Romford Comes Alive This Bank Holiday Weekend With Spectacular Free Events.
Romford town centre is set to come alive this August Bank Holiday weekend with a programme of free performances, live music, history and family activities celebrating the people and stories behind one of London’s oldest markets.
At the centre of the celebrations will be Meet Me by the Fountain, a spectacular outdoor projection and sound show taking place in Romford Market on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 August.
The free 30-minute performances will take place at 8.30pm and 9.30pm on both evenings and have already been named among Time Out London’s best things to do this August Bank Holiday.
As darkness falls, projections, light and sound will transform Romford Market, drawing inspiration from the much-remembered Liberty fountain and almost eight centuries of local history.
Created by David Shearing, with text by Vickie Donoghue, sound by James Bulley and video projection by Novak, the production will take audiences through different periods of Romford’s past, from the market’s origins and medieval history through wartime, the 1980s and present day, before imagining its future.
Romford Market has been at the heart of the town for 779 years, and its history will continue to take centre stage during Saturday’s celebrations.
Between 11am and 4pm on Saturday 29 August, Suburban Legends will bring costumed characters and pop-up performances throughout the market.
Co-created with and performed by local people, the free event will explore traders, characters, myths and stories associated with Romford.
Residents can even become part of the performance. Organisers are looking for people with clothing from the 1960s, 70s, 80s and 90s to participate.
Anyone interested can attend a session at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch on Wednesday 19 August between 4pm and 6pm, where organisers will help style outfits and explain how people can become involved.
There will be plenty more happening around Romford throughout the weekend.
The Mercury Mall will host live music from The Ionians Young People’s Music Group between 3pm and 6pm on Saturday. Based at MyPlace in Harold Hill, the youth-led music collective will perform covers and original material showcasing emerging Havering talent.
At Romford Shopping Hall, visitors can explore The History of Romford Market 1247-2022, an exhibition originally produced by Romford BID for the market’s 775th anniversary.
The free exhibition runs from Friday 28 until Monday 31 August.
Havering Museum is also joining the celebrations. Children can take part in market-inspired craft activities on Friday, while the museum will have a presence at The Brewery between noon and 4pm.
On Saturday, Havering Museum will hold a free open day sponsored by Essex Freemasons, running from 11am until 3.30pm. Visitors will be able to explore the galleries, enjoy children’s crafts and meet a Pearly King and Queen.
Those making a day or evening of their visit can also take advantage of special offers from local businesses.
The Bull, at 74-76 Market Place, is offering a 10% discount on food and drinks for people attending Meet Me by the Fountain or Suburban Legends.
The Vine Cafe, at Unit H4, 3 Laurie Walk, will also offer 10% off on Saturday 29 August.
Meet Me by the Fountain and Suburban Legends are produced by Havering London in partnership with Greenwich + Docklands International Festival, with support from Arts Council England, National Lottery Heritage Fund, London Borough of Havering, Romford BID and Historic England.
With performances, music, history, children’s activities and local businesses getting involved, residents are being encouraged to make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend and rediscover Romford town centre.
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