Arts and
leisure
The new cultural quarter in
Stratford is burgeoning. The famous Theatre Royal Stratford East,
once home to Joan Littlewood's innovative stage company, has now
been restored to its full 1900s' glory.
The area also boasts the Rex concert hall which
regularly plays host to the biggest stars in reggae and hip-hop,
and the brand-new children's centre
Discover
- a unique, interactive
space designed for kids to explore their imagination and enjoy new
sensory, creative and hands-on experiences.
Further south, in Silvertown, Newham plays host to the country's
last traditional music hall,
Brick Lane Music Hall, bringing a taste of the
old East End into the 21st century.
Newham also has lots to offer in the way of sports and
entertainment. Cinema's offering everything from the latest
blockbusters to the very best of Bollywood have recently been
joined by the prestigious
ExCel
Centre in the heart of Docklands. The new restaurants and
shopping opportunities are great side-lines to ExCel's main
business - bringing international exhibitions to East London.
Recent events include the International Boat Show and Homes
Overseas property exhibition.
Not only is Newham home to West Ham United Football Club which has been
producing top-class football and international talent - from Bobby
Moore to Joe Cole - for the best part of a century, but it offers a
wealth of opportunity for those who want to take part in sport.
From bowling to cycling to horse riding - Newham's got it. The
completion of a £1.8million refurbishment programme for the
borough's leisure centres and the revitalisation of the docks, mean
the borough is now top of the list for anyone interested in
swimming, sailing and water sports.
The borough has number of
parks offering
sports and leisure facilities. From football to tennis, visitors
can burn off some energy playing the game of their choice. For
those looking for a less strenuous pursuit, East Ham Nature Reserve
has nature trails teeming with local wildlife including foxes, owls
and kestrels. With wheelchair access and a tapping board for white
stick users, it's easily accessible for all visitors.
Newham's newest green space, Thames Barrier Park, offers waterside
views over the Thames, a stunning fountain for splashing games in
summer and a relaxing cafe for all year round sustainance. In
contrast, East Ham's Central Park offers formal rose gardens, a
bowling green and rare species tree trail. During the summer the
park is home to a weekend long festival of concerts, Under the
Stars, and also Newham's Town Show, a spectacular fair for all the
family to
enjoy.