Launch Party Event 27th of June 2926

What an incredible weekend at Valence Library as we celebrated the launch party for this year’s Barking and Dagenham Carnival. Through Carnival Connections, people came together to enjoy creativity, music, dance, movement and shared experiences while celebrating the vibrant traditions of carnival.

 A special thank you to Cllr Ashraf for officially opening the event and helping to launch this year’s Barking and Dagenham Carnival. Your support for community, culture and bringing people together made the occasion even more special.

The day was a fantastic celebration of community, creativity and culture, bringing people of all ages together from across Barking and Dagenham to connect, create and celebrate.

Families, children and residents enjoyed a fantastic programme of free activities, including carnival flag making, carnival mask making and carnival headdress making workshops, all designed to inspire creativity while celebrating the rich traditions of carnival.

A huge thank you to Youth Spot Bar for providing their delicious carnival inspired smoothies free of charge while promoting healthy eating through fun and engaging activities.

Konverse Dance Crew brought incredible energy to the day with exciting dance sessions that encouraged fitness, movement and confidence in a welcoming and inclusive environment. A special thank you to CiiCii, whose enthusiasm, warmth and vibrant personality made every session engaging, accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

🎶 Throughout the day, Valence Library was filled with music, dance, conversation, creativity and laughter. Visitors also discovered volunteering opportunities for this year’s Barking and Dagenham Carnival, with many people registering their interest in becoming part of this fantastic community celebration.

The impact of the day is best reflected in the voices of those who attended.

“I came because I wanted to experience community, culture and education. It gave my children new cultural experiences.”

“It was nice trying something different and catching up with a friend.”

“My children felt involved and part of the community. The positive atmosphere lifted my spirits, helped my confidence and made me feel happier, healthier and more connected.”

“The music, dancing and exercise made me happy and gave me more confidence.”

“It was wonderful to see people come together.”

“The event helped my mental wellbeing and encouraged my creativity.”

Events like this are about so much more than a fun day out. They reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, build confidence, encourage creativity, create new friendships and celebrate the diversity that makes Barking and Dagenham such a vibrant borough. Carnival brings people together through culture, creativity, participation and shared experiences, building lasting memories while celebrating the traditions that unite our community.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered and supported the event. Your enthusiasm, energy and community spirit made the launch party for this year’s Barking and Dagenham Carnival a fantastic success.

We cannot wait to celebrate with you all again at this year’s Barking and Dagenham Carnival. Join us as we continue to build Carnival Connections, celebrate our rich cultural traditions and create unforgettable memories together.