Key Points

• Havering Council has announced the return of Summer Sessions Live at the Bandstand in Raphael Park, Romford, every Sunday throughout August 2026.
• The free, family-friendly concerts will take place from 2pm to 4pm each Sunday, with no booking required.
• Each event will feature a different line-up of local performers at the park’s historic bandstand.
• Councillor Keith Prince AM said the programme celebrates Havering’s parks, green spaces and local musical talent.
• Visitors are encouraged to bring a chair or picnic blanket to enjoy the outdoor performances.
• The full programme of acts and dates is available on Havering Council’s Summer Sessions webpage.

Havering (East London Times) August 3, 2026 – Havering Council is bringing back its Summer Sessions Live at the Bandstand programme, offering free live music in Raphael Park every Sunday throughout August 2026.

The concerts will run from 2pm to 4pm and are open to everyone, with no tickets or advance booking required. Visitors can simply turn up and enjoy live entertainment in one of Romford’s best-known parks.

Each Sunday will feature a different line-up of local musicians, giving audiences a fresh programme of performances throughout the month.

Who is organising the Raphael Park music events?

The events are organised by Havering Council as part of its summer programme of community activities.

Council leaders say the initiative celebrates the borough’s parks while providing opportunities for local performers to showcase their talent in a relaxed outdoor setting.

Councillor Keith Prince AM encouraged residents to attend, support local musicians and make the most of Raphael Park during the summer.

When and where do the concerts take place?

The Summer Sessions Live concerts will be held:

• Every Sunday during August 2026.
• From 2pm until 4pm.
• At the historic bandstand in Raphael Park, Romford.

The outdoor performances are designed as drop-in events, allowing visitors to arrive at any point during the afternoon.

Do you need to book tickets?

No.

The concerts are completely free to attend and are open to all ages.

There is no requirement to reserve tickets or register in advance, making the events easily accessible for families, friends and individuals looking for a relaxed weekend activity.

What should visitors bring?

As the concerts take place outdoors, organisers recommend bringing:

• A folding chair or picnic blanket.
• Refreshments or a picnic if desired.
• Suitable clothing for the weather.

Visitors are welcome to relax on the park’s open spaces while enjoying the live performances.

Who will be performing?

Each Sunday will feature a different programme of local musicians.

The concerts are designed to showcase a variety of performers from across the borough, offering audiences a different musical experience each week.

The complete schedule of acts and performance dates is available through Havering Council.

Why is Raphael Park’s bandstand an important venue?

Raphael Park’s historic bandstand has been a focal point for community entertainment for many years.

The venue has traditionally hosted outdoor performances and public events, making it a well-established location for bringing residents together through music during the summer months.

Its setting within one of Havering’s most popular parks provides an accessible space for family-friendly community events.

Background: Summer music in Raphael Park

Outdoor concerts at Raphael Park form part of Havering Council’s wider programme of community activities designed to encourage residents to enjoy local parks and green spaces.

By hosting regular Sunday performances throughout August, the council aims to provide free cultural events that support local musicians while creating opportunities for families and visitors to spend time outdoors.

The return of the Summer Sessions continues the long-standing tradition of live performances at the park’s bandstand.

Prediction: How could the concerts benefit Romford?

The weekly concerts are likely to increase visitor numbers at Raphael Park throughout August, providing residents with a free and accessible weekend activity during the summer holidays.

Local musicians will benefit from performing before community audiences, while nearby cafés, shops and other businesses may experience increased footfall as visitors spend time in the area before and after the events.

If the programme proves popular, it could strengthen support for similar outdoor music events in Havering’s parks in future years, further promoting community engagement, local talent and the use of public green spaces.