ILFORD BID NEWS | OCTOBER 2026

As Ilford marks the centenary of its historic Charter Day, Ilford BID celebrates the businesses, people and partnerships shaping the town’s next chapter, with the release of its official Drinks with the BID event photographs and video.

On 21 October 2026, Ilford commemorates 100 years since its historic Charter Day on 21 October 1926, a defining moment in the history of what was once Great Ilford.

To celebrate this milestone, Ilford BID presents the official images and video of a business stakeholder meeting, showcasing the people, businesses and community leaders who continue to contribute to Ilford’s development and future.

Bringing Ilford’s Business Community Together

Held on Wednesday 23 September 2026 at Godino Sky Bar, Cranbrook Road, Drinks with the BID brought together local businesses, entrepreneurs, civic representatives, community leaders and key stakeholders for an evening of networking, conversation and celebration.

The evening was formally opened by Cllr Bert Jones, with closing remarks delivered by Jas Athwal MP, Member of Parliament for Ilford South.

Guests had the opportunity to make new connections, discuss local business priorities and learn more about Ilford BID’s work to support the town centre, including community safety, public art, Christmas activities and the Ilford & Redbridge Business Awards.

Special thanks go to the Katrai family and the team at Godino Sky Bar for their outstanding hospitality and for providing such a welcoming setting for the event.

A Centenary That Celebrates People

The centenary is about more than reflecting on Ilford’s past. It is an opportunity to recognise the businesses, organisations, families and individuals who have contributed to its history and continue to influence its future.

During the evening, guests were encouraged to reflect on what being part of Ilford means to them, with Weininger Irwin leading an audience activity centred on the message:

“I AM ILFORD. WE ARE ILFORD.”

The activity brought the business community together around a shared identity, reinforcing the idea that everyone who lives, works, invests or runs a business in Ilford contributes to the town’s continuing story.

The event was also an opportunity to capture the voices and experiences of local businesses on film, creating a lasting record of the people helping shape Ilford during its centenary year.

Watch the Official Drinks with the BID Video

Watch the official Drinks with the BID video

Relive the atmosphere, conversations and celebrations from the evening through the official event film.

Video production: JackFrancis Media

The video captures the spirit of the evening and the importance of bringing Ilford’s business community together, while celebrating the town’s centenary and looking towards its future.

Explore the Official Event Photo Gallery

📸 View and download the gallery:

https://clients.eventcapture.co.uk/inilfordnetworkinggoldinohotel

Gallery password : Inilford26

We are also delighted to share the official event photography, captured by Paul Fox of Event Capture.

Businesses, attendees and partners are warmly encouraged to download and share their photographs across their social media channels, websites and business networks.

Photography credit: When sharing photographs externally, please credit Event Capture / Paul Fox and tag Ilford BID / InIlford wherever possible.

Looking Ahead to Ilford’s Next Chapter

As Ilford celebrates its centenary, Ilford BID remains committed to supporting businesses, strengthening community partnerships and delivering activities that attract visitors and encourage people to spend more time in the town centre.

With the festive season approaching, the BID’s programme includes Christmas chalets, town-centre illuminations, Christmas inIlford and the Ilford & Redbridge Business Awards.

Businesses are encouraged to get involved, share their festive promotions and take advantage of opportunities to connect with customers and the wider community.

Ilford BID would like to thank everyone who attended Drinks with the BID, the businesses that generously contributed raffle prizes, our event partners, and everyone working to make Ilford a vibrant place to live, work, shop and visit.

One hundred years of history. A future we are creating together.

Marking Ilford’s Centenary at the Houses of Parliament

To commemorate 100 years since Ilford’s historic Charter Day on 21 October 1926, a select group of Ilford businesses and representatives joined Ilford BID for a special visit to the Houses of Parliament on 21 October 2026, at the invitation of Jas Athwal MP, Member of Parliament for Ilford South. The visit provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate Ilford’s rich history, recognise the contribution of its business community and mark this significant milestone. A specially commissioned Ilford Centenary Commemorative Book, featuring messages, reflections and signatures from local businesses and stakeholders, was also presented as part of the occasion, creating a lasting record of the people and organisations helping shape Ilford’s next chapter.