schools and community centres to parade routes and public spaces, this was a true collaboration at every level.

Watch the full film to see the scale of what was achieved together here: https://youtu.be/NX4P5vAtEyg?si=MFv32oqvwPf19k7D

Got an idea for an event? We want to hear it.We are inviting people connected to Barking and Dagenham to help shape a we...
20/03/2026

Got an idea for an event? We want to hear it.

We are inviting people connected to Barking and Dagenham to help shape a weekend of events at Galleon Arts Centre (Sat 30 & Sun 31 May 2026).

We’re looking for ideas that:
• bring people together
• celebrate culture
• nurture creativity
• share skills

This could be anything from workshops and family activities to performances, conversations or creative gatherings.

You don’t need a detailed proposal - just send us:
• up to 300 words, OR
• up to 2 minutes of audio or video

All ideas will be reviewed by the Imagine Galleon Together Citizens’ Panel.
If shortlisted, you’ll receive £200 to develop your idea - and selected events will get up to £3,000 to bring it to life.

🗓 Deadline: Thursday 26 March, 6pm
Galleon Arts Centre

Find out more and apply:
https://creativebd.org.uk/got-an-idea-for-an-event-that-could-happen-at-galleon-arts-centre/

You're invited to share your idea for an event that could take place at Galleon Arts Centre on Boundary Road in Barking ...
05/03/2026

You're invited to share your idea for an event that could take place at Galleon Arts Centre on Boundary Road in Barking for Sat 30 and/or Sun 31 May 2026.

We’re looking for ideas that bring people together, celebrate culture, share skills or spark creativity. This is a chance to help shape how the space is used by different communities across Barking and Dagenham.

You don’t need to write a long proposal. Just submit:
• Up to 300 words
OR
• Up to 2 minutes of audio or video

Shortlisted ideas will receive a £200 development fee. Selected events will receive between £1,000 and £3,000, plus support to bring them to life.

Every submitted idea will be reviewed by the Imagine Galleon Together Citizens’ Panel. This citizens’ panel was selected by lottery and is made up of a broad cross-section of people from across Barking and Dagenham. The Citizens’ Panel is helping to shape the future of Galleon Arts Centre and all decisions will be made by them.

Key dates:

Thu 26 March – Deadline to submit your idea
Mon 30 March – Shortlisted ideas notified
Sat 25 April – Present developed ideas to the panel
Mon 27 April – Successful applicants notified
Sat 30 and/or Sun 31 May – Events take place

Find out more here: https://creativebd.org.uk/got-an-idea-for-an-event-that-could-happen-at-galleon-arts-centre/

Thank you for being part of the Creative Barking and Dagenham Winter Light Festival.Over the past week, we saw lantern p...
27/02/2026

Thank you for being part of the Creative Barking and Dagenham Winter Light Festival.

Over the past week, we saw lantern parades, pop up performances and creative workshops bring neighbours together across the borough. Your energy, participation and support helped make the festival what it was.

Now we would love to invite you to our Winter Light Festival Reflection Session.

This is an opportunity to come together once more, share your experiences and help shape future creative events in Barking and Dagenham. Whether you attended a lantern making workshop, joined a parade or watched one of the performances, your feedback matters.

As a thank you for your time, attendees at the reflection session will receive a £20 Love2shop voucher. One voucher per household.

Event details:
Wednesday 4 March 2026
4:00pm to 6:00pm
Barking Learning Centre, 2 Town Square, Barking, IG11 7NB

The session is open to everyone who took part in the festival. Join us to reflect, connect and look ahead to what comes next.

Find full details and register via our website.

As we look back on the Winter Light Festival, we want to say a big thank you. Thank you to our community for showing up,...
23/02/2026

As we look back on the Winter Light Festival, we want to say a big thank you. Thank you to our community for showing up, taking part and filling each space with warmth and energy.

Thank you to Worldbeaters who brought light, sound and movement to our streets. Thank you to the team of local people, artists, event professionals, volunteers and partners who worked behind the scenes to make it all happen. A special thank you to Arts Council England and L&Q Foundation L&Q Homes for supporting this event and helping us bring the festival to life.

From handmade lanterns to shared moments along the parade routes, these evenings were shaped by collective effort and creativity. Swipe through to revisit some of the highlights and celebrate what we created together.

A massive thank you to for the photos of the events.

Join us today for the final event of the Winter Light Festival in Barking Town Centre.This evening’s lantern parade begi...
22/02/2026

Join us today for the final event of the Winter Light Festival in Barking Town Centre.

This evening’s lantern parade begins and ends in Town Square, bringing the festival to a close with light, community and celebration.

Event details:
Sunday 22 February
17:30 registration
18:30 parade start
Start and finish: Town Square, Barking, IG11 7LU

Come along, gather with neighbours and be part of the final celebration.

Free to attend.

21/02/2026

There’s nothing better than seeing the community light up ✨

Yesterday we had little ones dancing in the street & the glow of the SPARK! drummers lighting up the night - what a special atmosphere across Thames View and Rivergate Square 💜

These are the moments the Winter Light Festival is made for.

Don’t miss out on today’s shows!

📅 Saturday 21 February
🎭 Dagenham Heathway Show - 16:00
📍 Dagenham, RM10 8RE

🎭 Valence Library Show - 19:00
📍 Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

Bring the family, wrap up warm and come and join us ✨

Dagenham Heathway Show and Valence Library ShowThe Winter Light Festival continues today with two shows in Dagenham.Join...
21/02/2026

Dagenham Heathway Show and Valence Library Show

The Winter Light Festival continues today with two shows in Dagenham.

Join us this afternoon at Dagenham Heathway and again this evening outside Valence Library for performances that bring communities together through light and creativity.

Event details:

Saturday 21 February
Dagenham Heathway Show
16:00 performance
Dagenham Heathway, RM10 8RE

Saturday 21 February
Valence Library Show
19:00 performance
Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, RM8 3HT

We look forward to seeing you there.

Free to attend.

20/02/2026

Last night was incredible ✨

Day 2 of Creative Barking & Dagenham’s Winter Light Festival brought the energy, the glow and the community together 🔥

And we’re not done yet…

📅 Tonight - Friday 20 February
🎭 Thames View Show - 16:00
📍 Farr Avenue Shopping Parade, IG11 0NZ

🎭 Rivergate Square Show - 19:00
📍 Minter Road, IG11 0FJ

If you haven’t experienced it yet, this is your moment. Don’t miss out!

Address

The Boathouse Studios, The Malthouse, 62-76 Abbey Road
Barking
IG117BT

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Creative Barking & Dagenham posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organisation

Send a message to Creative Barking & Dagenham:

Shortcuts

Share

Category