A month-long festival celebrating Newham's heritage kicks off in June, with more than 75 events planned - including a film premiere about the venue where the Beatles performed their first London gig.
Newham Heritage Month will showcase influential historical sites and stories in the area, from the oldest Norman church in London to underground radio stations that fostered the UK’s grime scene.
Organised by Newham Council and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the festival returns to the borough for a fifth year with a programme of free live events including film screenings, exhibitions, workshops, talks, tours, and more.
The events will take place across the borough, bringing previously unheard stories, cultural narratives and personal testimonials to the forefront.
One such story involves Mary Magdalene Church.
Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to explore the grounds of the Norman church which is still in weekly use even after nine centuries.
For those interested in industrial history, an invitation is extended to step inside the 18th century House Mill - the largest tidal mill standing in Britain, and to visit the site of the Victorian Beckton Gasworks, where Oasis filmed their D’You Know What I Mean? music video.
The Beatles played their first official London gig at the Granada Cinema in East Ham in 1963 and the cinema is featured in a documentary premiere screening during the month.
While the borough's architectural heritage will be celebrated, so too will its natural heritage, with projects showcasing Newham’s green spaces.
The event will also coincide with the 150th anniversary of West Ham Park.
An art trail will span across the park to demonstrate its rich history, from housing a botanical garden and FA Cup football matches to being home to renowned philanthropic figures.
Stuart McLeod, director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We are delighted to continue our support for Newham Heritage Month, made possible thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.
"We believe that investing in heritage means investing in the community it belongs to and it has the power to connect communities, to share their sense of pride and to value heritage for everyone now and in the future."
The festival aims to foster a sense of community and appreciation for the rich and diverse history amongst Newham residents.
Councillor Rohit K. Dasgupta, deputy cabinet member for equalities, social justice and culture, said: "This festival is a celebration of our diverse heritage and culture, a wonderful opportunity for us to explore and appreciate the true essence of Newham.
"It is a chance to uncover hidden treasures and learn what makes living here so unique and special.
"This month of events will help preserve the history of our borough for generations to come."
The festival's line-up will also speak to the borough's past of inclusive education, migrant and refugee stories and trace important LGBTQI+ spaces in the borough to create a "living archive" of documentaries, oral histories, and photographs.
The full programme for the festival will launch on June 1, with all other events details, including the launch party, available now on www.newhamheritagemonth.org.
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