7 August 2026
In July, the Barkingside community came together for a vibrant Community Summer Garden Party at Holy Trinity Church. Open to everyone, the event was a joyful celebration of community life and a practical expression of the church's vision of creating a Neighbourhood of Solidarity and Love.
The day featured stalls offering food, drinks, raffle prizes and bric-a-brac, alongside a bouncy castle and a lively steel drum band that brought smiles, dancing and a festive atmosphere. Adults and children also joined in races and other fun activities throughout the day.
The Revd Dr Chris Szejnmann, Vicar of Holy Trinity, Barkingside, reflects:
"Our amazing Community Summer Garden Party is what a 'Neighbourhood of Solidarity and Love' looks like for us at Holy Trinity Barkingside. It was a wonderful celebration of people of all ages and backgrounds - our Vicarage Garden was heaving with joy and laughter.
"At a time when we are challenged daily by violence, hatred and exclusion, alongside an ever-deepening cost of living crisis, our vision is to bring the community together in solidarity and love and to build a welcoming, diverse, inclusive, family-friendly, lively and creative church for all in Barkingside. We welcome everyone and celebrate and affirm each person as beautifully made and wonderfully unique."
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The steel drum band performs at Holy Trinity Church's Community Summer Garden Party in Barkingside.
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The steel drum band helps create a joyous atmosphere throughout the day.
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Volunteers share information about Holy Trinity Barkingside's 'Neighbourhood of Solidarity and Love' vision.
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Information flyers on Holy Trinity Barkingside's 'Neighbourhood of Solidarity and Love' vision.
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Cllr Bert Jones, Mayor of Redbridge, attended the Community Summer Garden Party.
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The Vicarage Garden welcomes people of all ages and backgrounds.
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Children and families take part in activities during the Community Summer Garden Party.
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Raffle prizes to be won at the Community Summer Garden Party.
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Local volunteers serve refreshments during the Community Summer Garden Party.
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Volunteers offer a selection of homemade cakes and refreshments at the Community Summer Garden Party.
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Volunteers help at the food and drink stalls during the Community Summer Garden Party.
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Residents come together for a day of celebration at Holy Trinity Church's Community Summer Garden Party.
This vision has helped bring together people of all backgrounds, all faiths and none, through church activities including baby and toddler groups, youth clubs and salsa classes. Relationships with other faith communities, particularly Jewish and Muslim neighbours, continue to grow, alongside partnerships with local councillors, the police and other community organisations.
Many of these groups joined the Community Summer Garden Party, creating a powerful example of shared celebration and community spirit - showing how God's love and generosity are at work within the local community.
Chris added:
"This was such a wonderful image of God's abundance around us. It encouraged us to continue awakening the unique gifts and power of people, families and our neighbourhood, and to keep building a community rooted in solidarity and love in these challenging times."
