Waltham Forest Carnival Archive

Waltham Forest has been celebrating Carnival for over 100 years.

From parades in the 1890s to the vibrant streets of Leyton Carnival, generations of local people have shaped a rich tradition rooted in creativity, community, and the diverse cultures of people who have travelled from 220 countries to settle in the borough.

The borough is home to founding pioneers of Notting Hill Carnival, alongside a powerful new generation of premier Más bands including Inspiration, M2K, Soca Mas and UCOM.

In the 1990s and 2000s, Leyton Young People’s Carnival—later Leyton Carnival—brought schools, families and communities together through workshops, parades and live performances along Leyton High Street, culminating at Leyton Sports Ground.

We’re creating a living community archive—and we want you to be part of it.

Do you remember:

• Leyton Carnival or Young People’s Caribbean Carnival?
• Taking part in a parade, workshop or performance?
• Watching from the streets with friends and family?

Whether you were there once or every year, your memories matter.

• Share your memories and stories
• Contribute photos, flyers and memorabilia
• Help document Waltham Forest’s Carnival history

No experience needed—just come along and be part of it.

Selected contributions will be featured in a public display at the reopenedVestry House Museum

Your materials will also become part of the Waltham Forest Archives, preserving this history for future generations.

Meet us at one of our Collection Saturdays:

• 11 April – Walthamstow Central Library
• 18 April – Lea Bridge Road Library
• 2 May – Leyton Trinity Hall
• 16 May – Walthamstow Central Library
• 6 June – Leyton Trinity Hall
• 4 July – Leyton Trinity Hall

📧 [email protected]

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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