Inilford

Refugee Week Films
2026-06-17 22:00 - 2026-06-18 00:00 (Asia/Colombo) | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Refugee Week is the world’s largest arts and culture festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Coordinated by Counterpoints Arts, the festival brings people together and encourages understanding and connection through arts and culture.
Taking place from 15-21 June 2026, this year’s theme is COURAGE.
Our Refugee Week Films bring together a thoughtful selection of short films from across the globe. The films explore themes of home, identity and community, offering a chance to reflect and connect with others.
We’ll be screening four short films, free for everyone to enjoy.
All films are suitable for families (U or PG certification)
English subtitles are included where available
Some films may feature additional languages
Join us for an evening of continuous film screenings with moments set aside for discussion and Q&A.
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Father's Day Card Craft
2026-06-20 17:30 - 18:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Join us and create something meaningful to gift to someone special this Fathers’s Day.
Suitable for Under 12s
Free
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Uphall Recreation Ground Action Day
2026-06-27 15:30 - 16:30 | Uphall Recreation Ground, Lowbrook Road, Ilford, IG1 2ER, GB
Community Action Day in Uphall Recreation Ground.
For ages 16+
Families welcome Activities may vary: Planting Flowers, Maintaining Planted Areas, Weeding, Mulching, Watering, Pruning, Maintaining Hard Surfaces, Maintenance Projects, Leaf Removal, Updating Noticeboards, Litter Picking and Sweeping Sport Courts.
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Family Day at Valentines
2026-07-05 04:30 - 06:00 | Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, Ilford, IG1 4XA, GB
Sunday 5th July 12.00 – 5.00 pm at Valentines: a Special Open Day withSchools Prizegiving at 2pm, organised by the Friends. Entry on the day is FREE, The ticket price is for the Family Trail.
Suitable for all ages. A Family History Day.
Have you ever wondered who lived at Valentines over its long history? Have you ever wondered who lived in your own house? Or maybe you’d love some tips for how to find out more about your own ancestors?
Came along to meet representatives from
* Redbridge Museum
* Redbridge Heritage Centre
* East of London Family History Society
* Ilford Historical Society.
Follow our fun Family Trail to help you discover facts connected to the people who lived in this wonderful house over the 210 years from 1696 to 1906 when it was a private family home. A rolling presentation about many of these different families will help solve the clues and there will opportunities to ask members of theFriends of Valentines Mansionif they can help with the answers!
For the 2026 annual Hooker Prize Schools’ Competition, pupils were asked to write a letter as if they were a visitor to Valentines in 19th century. Copies of the children’s entries will be on display. If your child took part in the competition, please give your child’s name and school’s name when you arrive. The prizes and certificates will be awarded in the Drawing Room at 2 pm.
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A Midsummer Night's Dream
2026-07-11 00:00 - 01:30 | Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, Ilford, IG1 4XA, GB
Returning to the beautiful Valentine’s Park this July East London Shakespeare Festival presents…
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAMFamily friendly and suitable for all ages!
Bursting with mischief, chaos, romance and magic, this joyful, family-friendly outdoor production reimagines Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy with a bold splash of contemporary flair. Escape into the enchanted forest alongside Hermia, Lysander, Helena and Demetrius as they get more than they bargained for, when a vibrant cast of magical woodland fairies take matters into their own hands.
With ELSF’s signature high-energy numbers, slapstick comedy, and audience participation, this is Shakespeare for everyone! Alongside a community engagement programme with lots of opportunities to get involved.
BYO Picnics welcome: gates open an hour before the show, so bring a picnic, soak up the atmosphere. There is also a café on-site open throughout the show for refreshments.
For younger members of the audience (3+), you can also take part in a pre-show ‘flower-fairy’ headband making workshops run by cast members. This is at a small additional charge to show tickets so please add a separate workshop ticket when booking. IMPORTANT Please bring a print out of your ticket confirmation or be able to show your ticket confirmation on a mobile device on arrival.
Ushers will oversee entrance to the performance venue
Seating:
Please note – this is a ‘Bring your own seating event’ – you are welcome to bring picnic blankets/cushions (to sit on the floor) or outdoor seating/camping chairs.
However, we do have limited seating available: these will be reserved for those that require them (e.g. senior citizens / those with a disability) and/or on a first come first served basis. Please email us to indicate you will need a chair/s and we will reserve one for you (while still available).
There is disabled access at the venue.
Email: info@elsf.uk
All Weather Policy – We will not cancel a show due to rain!
Be sure to bring a brolly (in case of rain or sun) and some cosy, waterproof clothes AND sunscreen.
Please note there there is likely no shade from Sun, so bring necessary equipment e.G. Brollies to shade younger audience members.
If it really is King Lear style storms, we will cancel the show and tickets refunded. Patrons will be notified as soon as possible.
Dogs are not permitted.
Tickets are non-refundable. Except in the event that ELSF cancels a performance, in which case, tickets will be refunded.
If you have any additional needs, please e-mail: info@elsf.uk
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Redbridge Pride
2026-07-11 17:00 - 22:30 | Redbridge Town Hall, 128-142 High Road, Ilford, IG1 1DD, GB
Info
Redbridge Pride takes place on Saturday the 11th July 2026.
We’ll be celebrating our lesbian, gay, bi, trans+ and queer+ community at Redbridge’s 2nd pride, as well as our families, friends and allies. There will be activities and entertainment for all ages, information, food and craft market stalls and more, including a dance performance and workshop.
Theme
To follow
Parade
To follow
Festival
To follow
After party
To follow
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Mini Mondays
2026-07-13 15:00 - 15:45 | Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, Ilford, IG1 4XA, GB
This Event is taking place at Valentine’s Mansion
Come and enjoy a wonderful selection of books and rhymes for under 5’s with our brilliant characters in costume. No need to book, just drop in! Second Monday of every month.
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Wakey-Wakey – Special Rhyme Time with Discover
2026-07-18 15:30 - 16:00 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
A playful, interactive and fun storytelling for ages 0-5yrs featuring music, storytelling and BIG adventures!
Waking up and getting dressed is never simple, in fact…it can be full of surprises! Help hunt for the missing clothes, use your imagination to transform any bedroom into a whole new world, and bring your favourite teddy on this wonderful adventure to find the most precious treasure… Wakey Wakey is a story about finding fun, play and adventure in the morning routine – who knew waking up could be such an escapade!
Wakey, Wakey is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund inspired by Newham’s Favourite Story. Co-Created by Laura Sampson and Selwin Hulme-Teague
Please note, Wakey Wakey replaces the venue’s usual Rhyme Time session.
Drop-in, free – no need to book!
For ages 0-5
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Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central
2026-07-18 15:30 - 21:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Get ready to take over YOUR library this summer, as Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central with a full day of activities including workshops, author events, storytelling and crafts. There’s lots to do for every age group!
It’s also the perfect opportunity to sign up to this year’s Fabula Reading Challenge – where YOU set your own targets!
For ages 0-11 years See what’s on here Sign up to the Fabula Reading Challenge here
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Choog Choog
2026-07-18 16:30 - 17:10 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
All aboard for a delightful train journey through India!
Experience the sights, sounds and smells evoked through South Asian dance, music and theatre; and meet some amazing characters along the way. Choogh Choogh is inspired by the joy of travelling through India on a train – starting with a special choog choog ticket!
Through song and dance, find out just how much we can see and imagine together as the train chooghs chooghs on…
Beeja is a dance company started by Anusha Subramanyam – dancer, choreographer, teacher and dance movement therapist – who is seen as one of the most exciting exponents of bharatanatyam working ‘inside’ and ‘outside’ of its tradition. Her work is trans-cultural and inter-generational.
Drop-in, free – followed by a stay-and-play.
For ages 0-7
Please note, this show will be performed outside Redbridge Central Library weather dependent.
This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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Crazy Comic Club – Character Workshop
2026-07-18 16:30 - 17:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Incredible cute creatures! Join bestselling comic art tutor James for an eye-popping workshop bursting with tips to upgrade the adorability factor of your art. Learn secret cartooning tricks used by the professionals, create your own characters, and draw a mindboggling piece of epic comic art, under James’ expert guidance!
Crazy Comic Club is the UK’s leading provider of comic art workshops in schools, libraries, festivals, charities and events. Bestselling cartoonist James Parsons has inspired and entertained thousands of young people across the UK since 2005 – boosting storytelling and drawing skills, unlocking creativity, and sharing secret illustration tricks used by the professionals.
Drop-in, free – but space may be limited!
For ages 7+ This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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Creative Movement and Stories (Early Years Dance Workshop)
2026-07-18 16:30 - 17:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Come along and let’s bring stories to life.
Join Lucy Brown for this interactive, story-driven experience, transforming the love of stories into a fun adventure full of dance and self-expression. Children aged 1- 4 will jump, crawl, balance and flow through the narrative with purposeful and imaginative movement.
Lucy Brown is an experienced dance teacher with a strong background in teaching young children, specialising in creative movement and early years dance.
Limited space, so booking essential – more tickets may be available on the day.
For ages 1 – 4 years This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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Zen Space
2026-07-18 16:30 - 20:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Take a calm break in our cozy, welcoming Zen Space this Fabula Take-Over Day. It’s a quieter, peaceful space with soft play for children, comfortable seating and sensory toys for everyone to enjoy.
The gentle atmosphere is perfect for recharging, whether you’re seeking a moment of quiet or simply a place to unwind. This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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First Contact VR Experience
2026-07-18 16:30 - 20:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Pop on a virtual headset and meet a friendly robot in a colourful world full of surprises! Explore, play and discover how stories can come to life around you. This short virtual reality experience is perfect for curious minds and first-time VR explorers.
Drop-in, have a go, and enjoy a little taste of digital storytelling.
Sessions last approximately 15 minutes.
12yrs+ This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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Giant Games
2026-07-18 16:30 - 20:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Fancy a game of giant draughts? Or Tumbling Towers? Or maybe Connect 4? Have some fun in our giant Games Zone during Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central while you’re waiting for the next story session to begin!
Drop-in, Free!
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The Glamorous Grandmas with Jodie Lancet-Grant
2026-07-18 17:30 - 18:10 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Join author Jodie Lancet-Grant on an adventure to meet the Glamorous Grandmas! Packed with interactive storytelling, creative artistic activities, and the chance to show how dazzling your own art can be, this event will be sure to bring a smile to the whole family.
Jodie Lancet-Grant is the author of a number of bestselling picture books. Her debut, The Pirate Mums, made history as the first book featuring a two-mum family to be broadcast as a CBeebies bedtime story. Jodie has appeared on media outlets ranging from BBC Radio 2 to Newsround talking about the importance of queer representation in children’s culture.
Drop-in, Free – Or buy the book for £7.00!
For ages 4+
This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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Once Upon A Dragon’s Fire – Drama Workshop with Cat & Hutch
2026-07-18 17:30 - 18:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Join storytellers Cat & Hutch for a special drama workshop based on the book by Beatrice Blue.
Have you ever wondered how dragons got their fire? Freya and Sylas only ever knew dragons to blow cold air. They spend their days telling stories all about dragons and one day they decide to go off and find one. Using drama games, props, puppetry and play, join us as we jump into the dragon quest with Freya and Sylas and discover how the dragon got their fire…
Cat & Hutch Storytellers bring children’s stories to life through interactive shows and workshops with the aim to encourage children to read for pleasure and use their imaginations to learn through play.
Limited space, so booking essential – more tickets may be available on the day.
For ages 5+
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Creative Movement and Stories (4+ Dance Workshop)
2026-07-18 18:45 - 19:45 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Come along and lets bring stories to life.
Join Lucy Brown for this interactive, story-driven experience, inviting children from age 4 to step into the action. Through playful guided prompts and self – expression, young explorers physically embody characters and literally dance their way through the story.
Lucy Brown is an experienced dance teacher with a strong background in teaching young children, specialising in creative movement and early years dance.
Limited space, so booking essential – more tickets may be available on the day.
For ages 4 – 7 years
This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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Postman Planet with Ben Davis
2026-07-18 19:00 - 20:00 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Join Ben Davis – award-winning author and actual postman – for a laugh-out-loud, interactive event introducing the wonderfully wacky world of Postman Planet – the first in his brand-new, laugh-out-loud series illustrated by Yasmin Sheikh. Packed with silly voices, stories from Ben’s postie rounds, and plenty of audience participation!
Ben Davis is an award-winning children’s author and actual postman. He prefers to be called a Man of Letters, though. He lives in Tamworth with his wife, kids and pet rats.
Drop-in, Free – or buy the book for £7.00!
For ages 5+
This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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Crazy Comic Club – Manga Workshop
2026-07-18 19:30 - 20:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Awesome manga / anime character design skills! Join James for a supercute special manga session drawing cool characters in action poses, chibi-style! There will be some kawaii / chibi warm-up drawing before tackling dynamic poses in an electrifying composition!
Crazy Comic Club is the UK’s leading provider of comic art workshops in schools, libraries, festivals, charities and events. Bestselling cartoonist James Parsons has inspired and entertained thousands of young people across the UK since 2005 – boosting storytelling and drawing skills, unlocking creativity, and sharing secret illustration tricks used by the professionals.
Drop-in, free – though spaces may be limited!
For ages 7+ This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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I’m Fine, Thanks – Storytelling with Cat & Hutch
2026-07-18 20:30 - 21:30 | Redbridge Central Library, Clements Road, Ilford, IG1 1EA, GB
Join Cat & Hutch for a very special storytelling event based on the book I’m Fine, Thanks, using puppetry, song and lots of interaction!
It’s Little One’s first adventure out with her friends and she’s very excited! But when her shoelaces come untied she can’t remember the rhyme to tie them up! Not wanting to cause a fuss she tries to figure out a solution. But things don’t go quite the way she thought and she ends up far from home. Will she conquer her fear and learn to ask for help…?
Cat & Hutch Storytellers bring children’s stories to life through interactive shows and workshops with the aim to encourage children to read for pleasure and use their imaginations to learn through play.
I’m Fine, Thanks by Jono Ganz, published by Tate Publishing, 2025. Reproduced by permission of the Tate Trustees.
This event is part of Fabula Takes Over Redbridge Central – see what else is on!
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Guided Tour of Valentines Mansion
Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, Ilford, IG1 4XA, GB
Join us for a guided tour of Valentines Mansion and delve into over 320 years of fascinating history.  Followed by tea and biscuits in one of our period rooms.
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Guided Tour of Valentines Mansion
Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Emerson Road, Ilford, IG1 4XA, GB
Valentines Mansion has a rich history dating back to 1696. With numerous owners including Sir Charles Raymond, a retired ship’s captain who made his fortune managing ships for the East India Company, as well as City bankers and merchants, Valentines Mansion was a family home for many years.
They lavished their money on the Mansion, adding lots of personal touches to make it their own. Our tour guide will walk you through each room, sharing fascinating glimpses into the past. Followed by tea and biscuits in one our period rooms..
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