Following its success last year, Newham Heritage Month is returning in May. The theme this year is Shops, Docks and Factories – Newham’s Urban Heritage. The month-long celebration will showcase the rich and diverse heritage of Newham and will take place between 1-31 May.

Events taking place across the borough include live performances, creative workshops and history sessions.

Families can catch a free family show at two Newham libraries at the end of May.

Pākiki Theatre, which has teamed up with Discover Children’s Story Centre, will host a free family event called “The Knowing Newham Hero Hunt” on 22 and 23 May at East Ham and Stratford libraries. On both days, young children and their families can enjoy a free performance followed by an optional free workshop/activity to hunt for Newham’s hidden heroes.

For more details and how to book, visit: https://www.pakikitheatre.co.uk/copy-of-the-big-herts-hero-hunt

For those who are passionate about poetry, Newham Poetry Group will be hosting a free creative writing session at Stratford Park Pavilion on Friday 21 May. Join Newham Poetry Group for a creative writing/poem session followed by a reading session which will be inspired by both Queens and Stratford Market/s. The event will begin at 4.30pm and will be BSL interpreted.

If you are a budding photographer, ActiveNewham are also looking for Community Volunteer Photographers for Newham Heritage Month to photograph shops, docks and factories. To sign up for this opportunity visit https://volunteers.activenewham.org.uk/vk/volunteers/my_opportunities_info_ur.htm?pid=10170600

Brick kiln Firing © James Darling, *September 2020*

If you aren’t ready to venture outside just yet, don’t worry because events will also take place online to celebrate the occasion. On Saturday 8 May, Darning Newham will be hosting a free creative workshop which will take place online. Adults and children will have the opportunity to learn a new skill and explore different drawing techniques which can then be transferred onto fabrics.

For more information about Newham Heritage Month and for more information about events taking place including those mentioned above, visit: https://www.newhamheritagemonth.org . Alternatively, you can also visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/newham-heritage-month-29615917329

Embroidery workshop on 15 May: https://www.newhamheritagemonth.org/events/designs-that-travel-embroidery-workshop-using-techniques-from-bangladesh/

If you would like to write a short review of any Newham Heritage Month events, please contact: info@newhamvoices.co.uk

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