News

Ilford inColour returns on 15 and 16 August 2026, with more walls to paint than ever before

Applications are now open for muralists, street artists, and visual creatives to apply & take part in Ilford inColour 2026, a free public art festival transforming Ilford Town Centre over two days this summer.

Dates: 15 and 16 August 2026 | Location: Ilford Town Centre | Time: 12pm to 5pm | Entry: Free | Paid Commissions for all participating artists

Delivered by Ilford BID in collaboration with the London Borough of Redbridge and creative production partner Wood Street Walls, the 2026 programme is the largest yet, with more spaces available across Ilford town centre.

Artists are invited to apply to paint in and around Ilford Town Centre, including a 100-metre hoarding run at Chapel End. Confirmed locations for 2026 are:

Three-sided free-standing structure (2.4m x 2.4m per face)
Bodgers Hoarding (2.4m x 12m)
Bodgers Alleyway (dimensions to be confirmed)
Hoarding space off Ilford High Road (2.4m x 7.2m)
Chapel End Hoardings (approximately 70 to 80 metres, split into sections)

Alongside the live mural painting, visitors can expect face painting and interactive art, fair rides and family attractions, music and DJ performances, and market stalls and local traders. Free entry for all.

Get involved

Ilford BID is also inviting businesses, landlords and property owners to donate suitable walls, hoardings and creative spaces, either for the 2026 programme or for future inColour events. Every donation helps leave a lasting visual legacy across the town centre.

For artists

Applications for the 2026 programme are paid opportunities (location-dependent), free to apply, and open now. Spaces are limited.

Applications close at 6pm on 28 June 2026. Finalists are notified by 4 July 2026.

Registration form: form.typeform.com/to/BbEm3qeN

For sponsors, partners and wall donors

Sponsorship and in-kind partnership opportunities are available at multiple levels, from Community Supporter (£500 + VAT) through to Gold Legacy Sponsor (£5,000 + VAT). Wall donations and in-kind support are also welcome.

Find out more: www.inilford.com/support-ilford-incolour-2026

Or contact Cyril Bekoe, BID Manager: cyril@ilfordbid.com / 07498 316461

Imagery

Link to Ilford InColour 2025 imagery https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yxRxxwAMCmS2EGIpUQFp4PC3SFIIDSRF

About Ilford inColour

Ilford inColour is Ilford Town Centre’s annual public art and street art festival, delivered by Ilford BID. The programme commissions large-scale murals across prominent public spaces, working with artists, businesses, landlords and the local community to leave a lasting visual legacy across the town centre. The 2026 edition is the biggest programme to date.

About Ilford BID

Ilford BID is the Business Improvement District representing hundreds of businesses across Ilford Town Centre. The organisation delivers events, marketing, business support, safety initiatives and placeshaping projects designed to increase footfall, improve perceptions and support economic growth.

About Wood Street Walls

Wood Street Walls CIC is a leading London-based arts organisation that has delivered and curated more than 250 murals and public art projects across London. The organisation specialises in community engagement, artist development and creative placeshaping through large-scale public artwork. Wood Street Walls oversees artist selection, artist management and creative delivery for Ilford inColour 2026.

About the London Borough of Redbridge

The London Borough of Redbridge is supporting the programme as part of its wider commitment to regeneration, culture and community engagement, helping create a welcoming town centre for residents, visitors and businesses.

Notes to editors

Ilford inColour 2026 takes place on Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 August 2026, 12pm to 5pm each day, across Ilford Town Centre. Entry is free.
The programme is delivered by Ilford BID in collaboration with the London Borough of Redbridge and Wood Street Walls CIC, the official creative delivery partner.
Artist applications are open now and close at 6pm on Sunday 28 June 2026. Finalists are notified by Friday 4 July 2026. Spaces are limited.
Six confirmed mural locations are available in 2026, including a 70 to 80 metre hoarding run at Chapel End, the largest single space in the programme’s history.
All artist applications are reviewed and managed by Wood Street Walls. Artists are contacted directly following submission.
Sponsorship packages range from £500 + VAT (Community Supporter) to £5,000 + VAT (Gold Legacy Sponsor). In-kind support, including wall donations, materials and access equipment, is also welcomed.
High-resolution images are available on request. Please contact the press team using the details below.
Ilford inColour 2025 was the inaugural edition of the festival. The 2026 programme expands on that foundation with additional wall spaces and increased partnership support.

Press contacts

Ilford BID

Cyril Bekoe, BID Manager

cyril@ilfordbid.com | 07498 316461

www.ilfordbid.com

Wood Street Walls

Creative delivery partner for Ilford inColour 2026

Mark Clack, Creative Director

mark@woodstreetwalls.co.uk

www.woodstreetwalls.co.uk

Social media

Follow and tag us across all channels using #IlfordInColour and #InColour2026.