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Markets, music and magical moments will make Wanstead merry this festive season. It’s time to celebrate with the community. Kris Kringle reports

As frosty mornings paint the rooftops white and fairy lights brighten the early evenings, Wanstead readies itself for a season of festive delight. It’s a time to connect with neighbours, enjoy traditions and share in the celebrations. Here are some local festive events you can enjoy with family and friends.

Jack and the Beanstalk
5, 8 and 11 December; 5pm (tickets: £12.50)
Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford
A pop-up panto.

The Flamingo Christmas Fair
6 December, 11am to 4pm (free entry)
Wanstead Library, Spratt Hall Road
Gifts, decorations and festive finds.

Christmas Makers Market
6 December, 11am to 4pm (free entry)
Christ Church hall, Wanstead Place
Handmade products from local creatives.

The Duke Christmas Market
6 December, 12 noon to 6pm (free entry)
The Duke, 79 Nightingale Lane
Stalls, food, drink and festive fun.

Wanstead Christmas Markets
7 and 20 December; 10am to 4pm
High Street, Wanstead
Wanstead’s monthly market (first Sunday of the month) will be followed by an extra festive event on Saturday 20 December.

Winter Wonderland
7 December; 11am to 5pm (free entry)
Christchurch Green, Wanstead
A day of festive fun in support of the Mayor of Redbridge’s chosen charities.

Christmas Concert: Musical Theatre
9 December; 7.30pm (tickets: £7)
St Mary’s Church, Overton Drive
Join the Leytonstone Musical Theatre Choir for an evening of epic tunes and Christmas joy.

Cakes and Carols
13 December, 1.30pm to 4pm (free)
Wanstead United Reformed Church
A free event for over-65s with homemade cakes and performances by local musicians.

Santa’s Christmas Workshop
from 13 December; various times
(adults: £7; children: £15)
Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford
Meet Santa at his workshop, where preparations are underway for the big day. After a show by the elves, you’ll make a Christmas decoration you can take home.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
from 14 December; various times
(adults: £17.50; children: £15)
Redbridge Drama Centre, South Woodford
A Redbridge Creates production.

Community Carols on the High Street
17 December, 7pm
Wanstead War Memorial
Led by the Parish of Wanstead to raise funds for Centrepoint.

Santa’s Wanstead Drive-By
18 December, from 4.30pm
Santa will embark on a pre-Christmas tour of Wanstead, chauffeured through the streets by Elf Steve Hayden aboard his Parker Dairies milk float.

Dick Whittington
from 1 January; various times (£19)
Sir James Hawkey Hall, Woodford Green
A production by the award-winning Woodford Pantomime, which has brought joy, laughter and magic to the community since the 1960s.

Local school and church events
Festive fun, gift stalls, special events and services – too many to include here, so check the full listings to see what’s on.

For more information on these and other Christmas events in and around Wanstead, visit wnstd.com/christmas25

The hall belonging to St Gabriel’s Church in Aldersbrook has had a big renovation this year. It’s all part of a refurbishment project ahead of celebrations to mark the venue’s centenary in 2027, says Georgina Brewis

There has been significant work to improve the hall at St Gabriel’s Church this year. Removing the old stage has allowed for expanded and more accessible storage to be installed for the benefit of the very wide range of community groups that use the hall every day. Importantly, disabled access has been improved.

These building works represent the latest stage in an ongoing refurbishment project, which is on track for completion in 2027 to mark the centenary of the hall’s opening. The project started in 2023 with the installation of solar panels on the roof of the hall, and from the beginning, has been driven by a goal of making it more environmentally sustainable and more accessible for users.

The money has been raised by the church and the Friends of St Gabriel’s through a range of community events and crowdfunding via the Big Give. We were also successful in securing a total of £40,000 in small grants from the National Lottery Community Fund, the Benefact Trust, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Bernard Sunley Foundation.

The Friends are delighted to announce that in future the hall will be known as St Gabriel’s Community Hall, reflecting its importance at the heart of Aldersbrook and Lakehouse for nearly 100 years. Father Martyn Hawkes said: “I’m very happy to report that the Parochial Church Council has approved the rebranding of the hall. I’d like to thank the indefatigable volunteers within the Friends of St Gabriel’s, especially Richard Pratley, Willa King and Rusty Livock. The story doesn’t end here, however, as future works to complete the internal upgrade in time for 2027 are likely to cost another £40,000.”

To support the next stage of fundraising, it has been decided to relaunch the Friends of St Gabriel’s scheme, inviting people to pledge at least £2 per month by direct debit. These supporters will receive a 10% discount on event tickets and merchandise. Fundraisers planned for next year include a beer and comedy night with celebrated local comedian Laura Smyth and friends on 17 January and a Ceilidh on 21 March.

We will again mark Local and Community History Month on 7 May, when Jane Skelding, Mark Gorman and Peter Williams will share new research on the Aldersbrook and Lakehouse estates in the 20th century.

As in previous years, the Friends of St Gabriel’s have teamed up with local designer Muriel & Me to sell limited edition Aldersbrook baubles, tea towels and coasters in aid of the refurbishment work. Look out for these online and at the St Gabriel’s Christmas Market on 5 and 6 December (see page 77), where you can also buy vintage wares and Christmas goodies, taste delicious food and drinks and even meet Father Christmas!

For more information on the Friends of St Gabriel’s, visit wnstd.com/fstgab

Wanstead resident Frank Charles BEM is collecting gifts for his annual appeal.

“This will be my 22nd year of delivering Christmas presents to children on Acorn Ward at Whipps Cross Hospital who are too sick to go home over the festive period. I thank the Wanstead community for all their support over the years and welcome donations of new toys and books suitable for ages up to 16 years,” said Frank.

Donations for the Frank Charles Give A Gift Appeal can be left at Wanstead Pharmacy (75–77 High Street) until 6pm on 12 December.

Redbridge Council has launched a consultation on plans for a 20mph road safety zone across Wanstead Village ward, covering the area between and including Hermon Hill, Hollybush Hill and Cambridge Park.

The proposals also include the installation of signage and road markings, as well as traffic calming measures.

“We are intending to install speed humps on Hollybush Hill, Spratt Hall Road, Nutter Lane, Rutland Road, Grove Park and Elmcroft Avenue. We also intend to install speed cushions on Chigwell Road, Hermon Hill and New Wanstead,” said a spokesperson.

It follows approval for a similar 20mph zone in Wanstead Park ward, covering all roads south of the A12 and north of Wanstead Flats.

If a pedestrian is hit by a vehicle travelling at 20mph, there is a 2.5% chance they will be fatally injured, compared to a 20% chance at 30mph.

The consultation is open until 18 December.

Visit engage.redbridge.gov.uk/wanstead-village-road-safety-zone 

In the first of a series of articles  presenting the work of Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society members, Anuraj Theivendram delves into the group’s archives

Founded in 1893, the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society is one of the UK’s longest-running camera clubs, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about it!

Today’s members bring fresh perspectives, bold creativity and a shared passion for photography that spans genres, generations and skill levels. From street scenes to studio portraits, Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society is where ideas spark, techniques evolve and great images come to life.

We welcome photographers of all ages (18 and over) and experience levels, from curious newcomers to confident hobbyists and lifelong enthusiasts. Whether you’re picking up a camera for the first time or refining your creative style, Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society offers a welcoming space to learn, share and grow.

Looking to sharpen your skills, explore new genres or share your work in a supportive environment? We run workshops, provide mentoring and host lively discussions that inspire and connect. Monthly competitions, in both print and projected digital image formats, are a cornerstone of club life. They challenge members to refine their craft, experiment boldly and receive thoughtful critique from experienced judges. From wildlife to still life, each competition invites members to push their creativity and share their unique perspective.

Standout images regularly feature in regional exhibitions, where our group proudly represents our local community and showcases the vibrant photographic talent across Woodford and Wanstead.

This article marks the beginning of a new series celebrating the fantastic image-making of our members. Each feature will spotlight standout photographs and, we hope, spark your interest in joining us. If you’re passionate about photography, or simply curious, we invite you to reach out, visit, connect and be part of our evolving story.

For more information on the Woodford and Wanstead Photographic Society, visit wnstd.com/wwps

Applications are open for residents to adopt the tree pits on their streets and plant them with wildflowers in 2026.

“This year, more than 300 residents adopted tree pits across the borough, boosting biodiversity and helping our streets bloom… We are committed to improving habitats for pollinators to reverse their rapid decline and recover nature,” said a Redbridge Council spokesperson

The scheme runs alongside year-round applications to remove entire roads from chemical weed control spraying.

Visit wnstd.com/treepits

Donations are invited for this year’s Wanstead Community Christmas Gift Appeal.

“We know it’s a tough time for everyone and we really appreciate any help. We’ve put together an Amazon gift list for ideas, but unused secondhand items are also welcome,” said Suzi Robinson.

The gifts will be distributed to the homeless, victims of domestic abuse and other vulnerable people by local charities.

A drop-off event will take place on 29 November from 12 noon to 3pm at Wanstead Baptist Church, Wellington Road.

Visit wnstd.com/x25

In the fourth of a series of articles documenting the development of Wanstead’s Evergreen Field, Geoff Horsnell revisits the entire development cycle, from initial application to the halting of work and design amendments

The current application for Evergreen Field was submitted in 2023. As the plan involved more than a single dwelling, the Redbridge planning department declared it a ‘major application’. To all intents and purposes, this meant greater care should be taken when processing the various plans and documents, or so one might believe.

The application attracted a large number of comments – both objections and letters of support – and it was not until April 2025 that a decision was reached to accept the proposal. Attached to this decision were a total of 41 conditions. Some of these conditions simply stated things such as “work should begin within three years of the decision date.” However, a number of these conditions required an answer before the site could even be cleared, let alone for building to commence.

Over the weeks and months since then, various amendments were submitted to address these primary conditions. Various surveys were undertaken by different specialist firms to detail the biodiversity of the site; how the drainage would be managed; which trees needed to be felled and which could remain, and so on. Some of these reports contained errors; others were better presented, so that, to date, only a small proportion of the amendments have been approved. At the same time, the developers started work before some of the reports had even been submitted, leading to Redbridge enforcement halting the site work in June. At the time of writing, work has still not restarted.

The latest amendment to be submitted (amendment 14) is the most worrisome of all. It consists of some 22 plans and documents with a covering letter that admits a number of standard building regulations have not been followed. In order to fully comply with these regulations, a significant amount of redesign has to take place. The 22 documents and plans are rather technical, but include things such as party wall thickness and window size and lay out the detail of the various changes required. Given this is supposed to be a ‘major development application’, it does not show the developers in a good or professional light. Indeed, not even the Redbridge planning department have emerged with a spotless track record here. For such a major development, the planning department should have spotted the document errors and incorrect rules and regulations and been more focused and aware when dealing with the developers, architects and builders.

Perhaps there is even more to come to light here. It’s a case of ‘watch this space!’

For more information on the Evergreen Field development plans and to view the full application, visit wnstd.com/field

Award-winning composer and local resident Simone Spagnolo will bring his part-concert, part-theatre show Mr Baldocci to Wanstead this month.

“What happens when a piano virtuoso, a reel of fragmented memories and an old answer machine collide on stage? The result is Mr Baldocci, a genre-defying show that reimagines identity in the age of post-truth,” said Simone.

Performances will take place at The Wanstead Curtain on 21 and 22 November before embarking on a European tour in 2026.

Visit wnstd.com/mrb

This month’s Remembrance Sunday service in Wanstead will be more inclusive.

“I’m delighted this year’s service will broaden to include the United Reformed Church, Quakers and Humanists, alongside both the Catholic and Anglican representations,” said Colin Cronin, who has been organising the event for 10 years. “There can be no more fitting tribute to the fallen than those of different faiths and none joining together in harmony.”

The service will take place at the Wanstead War Memorial on 9 November from 12.30pm.

Local resident Shreena Patel reflects on a lifetime of witnessing racism evolve in East London, and explains why she’s now helping to lead the Wanstead and South Woodford Against Racism campaign

Iwas born in Leytonstone and I now live in Wanstead with my partner and two children. I am British-Asian, and for a small but vocal section of society, Britain is not my home and I do not belong here.

I grew up in East London in the 1980s and 1990s; my first experience of racist abuse was at aged five from someone in my class in primary school. The way racism manifested evolved as I grew up and it became socially unacceptable to be overtly racist. However, I feel that has shifted in the past few years, which is why I became involved in the Wanstead and South Woodford Against Racism campaign.

There has been a significant rise in far-right nationalism and populism in the United Kingdom over the past few years, which has been fuelled by the anti-immigrant rhetoric platformed by mainstream political parties. This has recently culminated with the largest far-right protest in Central London, and a campaign known as ‘Operation Raise the Colours’, which has seen St George and Union Jack flags illegally flying from lampposts. (The Highways Act 1980 prohibits placing or attaching anything to a public highway without consent and bans the placing of any items that could cause danger, obstruction or distraction.) Flags have also been painted on public structures across the country, including in South Woodford, Woodford, Epping and Leytonstone. This campaign has been positioned as an act of patriotism, but the intention is intimidation and division within communities. There has also been an uptick in race-related hate crimes nationally, which is reflected in the experiences of business owners and members of the public within Wanstead and Woodford.

Wanstead and South Woodford Against Racism is an initiative that was born from the broader campaign set up in Leytonstone in response to the St George’s Cross being illegally painted across the area. Wanstead and South Woodford Against Racism sets out to amplify the voices of the quiet majority that support and celebrate the existence of our diverse communities in East London. As a starting point, we have rolled out a poster campaign to counter the far-right narrative and show that our communities will not stand for any form of racism across religious or ethnic lines. You may have seen our posters in shopfronts along the High Street in Wanstead and George Lane in South Woodford. We have had a huge, positive response from businesses, particularly in Wanstead, but we still have more people to reach.

Our campaign is run by local volunteers and we are always looking for more people to get involved. Do get in touch if you would like to display a poster in your home or business.

The campaign is run by local volunteers and are looking for more people to get involved. Please contact wansteadagainstracism@gmail.com

If you would like to display a poster in your home, please visit the distribution hubs listed below. There is also have a GofundMe page if you would like to donate to support the activities www.gofundme.com/f/Wanstead-and-South-Woodford-Against-Racism

• Bare Brew, 7 High Street, London E11 2AA
• The Cuckfield, 31 High Street, London E11 2AA
• The Bull, 129 High Street, London E11 2RL
• Daisy, 121A High Street, London E11 2RL
• Harveys, 6 Clock House Parade, London E11 2AG
• Bal Beauty, Unit 1, The Cuckfield, Wellington Rd, London E11 2AL
• Touch of Class Drycleaners, 12a Station Parade, High Street Wanstead, London E11 1QF
• International Supermarket, 146-150 George Lane, E18 1AY
• XGadgets, 166 George Lane, E18 1AY

A double rainbow over Wanstead Park’s tea hut and the bluebells of Chalet Wood are among the images featured in a new Epping Forest calendar for 2026.

“Last year, we sold around 770 copies, raising just under £5,000 for the Epping Forest Heritage Trust, The Swan Sanctuary and Epping Forest’s own charity arm. With 17 stunning images, including five of Wanstead Park, I’m hopeful to raise even more this year,” said Don Taylor, who compiled the calendar.

A4 (£10) and A3 (£12) sizes are available.

To order, email taylordong365@gmail.com