A Day of the Dead festival is being held in Redbridge to encourage people to talk about death and celebrate the memory of loved ones who have passed away.

The annual event, now funded by the Arts Council, has been running for five years as part of Redbridge Libraries' Death Positive Library.

The scheme uses activities to help families have conversations about dying and loss.

This year's festival is being held over two days, inspired by Day of the Dead festivals from around the world.

Martin Solder, chair of Vision which runs the libraries, said: “The approach has helped make conversations about death and loss easier to have.

“The work by our library service has encouraged thousands of people to talk about this important subject.”

Highlights include lantern processions with giant puppets, music and dancing on October 31 at Christchurch Green in Wanstead and on November 1 in High Street, Ilford. Art exhibitions and performances are also being held at Wanstead and Redbridge Libraries.