The organisers of Waltham Forest’s largest free community carnival say it is facing a significant funding gap, reports Marco Marcelline
GB Carnival CIC has launched Save Leyton Más, a public fundraising campaign to help secure the future of Leyton Más 2026 – Waltham Forest’s largest free community carnival.
Each year, Leyton Más brings together carnival arts, steel pan, choirs, sound systems, schools, artists, volunteers and local communities in a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, identity and belonging.
But following unsuccessful funding applications and dwindling public arts funding, the organisers of Leyton Más 2026 say it is now facing a significant funding gap that threatens its future.
In a bid to save it, GB Carnival CIC have launched a crowdfunding and sponsorship campaign inviting the public, businesses and supporters to “help protect and sustain the festival for future generations”.
Produced by GB Carnival CIC and community partners, Leyton Más celebrates African-Caribbean carnival traditions alongside contemporary community arts, music, creative learning and environmental action. The programme supports children and young people, artists, schools, volunteers and local residents through inclusive cultural participation and skills development opportunities.
Frank Sweeney, Leyton Más Director, said: “Leyton Más has become an important cultural platform for creativity, participation and community celebration in Waltham Forest. We are determined to keep the festival free, accessible and community-led, but we now need support from the wider public, local businesses and partners to help make that possible.”
Supporters can donate, sponsor a festival zone, share the campaign or become regular supporters of Leyton Más 2026.
The programme for the 2026 edition includes schools and community workshops, volunteer and creative skills development, the People’s Parade: Led by the Windrush Parade, the Pan Yard Steel Pan convention, and more.
For more information or to support the campaign, visit Leyton Más’ website here
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