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About
Emerge East is a free celebration of community, creativity and nature, and offers an exciting day out discovering one of East London’s newest neighbourhoods.
Emerge East returns for its 4th year on Saturday 6th September 2025, from 11am to 7pm. This year’s festival builds on the best of previous editions, while introducing fresh new moments to experience. Much-loved highlights are on offer, including The Home Cooks' Taste of Barking Riverside, the Riverside Sauna and the Emerging Makers' Market - now firm favourites that reflect the event's spirit.
A brand new highlight lands in Barking Riverside this September: the Barking Riverside’s Block Party. For the first time ever, we’re taking over the streets, closing the road, expanding the site, and building a sound system stage to host a non-stop line-up of live music, local talent, and high-energy performances, all leading up to an unforgettable headline act to close the night.
More event highlights to be announced in the following weeks!
WIN the ultimate day out at Emerge East
We are offering you the chance to win a full festival experience - Here’s what’s up for grabs:
🛥️ A 10-ticket carnet to use from Barking Riverside pier up to Battersea Power Station on the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers service.
🧖♂️ Two tickets to the Riverside Sauna experience.
🍲 £50 to spend on food and drinks in Station Square.
💝 £65 to spend at the Emerging Makers’ Market.
You’ll also have full access to everything else on the day - from DJ sets on the brand-new Barking Riverside Block Party stage to creative workshops, the Wellbeing Zone and much more.
To enter:
🕺Follow @barking_riverside on Instagram
🕺 Tag 3 friends in the comments
2025 Highlight Content…
Barking Riverside’s Block Party
For the first time ever, Emerge East will feature a dedicated music stage - an all-day celebration of the people, sounds and stories of our community, alongside some well-known, local headliners.
Click the button below to listen to the Barking Riverside Block Party playlist on Spotify for a taste of what’s to come.
Watch this space - full line-up soon to be announced.
Meliora, by Atelier Sisu
Meliora, a large architectural sculpture by the artistic duo Atelier Sisu, is landing at Emerge East for its European premiere.
Named after the Latin word meliora—meaning "better things"—this striking and immersive installation is a temporary public artwork that represents the pursuit of positive change. Enhanced by dynamic lighting and a custom soundscape, you are invited to move through Meliora's abstract and interwoven curves. The artwork aims to inspire reflection, empathy and collective cooperation for a better future.
Keep scrolling for more of what’s to come.
The Programme
MUSIC AND DJS
DJ line-up, set times, and playlists soon to be announced! Click for more info.
THE HOME COOKS
Our cohort of talented home cooks return, serving up delicious family recipes. Click for more info.
RIVERSIDE SAUNA AND WELLBEING ZONE
Discover the wellness area, sauna experiences, and relaxation tips. Click for more info.
WOODLAND TRIBE ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND
This year, Woodland Tribe returns with a vibrant new installation as well as their trademark childrens workshop. Click for more info.
EMERGING MAKERS' MARKET
Meet the makers, shop unique items, and support local creatives.
CREATIVE WORKSHOPS AND ACTIVITIES
Join hands-on sessions, crafts, and interactive creative spaces.
CHARITY SUPER.MKT POP-UP & ‘MADE BETTER’ WORKSHOP STUDIO
Shop sustainable fashion and take part in the ‘Made Better’ workshops. Click for more info.
SANDSCAPE
Children are invited to explore this free, drop-in play-and-build area. Click for more info.
JUS JAMMIN
Relax and enjoy laid-back reggae, dub, and soulful sounds.
THE EMERGE EAST PRINTING STUDIO WITH LUCY GRAINGE
Create your own prints with artist Lucy Grainge in this open studio. Click for more info.
London Overground station
Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier
3x 24-hour bus routes
