Newham Celebrates South Asian Heritage Month, 18 July to 17 August, with 'Free to be me' Theme
Newham is thrilled to announce a dynamic programme for South Asian Heritage Month, themed ‘Free to be me’. This month-long celebration will feature a diverse array of events, including spoken word, music, tea tales, art exhibitions, storytelling, and film screenings, promising educational and enjoyable experiences for all residents. Click here to book tickets.
Events include:
Chai Chronicles: Exploring the History of South Asian Tea
Friday 19 July, 7-9pm, Old Town Hall Stratford
In this launch event, Shaheen Kasmani and Heiba Lemara will delve into the rich history of tea and guide us through a tea tasting experience. Maryam Huq will showcase a collection of art pieces inspired by tea, inviting attendees to embark on a journey that intertwines art and taste.
Me on a Tee Workshop by Momtaz-Begum Hossain
For 7-14 yr olds: Saturday 20 July, 11am-12.30pm, East Ham Library
For adults: Saturday 20 July, 3-5pm, East Ham Library
Learn about the history of slogan t-shirts and customise your own in this creative workshop that explores identity and self-expression with colour therapist and crafts expert Momtaz Begum-Hossain.
The History of Bharatanatyam
Tuesday 23 July, 3-5pm, East Ham Library
Learn about the history of Bharatanatyam dance and its origins in ancient Sanskrit texts of performance arts, followed by a performance.
Chai Chronicles: A Talk with the Curators
Saturday 27 July, 11am-12pm, Forest Gate Community Garden
Artist and curator Shaheen Kasmani will talk us through her process of research, inspiration, and execution, shedding light on what goes into creating meaningful community gatherings. Tea brewed from locally grown herbs in the garden will be served.
Chai Chronicles: Design Your Own Teapot Workshop (4yrs+)
Saturday 27 July, 3-4pm, Forest Gate Library
Children aged 4+ are invited to design their own teapot, drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues and intricate patterns of South Asian cultures. Led by local artist Maryam Huq who will be exhibiting a collection of art inspired by tea crockery.
The Queen of My Dreams Film Screening
Sunday 28 July, Roof East
In collaboration with London Indian Film Festival, Newham is screening Fawzia Mirza’s The Queen of My Dreams. Against the backdrop of a shared obsession with Bollywood fantasy, Mariam, a Pakistani Muslim woman, and her Canadian-born daughter Azra come of age in two different eras.
Stories from Central-South Asia by Khayaal Theatre (Families)
Monday 29 July, 10.30-11.30am, Forest Gate Community Garden
Khayaal Theatre will bring us tales from Central-South Asian region using vivid storytelling and props, inspired by millennium and centuries old Muslim theatre traditions.
Wellbeing in the Garden: Nature to Help You Stress Less
Friday 2 August, 10-12pm, Forest Gate Community Garden
A refreshing summer walk in the community garden followed by journaling, a discussion on holistic wellbeing and ways we can help ourselves to reduce stress in our busy bustling lives.
Sounds of South Asia in Green Street
Saturday 3 August, 3-5pm, Queen’s Square
Experience a mini musical extravaganza celebrating the sounds of the subcontinent, featuring talented local musicians from Newham.
Stories of Freedom in Spoken Word & Music by Khiyo
Saturday 10 August, 6-8pm, Applecart Arts
A spoken word celebration curated by East London based writer and filmmaker Jamal Mehmood. Followed by music from Khiyo who are renowned for their captivating fusion of Bengali folk melodies, classical compositions, and contemporary sounds.
A Walk Through the History of South Indian Clothing
Tuesday 13 August, 11-2pm, East Ham Library
Residents will present a mini fashion show and explain the rich history behind iconic garments such as sarees, shalwar kameez, and more.
Monkey Man Film Screening + Q&A
Thursday 15 August, 7-10pm, UCL East Campus
Directed by Dev Patel, this movie follows an anonymous young man who unleashes a campaign of vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systematically victimize the powerless. Please visit the website for details of the location.
Desi Daydream: A Throwback to the 80s South Asian Rave Scene
Saturday 17 August, 7-10pm, Old Town Hall Stratford
Step back in time to the underground daytime Bhangra scene of the 1980s. Desi Daydream recreates the legendary daytime raves beloved by second generation British Asians across the UK.
Visit the website for more events taking place across the borough. Please note, the programme is subject to change.
