Emerge East festival returns to Barking Riverside for its biggest free event yet

This September, one of East London’s most exciting festivals returns to the banks of the Thames. And it’s 100% free – as ever.

Emerge East is back at Barking Riverside for its fourth year on Saturday 6th September, bringing arguably its finest programme of events yet to celebrate this fast-growing neighbourhood.

The festival is expected to welcome thousands of Londoners throughout the day with a full lineup of music, food, art and wellbeing.

So, if you haven’t yet visited this undiscovered corner of East London – not to mention highly atmospheric stretch of river – now might just be the time. And don’t forget, it’s literally a short hop away from Walthamstow, Leyton and Leytonstone on the Suffragette Line.

What to expect? To start with, nothing less than a Block Party. For the first time ever, the festie is taking over the streets, closing the road, and building a sound system stage to host a non-stop line-up of live music, local talent and high-energy performances.

The diverse and eclectic music programme ranges from family friendly DJs Big Fish Little Fish to R&B duo Girls Love Soul and DJ Lyan, East London’s genre-blending trailblazer, fusing South Asian rhythms with dance beats.

It will be hosted by East London local Robert Bruce, co-anchor of the early morning show with Shayna Marie on Capital Xtra Breakfast. And it’s in fact Shayna herself who plays this year’s headline set – and has previously shared a stage with the likes of 50 Cent, Dexta Daps, Megan Thee Stallion, not to mention appearing at the legendary Notting Hill Carnival.

Need to chill? In 2025 you can expect an expanded wellbeing zone, featuring the ever-popular Riverside Sauna, pictured above, offering outdoor deep heat, cold dips, and views over the Thames.

A must-see highlight of Emerge East is always the unique world-class art installation. This year, it’s a large, surreal architectural sculpture by the artistic duo Atelier Sisu: called Meliora, it’s landing at Barking Riverside for its European premiere.

Named after the Latin word meliora – meaning “better things” – this striking and immersive outdoor work “represents the pursuit of positive change,” say the artists.

Enhanced by dynamic lighting and a custom soundscape, visitors are invited to move through Meliora’s abstract and interwoven curves. It aims “to inspire reflection, empathy and collective cooperation for a better future,” say Atelier Sisu.

The event will see the return of the Home Cooks, where local people step up as streetfood chefs for the day, sharing their best family recipes. This is a brilliant way to try some inspired cooking from around the world – on your doorstep.

Also on the bill is a vibrant mix of creative experiences. Expect hands-on fun at Woodland Tribe’s adventure playground, accompanied by drop-in nature-inspired workshops for all ages.

Finally, one of the most popular highlights of Emerge East year on year is the Emerging Makers’ Market, which will return to offer a unique shopping destination, showcasing local artists, designers and traders – celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit and talent of this area in East London.

This feature is a paid partnership in association with Barking Riverside, one of Europe’s largest and most exciting residential developments, providing East London with thousands of new homes. 

Meliora is an artwork by studio Atelier Sisu, presented by Creative Barking and Dagenham in partnership with Barking Riverside, with the support of Global Streets and funding from the Arts Council.

The Emerge East festival is commissioned by master developer Barking Riverside Limited and co-curated by event agency HemingwayDesign. Emerge East is part of BRL’s wider placemaking programme, showcasing the neighbourhood’s identity through free, immersive and inclusive cultural experiences. Visit barkingriverside.london