Food and drink from all over the world were on offer in Ilford town centre this week at an event to mark Black History Month (BHM) and World Food Day.  

Fifteen market traders on Ilford High Road treated their patrons to an international spread of refreshments on October 15 and 16 for the second annual BHM Food Festival.  

Visitors could also enjoy free performances and activities throughout the weekend as well, including of African dance, drumming and face painting.

Ilford Recorder: Free performances in Ilford for the event. Picture: Paul Fox/Ilford BIDFree performances in Ilford for the event. Picture: Paul Fox/Ilford BID (Image: Paul Fox and Ilford BID)  

It was organised by Ilford Business Improvement District (BID), which was formed to improve the commercial area and represents just under 400 businesses.  

Ilford BID’s manager Cyril Bekoe said: “I think we are a very diverse borough and it's important to acknowledge these important occasions.” 

Ilford Recorder: A musical performance at the event. Picture: Paul Fox/Ilford BIDA musical performance at the event. Picture: Paul Fox/Ilford BID (Image: Paul Fox/Ilford BID)

It is the second year Ilford BID has hosted the BHM Food Festival, with this year's event extended from one day in 2021 to two days.  

Cyril said the BID conducted a survey with businesses and customers last year, and found residents wanted to mark Black History Month in particular.  

Ilford Recorder: Dishes from around the world were on offer. Picture: Paul Fox/Ilford BIDDishes from around the world were on offer. Picture: Paul Fox/Ilford BID (Image: Paul Fox/Ilford BID)

Respondants also pinpointed the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On and the late Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee as notable events to commemorate, Cyril said.  

Ilford’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event is scheduled for November 26 this year.  

According to its Eventbrite page, there is due to be a yuletide market, music performances and a fireworks display, along with the festive decoration switch on.

Ilford BID is also hosting the Ilford Business Awards 2022 in December, with nominations open for the 15 categories until the end of October. 

This is an expansion of last year's Ilford South Business Awards, set up by Ilford South MP Sam Tarry in collaboration with Ilford BID and the Recorder.  

For more information and to vote for a business, visit inilford.com/ilford-business-awards-2022. 

Black History Month takes place during October each year, with the theme for 2022 being “time for change: action not words”. 

World Food Day is on October 16 in the UN’s calendar. It aims to encourage action to tackle hunger and promote the need for healthy diets.