Pictures: Dancing and drumming as carnival celebration returns to Barking

Organised by Ukon Careers, the sights and sounds of the carnival were back at the Barking Learning Centre and in the town square after two years of online-only festivals due to the Covid pandemic.

Revellers at Barking and Dagenham Carnival 2022 (Image: bbritain)

The event, which ran from 1pm to 6pm on July 9 and was also streamed online, featured performances from international carnival artists, community groups, schools and street dancers.

Revellers were entertained with steel pan, soca, African drumming, tamboo bamboo and samba performances, as well as carnival craft-making workshops.

Children from Gascoigne Primary School in Barking dance in self-made masks (Image: bbritain)

The carnival, originally called Barking Carnival, was set up in 2014 as a children’s celebration.

Organisers say it has since transformed into a family event open to all - including senior citizens, children and people with disabilities - with the aim of raising awareness of carnival arts.

A performer in colourful carnival dress (Image: bbritain)

Local man Innocente dances to the drum beat (Image: bbritain)

A dancer at Barking and Dagenham Carnival 2022 (Image: bbritain)

Performers donned colourful carnival outfits (Image: bbritain)

RASPO UK playing steel drums at the carnival (Image: bbritain)

Barking and Dagenham dance crew Konverse performed at the carnival (Image: bbritain)

People dressed up in colourful carnival costumes for the event (Image: bbritain)

Gascoigne Primary School pupils wore masks they made themselves for the carnival (Image: bbritain)

Alex from Iroko hosting a drum workshop (Image: bbritain)

A dancer performing in a colourful dress (Image: bbritain)

Local Jennie enjoying the sights and sounds of the carnival (Image: bbritain)

Soca artist Triniboi Joocie performing (Image: bbritain)

Dancers from local group Konverse (Image: bbritain)

Moko Jumbie performers (Image: bbritain)

Revellers at Barking and Dagenham Carnival 2022 (Image: bbritain)

Event stewards got into the carnival spirit (Image: bbritain)

Revellers joining in the fun (Image: bbritain)

Children making their own masks during a workshop (Image: bbritain)

Barking and Dagenham Mayor Faruk Choudhury and Councillor Sade Bright delivering the opening speech (Image: bbritain)

Moko Jumbie performers dance with members of the crowd in the town square (Image: bbritain)