Leyton Más
The People's Carnival
12pm - 7pm Sunday 13 July 2025
Welcome to Leyton Más – the People’s Carnival! Join us in celebrating 125 years of vibrant carnival tradition in Waltham Forest. This family-focused festival showcases culture, creativity, and community. Enjoy a spectacular display of music, dance, and masquerade as we come together to celebrate the diverse heritage of our borough. From parades to workshops, there’s something for everyone. Let’s make memories and celebrate our community spirit!
Leyton Más is generously supported by:
People’s Parade
Step into the magic of the People’s Parade, a vehicle-free, people-powered procession featuring dazzling masquerade sections. Led by renowned Carnival street bands, this parade promises spectacular costumes and infectious rhythms. Join Carnival & Masquerade traditions old and new from Africa, Americas, Asia and Europe and bring the streets of Leyton to life with colour and music. Everyone is welcome to participate and celebrate!
Heart of Carnival
Dive into the Heart of Carnival with our diverse range of workshops. Led by Great British Carnival Community Artists in partnership with local schools, youth and community groups. These sessions offer hands-on experiences in music, movement, and masquerade. Perfect for all ages and abilities. Join in, unleash your creativity, bring our community together and let’s celebrate through art, dance, and play!
Leyton Más Carnival Club
Offering a playful journey through global Carnival traditions. Unleash your creativity in a hands-on workshop where recycled household materials transform into dazzling masks, statement necklaces, talismans, drums and shakers, celebrating the spirit of animals and nature in carnivals across the globe.
6:30pm - 8:30pm, Tuesdays
The Junction Learning Centre
2-4 Cathall Road, London, E11 5UJ
[free enrolment to Waltham Forest Adult Learning Services required]
1pm - 3pm, Wednesdays
Afro-Caribbean Elders Association
William Morris Community Centre
6 - 8 Greenleaf Road, London, E17 6QQ
[Aged 50+, membership required]
The African Diaspora Festival Choir
Welcoming novice and experienced singers to sing favourite family songs from the Caribbean. ADFC is an international arts community that creates performances to observe, commemorate and celebrate important anniversaries in the history of the African Atlantic Diaspora.
6:30pm - 8:30pm, Tuesdays
The Junction Learning Centre
2-4 Cathall Road, London, E11 5UJ
[free enrolment to Waltham Forest Adult Learning Services required]
Jankonu Más
New and vetran Masqueraders, Movers and Music Makers are invited to weave drums, percussion, mask and movement to explore and embody ancient rhythms deep rooted in emergent dawn of African-Caribbean folklore and legend
6:30pm - 8:30pm, Wednesdays
The Nexus Centre
Avenues Estate
3 Snowberry Close, London, E15 2AH
[free enrolment to Waltham Forest Adult Learning Services required]
Voices to the World
Enjoy the global sounds of Voices to the World, featuring an eclectic mix of bands and performers. Hosted by Delroy Murray, the Iconic Band Stand presents an eclectic showcase of world and community music. It’s a celebration of diverse cultures and musical traditions that promises to get you dancing and singing along.
Pan Yard
Step into the vibrant world of the Pan Yard – a joyful, open-air celebration of steel pan music, community and creativity. Inspired by the traditional spaces where steel bands rehearse, arrange, and gather before Carnival, this pop-up Pan Yard brings the spirit of the Caribbean to Leyton Más.
Throughout the day, you'll hear the hypnotic rhythms of steel pan echoing across the fête – from informal rehearsals and full performances to community workshops and jam sessions. Audiences are invited to witness the energy, discipline and joy behind the music, and experience how pan yards bring people together across generations.
Pull up a chair, try your hand at the pans, and feel the beat of Carnival from deep within.
Artisan Stage
A celebration of voices in harmony, the Artisan Stage brings together choirs and vocal groups from across the borough. Showcasing rich vocal traditions and fresh new sounds, this joyful programme features everything from Reggae and Caribbean folk to Gospel and Pop.
Expect soul-stirring harmonies, uplifting anthems, and powerful performances that reflect the diversity and creativity of our local communities. Whether you’re drawn to deep basslines or soaring soprano runs, the Artisan Stage promises music that moves the heart and lifts the spirit.
The Ballroom
Feel the rhythm and move to the beat with the Artisan Stage dance programme – a vibrant showcase of local dance groups celebrating folk and contemporary styles from around the world.
Taking place in the Ballroom, this lively programme features Afro-Caribbean and Chinese traditional dance, Salsa, Zumba, and modern fusion – bursting with energy, colour, and cultural pride. With live performances and drop-in workshops throughout the day, audiences of all ages are invited to join in, learn new steps, and experience the joy of dance in community.
A-Maze-In Sounds
Lose yourself in the A-Maze-In Sounds, an all-day Carnival soundscape curated by legendary Sounds like Gladdy Wax, Sir Breena, Company Soul Sound and DeJa Vu. Experience a mix of genres including Reggae, Soul, Garage, House, Hip Hop and more. Dance to the rhythms, soak up the vibes, and enjoy the musical journey that defines the essence of Carnival. It’s a sonic adventure you won’t want to miss!
Festival Markets
Explore the Festival Markets, a vibrant hub of fashion, food, and artisanal crafts. This market celebrates the creativity and cultural heritage of Africa’s global diaspora. Discover unique items from local artisans, enjoy delicious food, and experience live music and performances. It’s the perfect place to shop, eat, and be inspired by the diverse cultures that enrich our community.
Schools Workshops
Bring Leyton Mas to Your School!
We’re inviting four Leyton schools to take part in a FREE carnival arts workshop as part of Leyton Mas 2025 – a joyful celebration of community, creativity, and culture.
Led by professional artists, this one-day workshop (or two half-day sessions) is tailored to your students and packed with hands-on activities like mask making, handheld props, and costume pieces inspired by global design traditions and natural forms.
Students will explore carnival’s multicultural roots, use sustainable materials, and create artwork for a spectacular public celebration on on the Peoples Parade.
Workshop slots available late June to early July – get in touch to secure your place!
Places are limited to just four schools – don’t miss out!
Volunteer and Train
Volunteer and Train is Great British Carnival’s free programme offering hands-on experience in community arts, carnival production, and creative events.
Whether you're curious, committed, or just looking to try something new, we’ve got a wide range of roles for all levels of interest and experience – from helping out at workshops to supporting parades, performances, and festivals.
Open to people of all backgrounds and abilities, this is your chance to get involved, build new skills, and be part of something joyful, inclusive, and unforgettable.
World Wide Arts Weekend
Running alongside Leyton Más, World Wide Arts Weekend brings a creative takeover to Leyton High Road with a buzzing mix of grassroots activations, pop-up performances, and independent productions.
From poetry and live music to spontaneous happenings and art in unexpected places, local artists transform community venues, shops, and bars into mini arts spaces for the day. Wander the high street and discover a world of creativity at every turn – no stage required.