Coming up: Forest Uprising & Stay Another Day Special

Published Thursday 12 December by Callum

From Friday night, our finale event Forest Uprising will be taking over Leyton Sports Ground as the community celebrates Waltham Forest's year as the first ever London Borough of Culture. Also, the Waltham Forest Youth Choir enter the Christmas chart race with their beautiful re-recording of Stay Another Day...

Forest Uprising

13-15 December, 5-10pm, free

The first-ever London Borough of Culture finale is here, and it’s right on your doorstep! Produced by creative artists Block9, with the voices of the young people of the borough, Forest Uprising is a chance for you to explore future ideas, hopes and dreams, in an immersive experience like no other.

Transforming Leyton Sports Ground with a magical light installation, ethereal soundscapes, performances from local artists and a fantastic food and drink offering over three nights, Forest Uprising is well and truly wrapping up Waltham Forest’s year in style. Plus, it’s entirely free to attend. Everyone is invited to come along from 5pm-10pm this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Want to find out more about the artists behind the finale? We interviewed Block9 to explore how the installation takes inspiration from Waltham Forest, future generations and so much more. Read the interview.

Here are some quick FAQs:

When? 13-15 December, 5-10pm
Where? Leyton Sports Ground, E10 6PY
Do I need to book? No, it’s entirely free – just turn up. Please note, when the venue is at capacity you may have to queue.
How long will it take to experience the event? We estimate around 45 minutes
Is it suitable for families? Of course! Everyone is invited.
Do I need to arrive at 5pm? No, you can arrive anytime between 5pm and 9.30pm.
Is there parking? There is no designating car parking on site. We are encouraging people to take public transport, walk or cycle.

Please note: We expect it to be a bit chilly and possibly rainy over the weekend. Please make sure you dress appropriately, wrap up warm, and choose durable footwear! The site is on grass, so it may be muddy in places.

Any other questions? Check our full FAQs.

Stay Another Day

The race for Christmas Number 1 is now on and we need your help!

Waltham Forest Youth Choir’s beautiful re-recording of the East 17 classic Stay Another Day was recorded right here in Waltham Forest with East London Brass and East 17 founding member Tony Mortimer on piano.

The single is available to download now from iTunes and Amazon Music for just 99p or you can text E17 to 66777 to download the song directly to your phone (standard network rates apply).

Stay Another Day was originally written by Tony for his brother, who took his own life. 25 per cent of all proceeds generated from sales of the single will go directly to CALM, the charity leading a movement against suicide. Read an interview with Tony about the song on CALM's website.

Spread the word far and wide by sharing this video if you are on Facebook and using the hashtag #STAYANOTHERDAY across all social media.

Remember to share all of your London Borough of Culture related activity with us by tagging @wfculture19 on Twitter and Instagram and using the hashtag #wfculture19. See you at the finale!