The Big 6 events
Our spectacular Big 6 events hosted by the Council gave residents the chance to come together as a community and celebrate our Olympic year.
More than 55,000 residents enjoyed the fantastic programme of events which took place throughout the year. There was something for everyone, from sport to film and music to family fun.
The six events were all free for residents and aim to be paid for through one off income generated by the Olympics.
Winter Wonderland
Over ten thousand residents flocked to enjoy the festivities at the Council’s first Big 6 event, Winter Wonderland.
Coronation Gardens in Leyton was transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland on 10-11 December 2011 for all to enjoy.
The synthetic ice rink was packed full on both days. Everyone from tiny tots to the elderly went for a skate. Younger residents also enjoyed a visit from Santa in his grotto for storytelling and a gift.
Families had an amazing time in the maze and admired the handiwork of the ice sculptor. And a highlight at the top of everybody’s list was the presence of penguins and reindeers.
See the photos from the event.
New Year Fireworks
Over 12,000 residents flocked to Marsh Lane Playing Fields, in Leyton (now known as Leyton Jubilee Park) and Highams Park for the New Year Fireworks on Monday 2 January. The fireworks were choreographed to famous movie soundtracks such as Rocky, Pirates of the Caribbean, Glee, E.T, Mamma Mia, and lots more.
Lots of fun was also had at the funfair, with the ferris wheel, dodgems and rides.
Fire performers also kept the crowds entertained.
Photos from the event at Leyton Jubilee Park.
Photos from the event at Highams Park.
Party on the Pitch
Thousands of Waltham Forest residents danced up a storm at the borough's biggest ever pop concert on Saturday 19 May at Leyton Orient Stadium - Party on the Pitch.
Local people were treated to top 40 hits courtesy of Cover Drive, The Saturdays, Alexandra Burke and Scouting For Girls, as well as an energetic set from dance troupe Unity UK and a stunning performance from local talent Mizz Camara.
You can see photos from the event here.
Urban Classic
More than 9000 residents enjoyed a truly spectacular night of entertainment on Thursday 5 July when Urban Classic wowed Waltham Forest at the Town Hall complex.
The concert saw urban artists Fazer, Ms Dynamite, Skepta and Devlin collide with the 85-piece BBC Symphony Orchestra - conducted by Jules Buckley - for new compositions and fresh twists on familiar material, including a rendition of Bob Dylan’s ‘All Along The Watchtower’ which featured a surprise appearance from pop heavyweight Ed Sheeran.
You can see photos from the event here.
2012 Festival of Sport
The weekend of 4–5 August saw 8,000 residents try their hand at something new and get top tips from local sports clubs at the 2012 Festival of Sport at the Town Hall complex.
Young children and adults got into the Olympic spirit, trying out a range of sports, including archery, athletics, basketball, boxing, football and much more.
Godiva Awakes, a world-class piece of public art like no other arrived at the 2012 Festival of Sport on Sunday 5 August. Made by mechanics, artists, theatre makers, puppeteers and engineers to the highest standards of contemporary craftsmanship and driven by cycle power, the ten metre high Godiva puppet featured dancers, musicians and pyrotechnicians.
See the photos from the event.
Forest Film Fest
Thousands of residents enjoyed a film, or two, over the weekend of Friday 31 August-Sunday 2 September at Forest Film Fest at Leyton County Cricket Ground.
Residents enjoyed family favourites such as The Lion King and Up, classics such as Breakfast at Tiffany's and Dirty Dancing and action films The Dark Knight and Avatar, as well as local talent Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers on a Train.
View the pictures from the event on our Flickr page.
Torch Relays
As well as residents getting involved and enjoying our Big 6 events - thousands of residents also lined the route and enjoyed the Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays.
2012 - A year to remember
Why not look back over our Olympic year and view our 2012 – A year to remember page.
Events
Check out our events page to see what else we have coming up in the borough.
