Ilford Design Festival: reimagining public spaces for a greener, more inclusive future
Published: 11 September 2025
Redbridge Council, in partnership with leading design teams and community organisations, is proud to present the Ilford Design Festival—a free, community-focused celebration of creativity, innovation, and the future of Ilford’s public spaces.
The event will take place tomorrow (Saturday 13 September) at Highlands Primary School in Highlands Gardens, the festival will spotlight the Ilford Arrival Project, a transformative initiative aimed at reconnecting Ilford Town Centre with the River Roding. Through a series of design interventions, the project seeks to activate underused public spaces and create safer, more accessible routes to green infrastructure for all residents.
The event will be held across two engaging drop-in sessions:
Morning Session (10am – 12.30pm):
Young People and Families Matter in Ilford
Children and young people (ages 2–16) and their families are invited to participate in hands-on activities such as model making and drawing. Parents will also have the opportunity to learn more about the project and share their ideas for shaping Ilford’s future.
Afternoon Session (2pm – 4.30pm):
An Ilford for Everyone
The wider community is invited to explore design concepts for a new pocket park, pedestrian bridge, urban room, and cycle infrastructure. Attendees will be encouraged to engage with design teams and contribute ideas toward a more inclusive and vibrant Ilford.
The festival is hosted by Redbridge Council, alongside collaborators Diverse Dialogues, Periscope, Studio Gil, and Momentum—all committed co-designing spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of Ilford’s diverse population.
Cllr Kam Rai, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “The Ilford Design Festival is a great chance for local people to come together and help improve the area. We’re working to make Ilford a safer, greener, and more welcoming place for everyone. By opening up spaces and making it easier to get to the River Roding, we’re bringing new life to the town centre. This festival is all about giving residents a say in how Ilford grows and changes for the better.”
Due to venue capacity, attendees may be asked to wait during peak times. Booking is strongly encouraged via eventbrite to avoid disappointment.
