Image Credit: Vicki Couchman courtesy of GB Carnival
GB Carnival, the Waltham Forest Carnival Arts Network and the Waltham Forest Windrush Community Consortium are inviting residents and visitors to join thousands of people for Leyton Más People’s Parade and Carnival Fête, Waltham Forest’s largest free community carnival celebration, this Sunday 12 July.
Inspired by more than 130 years of carnival traditions in Waltham Forest and over 40 years of African-Caribbean-led carnival arts in the borough, Leyton Más is a joyful celebration of culture, creativity, music, learning and community participation.
The day begins at 9.30am with participants gathering on Brisbane Road before the People's Parade steps off at 10.30am, bringing together performers, musicians, dancers, schools and community organisations in a vibrant procession through the streets of Leyton.
The parade will feature an exciting mix of groups including Lit Superiors, High Society Girlz, Segatastic Dancers, AFCA Movements, Tamil School and Jankonu Más, showcasing the many cultures and traditions that make Waltham Forest one of London's most diverse and creative communities.
From 12 noon to 7pm, Coronation Gardens and Coronation Square will come alive with music, performance, workshops and family activities across multiple stages and themed zones.
Voices to the World
The live music stage features performances from Delroy Murray's Big Tune Singalong, Sunday Best and D'Alberto, celebrating the rich traditions of community singing and live entertainment.
Joyful Noise
An uplifting programme of choirs featuring House of La Touche Choir, Strictly Roots & Revival Voices and Jah Menenites, bringing together gospel, roots and community voices.
Heart of Carnival
An alcohol-free family area featuring Carnival Arts & Crafts, face painting, mini sports and garden games, creating opportunities for children and families to play, create and experience carnival traditions together.
The Windrush Tent
Led by the Waltham Forest Windrush Community Consortium, the tent will feature exhibitions, displays, talks and activities celebrating the legacy, achievements and continuing contributions of the Windrush Generation and their descendants.
The Ballroom
A showcase of dance, music and emerging talent featuring SKD, SNM, Leaders, IMD Legion, Lit Superiors, rapper Darron and soca performers Marrisa & Melissa.
A-Maze-In Sounds
Leyton Más is also home to three distinctive sound experiences:
- Foundation Sound System
- Soca Más
- DeJaVu FM and Platform Waltham Forest
Together they present an outstanding line-up of selectors and DJs celebrating everything from Soca and Reggae to Funky Soul, R&B and beyond.
Pan Yard
Presented by Pantonic Steel Orchestra and Shernhall Street Methodist Church Steel Band, the Pan Yard celebrates the heritage and future of steel pan through performances, workshops, taster sessions and special guest appearances.
The programme aims to inspire the next generation of pan players while sharing the history and cultural significance of Trinidad and Tobago's national instrument. The development of this programme builds on Pantonic's commitment to creating accessible pathways into steel pan performance and community music-making.
After Parties
The celebration continues into the evening from 6pm to 11pm, with official after parties across Leyton at:
- The Engineer
- Kapture
- Coach & Horses
- The Chop Shop
Leyton Más is made possible through the support of community donations, Waltham Forest Council, the National Lottery Community Fund, Taylor Wimpey, People's Postcode Lottery, Port Royal Patties, the B.A.E Network and hundreds of volunteers, artists, performers and community partners.
Love Leyton Más. Entry is free. Pay what you can.
For more information, check out the Leyton Más website, for any enquiries contact info@gbcarnival.co.uk
Event information
Sunday 12 July 2026
People's Parade: 10.30am
Carnival Fête: 12 noon to 7pm
After Parties: 6pm to 11pm
Location: Coronation Gardens and Coronation Square, Leyton E10