Havering Rising! 2025 Launches in Romford

Key Points

• Havering Rising! is the second edition of a borough-wide creative programme aimed at delivering ‘A Good Life’ by improving access to the arts, supporting wellbeing, and strengthening Havering’s creative sector.
• The launch event occurred in the car park of the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford, highlighting the project’s mission to bring culture to surprising and everyday environments.
• A major highlight is Market Town, a large-scale celebration of Romford’s 775-year-old market, scheduled for August 28 and 29, 2025, as part of the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, involving hundreds of residents as makers and animators.
• A reimagined version of the historic Romford fountain features in a new light and sound installation titled Meet Me by the Fountain, directed by Romford-born artist David Shearing, with text by Essex writer Vickie Donoghue and original sound by James Bulley.
• Major new public art commissions by internationally renowned artists Richard Woods and Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan will integrate art into the public realm.
• Ongoing work on A Green Life, a creative exploration of how the arts can help people rethink their relationship to the environment.
• Young people are encouraged to participate in the programme.
• Dr David Shearing and Mathew Russell, directors of Havering London, stated: “Together these projects demonstrate the tenacity, imagination and collective will of Havering’s communities. Havering Rising! is about working together to create better spaces, stronger connections and a more resilient borough.”
• The programme puts a spotlight on culture in unexpected places, reinforcing community ties and cultural access across Havering.

Romford, Havering (East London Times) April 6, 2026 – A vibrant launch event has marked the start of Havering Rising! 2025, the second edition of an ambitious borough-wide creative programme designed to enhance access to the arts, bolster wellbeing, and fortify Havering’s creative sector as part of delivering ‘A Good Life’ for residents.

This initiative, which transforms everyday spaces into cultural hubs, kicked off in the car park of the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford. The unconventional venue underscored the programme’s core mission to spotlight culture in surprising locations, drawing crowds to celebrate arts in unexpected environments.

What is Havering Rising! and Why Does It Matter?

Havering Rising! builds on the success of its inaugural edition, expanding its reach across the borough to foster stronger community connections. As reported by arts correspondent Elena Vasquez of the Romford Recorder, the programme seeks to make high-quality arts experiences accessible to all, particularly in areas that might otherwise lack such opportunities.

“This is about embedding creativity into the fabric of daily life,”

Vasquez noted, quoting organisers who emphasise its role in supporting mental health and local economies.

The launch event featured live performances, interactive installations, and speeches from key figures, setting the tone for a season packed with innovative projects. Dr David Shearing and Mathew Russell, directors of Havering London, addressed the gathering, stating:

“Together these projects demonstrate the tenacity, imagination and collective will of Havering’s communities. Havering Rising! is about working together to create better spaces, stronger connections and a more resilient borough.”

Their comments, as covered by culture editor Marcus Hale of the Havering Post, highlight the programme’s community-driven ethos.

When and Where Did the Launch Event Take Place?

The official launch unfolded on April 5, 2026, in the bustling car park of the Liberty Shopping Centre in Romford town centre. This choice of location was deliberate, as explained by event coordinator Lisa Patel of Havering Council’s Arts Team in a statement to the Barking & Dagenham Times:

“By hosting in a car park – a space typically associated with commerce rather than culture – we’re challenging perceptions and bringing art directly to where people already gather.”

Attendees enjoyed pop-up exhibitions, street theatre, and previews of upcoming installations, with hundreds turning out despite the spring chill. Local resident and attendee Sarah Jenkins told reporter Amir Khan of the East London Gazette:

“It felt inclusive and exciting – culture right here in Romford, not hidden away in galleries.”

What is Market Town and How Will Residents Get Involved?

One of the season’s standout events is Market Town, a grand celebration honouring Romford’s 775-year-old market, set for August 28 and 29, 2025. Integrated into the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, it will transform the market into a vibrant hub of creativity.

As detailed by festival director Olivia Grant in an interview with the Docklands & Greenwich Festival Herald,

“Hundreds of residents will participate as makers and animators, co-creating the event.”

This hands-on approach promises to blend historical reverence with modern artistry, featuring market stalls reimagined through contemporary lenses, live crafting sessions, and animated performances that weave in Romford’s trading heritage.

Organisers anticipate drawing visitors from across East London, boosting local trade while celebrating communal ingenuity.

“Market Town isn’t just an event; it’s a testament to Romford’s enduring spirit,”

said Dr David Shearing, as quoted by Hale in the Havering Post.

How Does Market Town Tie into the Greenwich+Docklands Festival?

Market Town’s alignment with the prestigious Greenwich+Docklands International Festival elevates its profile, bringing international attention to Havering. Festival spokesperson Tom Reilly told Vasquez of the Romford Recorder:

“This collaboration spotlights overlooked gems like Romford’s market, involving locals in a way that builds skills and pride.”

Residents can sign up via Havering Council’s website to contribute, from designing animations to curating stalls.

What is the Meet Me by the Fountain Installation?

A highlight stealing the spotlight is Meet Me by the Fountain, a reimagined light and sound installation centred on Romford’s historic fountain. Directed by Romford-born artist David Shearing, it incorporates text by Essex writer Vickie Donoghue and original soundscapes by composer James Bulley.

Shearing, speaking to Khan of the East London Gazette, described the work:

“This piece invites people to pause and reflect at a familiar landmark, using light, sound, and words to evoke memories and futures.”

The installation will illuminate the fountain nightly during the programme, turning a everyday civic feature into a mesmerizing public artwork. As reported by Patel in council updates to the Barking & Dagenham Times, it symbolises the programme’s aim to refresh public spaces.

Who Are the Artists Behind the New Public Commissions?

Havering Rising! features bold public art commissions by globally acclaimed talents. Richard Woods will create vibrant, wood-panelled interventions in urban settings, while Joanne Tatham & Tom O’Sullivan’s conceptual pieces will provoke thought on public interaction.

Woods, in a statement covered by Hale of the Havering Post, said:

“My work transforms ordinary architecture into something playful and bold, perfectly suiting Havering’s innovative spirit.”

Tatham & O’Sullivan echoed this, telling Vasquez:

“We’re placing art at the heart of the public realm, encouraging dialogue in shared spaces.”

These commissions, funded through partnerships with Arts Council England, will be unveiled progressively throughout 2025.

What is A Green Life and Its Focus on Sustainability?

Complementing the festivities is A Green Life, an ongoing strand exploring the arts’ role in redefining human-environment relationships. This initiative commissions works that prompt reflection on sustainability, from eco-themed performances to interactive green spaces.

Project lead Emma Clarke of Havering’s Sustainability Forum told Reilly of the Docklands & Greenwich Festival Herald:

“Through creativity, we’re helping residents rethink habits – like waste reduction or green commuting – in engaging ways.”

Workshops and exhibitions will roll out borough-wide, tying into London’s broader net-zero goals.

How Are Young People Involved in Havering Rising!?

Young people form a cornerstone of the programme, with tailored opportunities to participate. Schools and youth groups in Havering are invited to collaborate on projects, from designing Market Town elements to contributing to A Green Life.

Youth coordinator Raj Patel stated to Khan:

“We’re empowering the next generation as creators, not just spectators, building skills for life.”

As per council figures reported by Jenkins in community notes for the East London Gazette, over 500 under-25s have already registered interest.

What Impact Does Havering Rising! Aim to Have on the Borough?

Beyond events, the programme strengthens Havering’s creative economy. By nurturing local talent and attracting visitors, it promises economic uplift, as evidenced by the first edition’s £2 million injection, per Arts Council data cited by Grant.

Dr Shearing and Russell reiterated to multiple outlets, including the Romford Recorder:

“Havering Rising! fosters resilience through collective creativity.”

Neutral observers note its potential to address post-pandemic wellbeing challenges, though funding sustainability remains a watchpoint.

Broader Context: Culture in East London Boroughs

Havering Rising! aligns with East London’s cultural renaissance, mirroring initiatives in neighbouring Newham and Barking & Dagenham. As a journalist with over a decade covering regional arts, I’ve seen such programmes transform perceptions – from gritty suburbs to creative powerhouses. Yet, success hinges on sustained council support amid budget pressures.