Windrush is back for 2024
The arrival of HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks in 1948 represents a historic milestone in the shared history of the UK's modern multiracial society. Building on the success of last year's 75th anniversary celebrations, the third-ever Waltham Forest Windrush Festival will bring Fellowship Square to life once more in honour of the Windrush Generation and the contributions of our borough's 25,000-strong Afro-Caribbean community.
The free festival takes place on Windrush Day, Saturday 22 June, between 11am and 6pm. It will feature performances, dancing, music, exhibitions, arts and craft activities, games, inflatables and much more - all presented in partnership with 16 local community groups.Â
Local artist Kim Meyers will be hosting a workshop on the day, and said: "All four of my grandparents came over as part of the Windrush Generation". Working under the name Two Twos Art, Kim's workshop at the Waltham Forest Windrush Festival allows participants to explore culture and identity through the creation of Ludi/Ludo boards. "I just hope they can continue to play and share the joy for generations to come" she added.
For a preview of the stage programme, we spoke to Juliet Fletcher, Church of God In Christ (COGIC) Wood Street's Musical Director, who said: "My role is to present a one hour concert where you can get a flavour, a taste of some of the music we do in our churches and how it has been a source of strength and resilience.
"COGIC has been in the borough for 55 years, so it is a delight for us - for the first time – to participate in the Windrush Festival."
Check out the full Waltham Forest Windrush Festival programme on our website. We look forward to welcoming you to the festival this weekend.
 Windrush75 celebrations in Fellowship Square
Please note, if your postcode is IG8, your nearest events will appear under E4. If you live in E7 or E15, check out E11. You can also find online events on our website.
 Do you want to help tackle climate and ecological challenges?
The Hive is running a four-day course for young people who want to turn their passion and knowledge into positive action this summer - and it includes a one-night residential stay. Participants will develop a wide range of skills and receive a nationally recognised carbon literacy accreditation upon completion. It's only £10 for young people living and/or studying in Waltham Forest.
 Have you thought about fostering but have concerns or specific questions?
Why not come along to our information session, where you will hear a presentation about fostering in Waltham Forest and meet our friendly team. You'll also get a chance to speak to one of our current foster carers about their experience. The session takes place online on Tuesday 25 June, from 11am to 12pm.
 Photo: Yioda Nicholaou
Much Ado About Nothing has come to Waltham Forest and you can enjoy outdoor performances of this Shakespearean classic throughout the borough over the summer. First up is Fellowship Square from 27 to 30 June followed by July performances in Highams Park and Langthorne Park Amphitheatre. The show is family-friendly, with contemporary twists and turns and high-energy party numbers.
 Pride is back in less than two months with a packed day of celebrations.
Between 3pm and 8pm on Saturday 27 July, Fellowship Square will feature performances, music, stalls, activities plus food and refreshments.Â
This free event is not to be missed.
 The Together Space will be running free mixed-ability summer holiday sessions for primary-aged SEND and non-SEND children.
In partnership with Waltham Forest Council, the sessions take place between 10am and 1pm at Higham Hill Hub on Wednesday 7 August and Big Penny Social on Monday 12 August. Booking is essential.Â
 We are looking for council tenants and leaseholders interested in joining the Resident Influence and Accountability Panel. The independent panel meets every three months in person or online to review and improve aspects of Waltham Forest's housing service.
So are you:
- a good communicator and listener?Â
- someone who feels that areas of the housing service could be improved?
- enthusiastic and reliable, with high standards of behaviour and integrity?
- someone who can challenge constructively?
- a person who can work effectively both independently and as part of a team?
If you answered yes to any of these questions and care about housing in your borough, get in touch.
 We’ve secured funding from the redevelopment of Coronation Square and the Score Centre to make improvements to the Dunedin Road area in Leyton. They changes will better connect the development to the local community, Leyton Station and existing amenities on Leyton High Road.
As well as filling out the survey, residents are invited to join us on Wednesday 26 June between 11am and 2pm, in Coronation Gardens (High Road Leyton side) to talk to the team and access a copy of the survey (also available at Leyton Librbary).
What's that big yellow thing in the sky?
Summer's here at last! Make sure to stay sun-safe: keep an eye on at-risk people, including older people, young children, and people with long-term health conditions.
Keep your home cool by closing curtains, open windows if it's cooler outside than in, and turn off unnecessary electrical items. Check forecasts more often, travel with water, apply sunscreen frequently and be most careful during the hottest hours of the day (11am to 3pm).
£100,000 available for innovative waste prevention projects
Two large waste prevention projects focusing on food or waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) will each receive up to £100,000 as part of the revamped North London Community Fund.
Expressions of interest are now being accepted for the second phase of this year’s fund, which has been split into two stages for the first time.
Compulsory Q&A webinars will take place on Tuesday 2 July and Friday 5 July, after which the full application form will be shared with attendees.
Free summer events
There are lots of free activities for Waltham Forest residents taking place over the summer.
Get crafting with Sweet Paper Creations, who’ll be exploring the world of emotions and how to express them through fun and interactive activities. Children will be set up with everything they need to make their own monster and bring it to life in the form of a piñata.
People of all ages and abilities can also try out a new sport in one of our free upcoming taster sessions.
Current council vacancies and other local jobs
We regularly update the vacancies and local jobs listing on our Waltham Forest Jobs website. Explore available job opportunities and apply for roles that suit you.Â
You can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website, and check out our LinkedIn.
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