Leader's update - Friday 11 September 2026

Published: 11 September 2026

Today, many of us will pause to remember the events of 11 September 2001.

Twenty-five years have passed since the attacks in America that became known around the world as 9/11, but for those who watched the news unfold that day, the shock, horror and concern for those caught up in the tragedy remain vivid memories. It was a day that changed countless lives forever.

Among those who lost their lives were two young men from Ilford, Vincent Wells and Michael Joseph Cunningham, and there will also have been others with links to Redbridge whose lives were tragically cut short that day. Today, we remember them all, alongside the families, friends and loved ones who continue to carry that loss with them.

On Thursday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Redbridge Photography Awards, and what a fantastic evening it was.

Looking through this year's entries, I was struck by just how much talent there is in our borough. From local landmarks and green spaces to snapshots of everyday life, the photographs captured Redbridge in all its diversity and character.

I'd like to thank everyone who entered, and offer my congratulations to all of this year's winners on a well-deserved achievement. Putting your work forward takes confidence, and the passion and talent on display was clear to see. I hope everyone who took part continues to pick up their camera and share their perspective on our borough with others.

I'm delighted that the much-missed Kenneth More Theatre will once again open its doors this December.

I visited the theatre last week to see how preparations are coming along, and it was great to see the venue getting ready to welcome audiences once again. The theatre means a great deal to many residents, and seeing it for myself made me even more excited about its reopening.

We're now starting to hear about some of the performances that will take to the stage when the theatre returns, and I'm particularly looking forward to Curtain Up! Celebrate Act 2 on New Year's Eve, marking 52 years since the theatre first opened its doors. It feels like a fitting way to celebrate the return of one of Redbridge's most loved cultural venues.

Last weekend, I attended the annual Singh Sabha Gurdwara Nagar Kirtan. With the sun shining and thousands of people taking part, it was a wonderful day for the Sikh community and for Redbridge.

As the procession travelled from Barking to Goodmayes, volunteers generously shared langar, offering free food and drink to everyone they met along the route. It was a fantastic celebration of faith, service and community spirit, and I thoroughly enjoyed being part of it.

Finally, as Rosh Hashanah approaches, I would like to send my warmest wishes to Redbridge's Jewish community.

At this special time of year, families and friends will come together to celebrate, reflect and look ahead to the year to come. I wish everyone observing Rosh Hashanah a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.

Shana Tovah.

Cllr Kam Rai
Leader of Redbridge Council