Victoria Park will be at the centre of summer community life later this month as the IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD strand of the All Points East festival makes a four-day return. The event, presented in partnership with Tower Hamlets Council, runs from Monday 24 August to Thursday 27 August and offers a broad programme of free activities aimed at families, young people and adults.
What’s on offer
Doors open at 12 noon on Monday 24 August and at 10am on the remaining days. The site sits in the park between weekend headline shows, and is designed as a place for the local community to try things out without a ticket. Visitors can expect live music, fitness sessions, theatre, family activities and food and drink stalls.
- Music: DJ Yoda’s 90s Mixtape, Trojan Sound System, DJ Kizzi (BBC Asian Network), Grand Union Orchestra and stage takeovers from Cafe 1001 and Rich Mix.
- Fitness and sport: sessions including House of Voga, Move Studio London, OpenMat Pilates, Jess Owen Yoga, Be Well leisure services from the council and football coaching from West Ham FC Foundation.
- Family and community: free cinema, theatre from Half Moon and Tamarind, The Big Draw, bike and eco workshops, Somali poetry and dance, and activities from community organisations across Tower Hamlets.
Community focus and accessibility
The programming emphasises local groups and inclusive activities. Organisers highlight participation opportunities for all ages and abilities — from baby sensory sessions to sporting tasters for older children and adults. Because most activities are free, the event aims to lower barriers to cultural and leisure provision in the borough.
| When | Opening times | Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 24–27 August | 12pm (Mon), 10am (Tue–Thu) | Free |
Who’s involved
The scheme brings together a mixture of arts organisations, local charities and commercial partners. Alongside the headline artists and fitness teachers are groups such as Limehouse Boxing, Tower Hamlets Hockey, Grand Union Orchestra, Sunny Jar Eco Hub, Bikeworks and community stages highlighting Somali and Vietnamese culture. The range of contributors reflects the borough’s diverse population and the festival’s attempt to be locally rooted rather than just a pop-up.
For Tower Hamlets residents the programme is a chance to sample free classes, see local performers and connect with neighbourhood projects without the cost of a standard festival ticket. Attendees should check the All Points East website or Tower Hamlets Council updates for detailed timetables and any last-minute changes.
Victoria Park has long been a focal point for summer events in the borough, and this year’s IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD promises a mixture of accessible cultural offers alongside opportunities to try new sports and fitness activities in the park’s open air setting.
