Saturday 16th September marks the return of the Emerge East festival to Barking Riverside, one of Europe’s largest and most exciting new neighbourhoods being delivered by joint venture partners L&Q and the Mayor of London. Back for a second year after its successful debut in 2022, this free festival will host a range of activities, bringing visitors on a journey of discovery through this emerging East London district.
From 10am until 7pm, visitors will be invited to explore a variety of pop-ups; from tasting home cooked dishes from Barking Riverside residents, and browsing independent food and craft traders, to venturing along a brand-new Wellbeing and Wildlife Trail, and enjoying soundtrack sessions from UD DJ Collective.
A part of the 2023 Open House Festival, Emerge East will offer architectural tours to the recently opened Overground Station and river bus pier, as well as panel talks with the residents and local leaders who are actively building community at Barking Riverside.
A returning highlight from the first Emerge East will be the hugely popular Wild Riverside Sauna stationed on the banks of the Thames. Brought to Barking by Sauna Master Katie Bracher, visitors can experience the feel-good benefits of deep heat, cold contrast and rejuvenating steam. Pop-up saunas, ice cold pools and bucket showers will give visitors the opportunity to plunge themselves in a breath-taking outdoor sauna experience.
Festival highlights include:
The Home Cooks area showcasing food-loving residents who will present their home prepared dishes to guests.
An Emerging Makers Market featuring independent traders selling a selection of clothing, gifts, lifestyle products and food produce.
The new Wildlife and Wellbeing Trail designed by arts organisation Create London. This 5km trail will be signposted by sculptural markers designed by Channel Architecture and two sound artworks made by artist Joseph June Bond in partnership with Barking Riverside residents. The trail will lead visitors through the ecological Oystercatcher Park and onto the Thames foreshore, exploring the area’s unique ecology.
Guided tours of the new Overground station, led by architects Weston Williamson and Partners, and the new pier, led by the project engineering team.
Pop-up riverside sauna sessions, with guidance by the British Sauna Society, to learn about sauna culture and rituals from around the world.
Nature-inspired arts and crafts workshops, hosted by social enterprises Yodomo and Sunny Jar throughout the day and supported by home builders Bellway and L&Q.
Poetry Takeaway in an L&Q show homes, bringing a live personalised poetry experience to visitors in an unusual home setting.
Emerge East concludes the Summer Sessions – a 10-week programme of events and pop ups along the riverfront for residents and Londoners to enjoy over the summer months. The Summer Sessions offered a range of activities open to all, from themed parties with live music, sport competitions, cocktail making masterclasses and family raves.
The event is hosted by Barking Riverside Limited, a joint venture between the Mayor of London and L&Q. Barking Riverside Limited are the master developers in charge of shaping a 443-acre former industrial site into a vibrant neighbourhood of over 10,000 homes, commercial and leisure space, new schools and facilities, public open spaces and riverside walks.
