The borough is to receive up to £10,000 from the Greater London Authority (GLA) to deliver a series of outdoor events and public space improvements in Walthamstow and Highams Parks this summer
Waltham Forest has secured funding from the Mayor of London’s Summer Streets programme to deliver a series of outdoor events and public space improvements in Walthamstow and Highams Park this summer.
The borough is to receive up to £10,000 from a £500,000 fund from the Greater London Authority (GLA), with the money going towards two “pocket” schemes designed to support local businesses in Highams Park and Walthamstow.
In Highams Park, a three-month “Season of Music” will bring live performances, market events and themed music activities to outdoor spaces across the town centre.
The programme, led by local creative and community organisations including Highams Park Planning Group in partnership with the council, will also test a potential new market space outside Highams Park Station.
Meanwhile, The Walthamstow Way project will create a new walking trail linking Walthamstow Village, Ravenswood Industrial Estate and Wood Street. The route will be supported by new signage and a trail map highlighting more than 25 hospitality businesses in the area.
The scheme will also pilot new event licences for pedestrianised areas on Orford Road and Wood Street, alongside new seating, parasols and festoon lighting aimed at making the areas feel safer in the evenings.
The GLA says this year’s Summer Streets programme builds on the success of last year’s initiative, with boroughs using the funding to support outdoor dining, markets, live music and cultural events throughout the summer and into the autumn. The announcement also coincides with the introduction of the Mayor’s new strategic licensing powers, which are intended to make it easier for boroughs to support hospitality and nightlife.
Further details of Waltham Forest’s summer events programme are expected to be announced by the town hall in the coming weeks.
Last year, Waltham Forest received a significantly bigger pot of £50,000 from the Summer Streets fund, with the money going towards making Leyton’s Francis Road an al-fresco dining and drinking zone.
Francis’ Road car free hours were extended to allow events like a reggae night, family ceilidh, silent disco, and an outdoor movie screening. The events were organised by the Francis Road Collective with their aim being to support local businesses and create a lively high street.
Last year’s funding also supported the Leyton Más carnival, which being cut off from the latest batch of Summer Street funding, has launched its own fundraising appeal to keep going beyond 2026.
Speaking about this year’s fund, the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I’m delighted that we’re working with boroughs and local businesses to bring al fresco dining, live music, events and later opening hours to streets across our capital.
“From Woolwich to Willesden Green, Finsbury Park to Feltham, and right in the heart of the capital in Waterloo, this investment will create new outdoor spaces, support local businesses and give Londoners and visitors even more reasons to get out and enjoy our city.
“This week also marks a landmark moment for London’s licensing system as for the first time ever City Hall has a direct say in how licensing decisions are made across the capital. By making it easier to extend opening hours and expand what’s on offer, I’m determined to support our hospitality and nightlife, as we build a better London for everyone.”
Keep up to date on what events will be happening on the council’s website
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