More than 5,000 residents and visitors attended the Leyton Más People’s Parade & Carnival Fête on Sunday 12th July, writes Lorraine Williams
GB Carnival, the Waltham Forest Carnival Arts Network and the Waltham Forest Windrush Community Consortium welcomed more than 5,000 residents and visitors to Leyton Más People’s Parade & Carnival Fête on Sunday 12th July.
Inspired by more than 130 years of carnival traditions in Waltham Forest and over 40 years of African-Caribbean-led carnival arts in the borough, Leyton Más is a joyful celebration of culture, creativity, music, learning and community participation.
The day began at 9.30am with participants gathering on Brisbane Road before the People’s Parade stepped off at 10.30am, bringing together performers, musicians, dancers, schools and community organisations in a vibrant procession through the streets of Leyton.
Teresa Askew, director of Great British Carnival, said: “As well as all the lovely carnival displays made by the Leyton community the Parade featured carnival and folk dance traditions from across the world with an exciting mix of performers from groups showcasing the many cultures and traditions that make Waltham Forest one of London’s most diverse and creative communities.”
Groups featured included: Waltham Forest, Antigua & Barbuda and Dominica Twinning Association – a Caribbean Quadrille Dance Group, Gahu Arts – Ghanian drummers, Segatastic Dance Company – showcasing Mauritian Dancing, Mi Viejo San Simon, Bolivian caperalles dancers, Lit Superiors,High Society Girlz, and AFCA Movements – Caribbean Carnival artists.
Frank Sweeney, Leyton Más Director, apologised for long delays caused by the slow and mismanaged entry system and said: “It is at the very top of the team’s list to resolve and ensure we have a smooth and welcoming entry system for Leyton Más, 11th July 2027!”
From 12pm to 7pm, Coronation Gardens and Coronation Square came alive with music, performance, workshops and family activities across multiple stages and themed zones – with even a humorous giant “Count Binface” puppet raising quite a few laughs as he trundled around on wooden wheels.
The Voices to the World live music stage featured performances from Delroy Murray’s BigTune Singalong, Sunday Best and D’Alberto, celebrating the rich traditions of community singing and live entertainment.
Errol Dunkley headlined the Foundation Sounds International set on the A-Maze-In Sounds stage which also featured Sir Breena and Company Soul Sound, Soca Más, DeJaVu FM and Platform Waltham Forest. Together they made up a line-up of selectors and DJs celebrating everything from Soca and Reggae to Funky Soul, R&B and beyond.
An uplifting programme of choirs featuring House of La Touche Choir, Strictly Roots & Revival Voices andJah Menenites, brought together gospel, roots and community voices.
An alcohol-free family area called Heart of Carnival featured opportunities for attendees to make their own Carnival Arts & Crafts as well as face painting, mini sports and garden games. Children and families had lots of fun creating and experiencing carnival traditions together.
The Windrush Tent, Led by the Waltham Forest Windrush Community Consortium, featured exhibitions, displays, talks and activities celebrating the legacy, achievements and continuing contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.
At The Ballroom, a showcase of dance, music and emerging talent featured SKD, SNM, Leaders, IMD Legion, Lit Superiors, rapper Darron and soca performers Marrisa & Melissa.
The Pantonic Steel Orchestra & Shernhall Street Methodist Church Steel Band, at Pan Yard celebrated the heritage and future of steel pan through performances, workshops, taster sessions and special guest appearances, inspiring the next generation of pan players while sharing the history and cultural significance of Trinidad and Tobago’s national instrument.
The development of this programme built on Pantonic’s commitment to creating accessible pathways into steel pan performance and community music-making.
After Parties took place across Leyton at The Engineer, Kapture, Coach & Horses, and The Chop Shop.
Leyton Más was made possible through the support of community donations, core funding from Waltham Forest Council, the National Lottery Community Fund, Taylor Wimpey, People’s Postcode Lottery, Port Royal Patties and Cini Brunch, the B.A.E Network and hundreds of volunteers, artists, performers and community partners.
85 volunteers gave over 1,000 hours of time to help plan and manage the day.
Following a community campaign to Save Leyton Más, 550 individual supporters donated a total of £2,500, through Eventbrite and a crowdfunder campaign. The crowdfunder remains open until Sunday, 19th July and further donations will be welcome to help towards next year.
You can donate to the Leyton Mas crowdfunder here
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