PalEASTine Fest, taking place in Tilbury Road on Saturday 5th December from 4pm until late, will celebrate Palestinian art and storytelling while raising money for children in Gaza
A new community‑led arts festival is set to bring music, food and creative workshops in celebration of Palestinian culture to Tilbury Road in Leyton.
PalEASTine Fest, taking place on Saturday 5th December from 4pm until late, is being organised by a local collective who seek to celebrate Palestinian heritage, art and storytelling while raising money for children in Gaza.
A crowdfunder has been launched to cover the festival’s upfront costs, including printed materials, workshop supplies, artist fees and merchandise, with organisers estimating they need £2,000 to deliver the event.
The day‑long programme will feature live music, dance workshops, film screenings, visual arts and Palestinian food stalls, alongside merchandise including T‑shirts and tote bags.
Organisers say the aim is to “revive the joy of shared cultural experiences and highlight the role of art in solidarity, identity and social connection”.
“We believe Palestinian culture deserves to be celebrated loudly and proudly in our community,” the collective told the Echo. “Events like this build awareness, connection and a sense of togetherness.”
A number of artists, performers and facilitators have already been confirmed. These include a Dabke workshop led by Jumana from Step Station, introducing participants to the traditional Levantine folk dance in a friendly, accessible session open to all backgrounds.
Meanwhile, there will also be a photography and visual‑storytelling event showcasing work by photographers in Palestine and across the diaspora, with Q&A, on top of music from the local community choir Natural Voices.
A selected performance from a collection of short political plays examining Palestine, censorship and artistic freedom will also take place.
Further activities are expected to be confirmed, including children’s blockprinting workshops.
Money raised on the day will go to Shadows Children’s Performing Arts Club, a grassroots initiative providing children in Gaza with access to music, theatre and dance. Organisers say the funds help create “moments of joy and creativity in the most difficult of circumstances”.
Artists interested in taking part can contact organisers at [email protected]
Donate to the crowdfunder here
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