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Introducing... Soho Theatre Walthamstow
It’s finally here – after decades of community-led campaigning, I’m overjoyed that Soho Theatre Walthamstow is opening its doors to the public tomorrow, Friday 2 May.
I was lucky to be treated to a sneak peak of the Grade II* listed former Granada Cinema last week, and I can say with confidence that the finished refurbishment of this iconic landmark far exceeds all expectations. Some residents have already attended advance preview shows last weekend - I can't wait for everyone across Waltham Forest to come and enjoy this beautiful new asset for our borough.
Alongside the packed programme featuring some of the biggest names in comedy, cabaret and live performances, Soho Theatre’s Take Part programme includes tasters for some of their most popular artist development programmes and is available exclusively at a reduced rate of up to 70 per cent off Soho Theatre's standard charges for those who live, study or work in the borough.
I'd like to thank Mark Godfrey and his team at Soho Theatre, alongside the builders, engineers, project managers, and specialist craftspeople and conservation experts responsible for bringing the space back to life.
A special mention must also go to the residents and campaigners who tirelessly fought for the revival of this building, including Waltham Forest Cinema Trust, the McGuffins Film Society and Save Walthamstow Cinema.
As a not-for-profit organisation, Soho Theatre have already delivered writing sessions for more than 1,000 primary school students, career fairs and workshops for over 1,300 young people and interactive support for the elderly through the Love Project at Leytonstone's George Mason Lodge.
Over the next ten years, our investment into the restored venue is estimated to provide up to £61 million to the local economy and further raise Waltham Forest's cultural offer and our profile on the national and international stage. It is set to be a jewel in Waltham Forest's crown and we are proud to have preserved an important part of our local heritage for our residents and visitors.
See you there!
Grace
Cllr Grace Williams, Leader of Waltham Forest Council
 Council leaders visit the refurbished Soho Theatre Walthamstow
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What's happening where you are |
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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.
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Council receives second-highest housing rating |
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 In November last year, the council received notice that its housing landlord services was in the next round of inspections by the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH). This inspection is part of the newly introduced Ofsted-style inspections for social landlords. Following this inspection Waltham Forest Council has been awarded the second highest rating of a C2 against the consumer standards. Full details of the four consumer standards can be found on the Government website.
The RSH issues gradings from C1, where consumer standards are fully met, to C4, where there are very serious failings. The C2 grading indicates that while the council is broadly meeting the consumer standards, there are some weaknesses and improvement is needed. Our comprehensive improvement action plan is already underway to address the issues raised in the inspection, and we will be keeping the Regulator up to date with our progress.
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 This Saturday 3 May sees the return of the much-loved local music festival in Leytonstone. An all-day event celebrating independent music, taking place in various venues in E11. With over 20 live artists and DJ's performing, plus curated stages by BBC Introducing and local favourites Dreamhouse Records. Expect to see Hot Chip's Alexis Taylor, electronic star Tom VR, Kemi Ade, Graecyn and many more. One ticket grants you entry and access to all the venues taking part along Leytonstone High Street, with a packed line up from lunchtime through to the early hours at unique local venues.
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Friends of Lloyd Park Mayfair event |
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 The annual Mayfair event will return to Lloyd Park on Monday 5 of May. The day will feature a mixture of tradition and contemporary entertainment, with activities including Morris Dancing, a Skatejam and Tai Chi. As always, the event will also feature a Dog Show, which this year is William Morris-themed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the William Morris Gallery, which sits in the park. Plenty of food and drink will be on offer, as well as crafts from local makers.
More information can be found on the event Facebook page.
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South Asian under-representation in football |
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 Huge congratulations to the Punjabi O's for winning the Diversity Award at the 2024-25 EFL Awards on Sunday night.
Arvi Sahota collected the award on behalf of the Punjabi O's - a group of Leyton Orient supporters with a passion for making football inclusive for all and encouraging more South Asian supporters and players.
We previously sat down with Arvi to talk about their work in the community. You can read the full story via the link below.
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 We’re working to improve Walthamstow High Street. The much-loved shopping destination is going to benefit from improved lighting, new street furniture, greener spaces, better walking routes and more. The improvements will make the area feel safer, more accessible and attractive for businesses, shoppers and visitors, while boosting local biodiversity.
Shops and markets will remain open as normal throughout the programme meaning that disruption is kept to a minimum.
Stay tuned for updates along the way!
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Update your digs with free dough |
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 Our latest Energy Upgrade Loan offer has been launched. It offers residents a 0% interest loan to install amazing measures to improve energy efficiency in their homes, including solar panels, insulation and heat pumps. A higher energy efficiency rating for your home results in big savings on your energy bills in the long-term. The loan offer is over 10 years, and residents can borrow from £2,000 to £20,000 for homes with an energy performance certificate (EPC) D or below.
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Last day to apply for local area funding |
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 There is less than 24 hours left to apply for Community Ward Funding, the deadline to apply is Friday 2 May 2025 at 5pm.
If you have an idea for a project to help tackle inequality and improve your local area, we would love to hear from you. The idea or project could be something that brings people together or offers support to those who need it most, and must be led by individuals or community groups. Wards with two councillors are allocated £6,600 and wards with three councillors are allocated £10,000.
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"We've gone to Walthamstow by mistake!" |
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 Celebrating their 700th screening, this Saturday 03 May, local enterprise Stow Film Lounge will be back at Fellowship Square lawns to screen the cult classic, Withnail & I. From 7pm there will be pre-film live music, summoning up the vibes of the Jimi Hendrix experience, drinks, refreshments and fresh popcorn.
A perfect way to kick off a long bank holiday weekend. Especially with good weather forecasted. Film starts at 8pm until 10.30pm.
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 Harvey Road street party, courtesy of Vestry House Museum, London Borough of Waltham Forest
Thursday 8 May 2025 marks 80 years since VE Day, when more than a million people across the UK took to the streets to celebrate the end of nearly six years of war. The bank holiday on Monday 5 May has been officially set aside for community celebrations and 27 street parties are scheduled to take place across Waltham Forest. Find out more information about community activities and read more about the history behind VE Day on our website.
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Sustainable and inclusive growth
The Waltham Forest Infrastructure Delivery Plan is a roadmap designed to support sustainable growth and improve quality of life across our borough. This plan works hand-in-hand with the borough’s Local Plan, helping us deliver 27,000 new homes by 2035 to address the housing crisis, while ensuring the infrastructure we all rely on grows alongside our community.
From upgraded public transport and safer walking and cycling routes to modernised energy networks, waste solutions, and improved healthcare and schools, the plan prioritises what matters most to residents. It also focuses on protecting and enhancing our parks, waterways, and green spaces, ensuring Waltham Forest remains a vibrant place to live, work, and thrive.
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Community healthcare spaces survey
The Council, the NHS and the voluntary and community sector are working together to develop community healthcare spaces where GP services, screenings, tests and community services can all be provided in one place.
Healthwatch Waltham Forest is running a survey to make sure local people can help shape these plans. They want to know how healthcare spaces can support you to stay as healthy as you can be.
You could be in with the chance to win one of the £50, £100 and £150 prizes.
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Opportunities for residents |
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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.
You can find the latest Waltham Forest Council jobs online on our website, and check out our LinkedIn.
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