Greenwich Dance and Arts Trust Productions are thrilled to announce the return of Summer in the Park after the success of last year’s event.

The festival consists of a series of free performances and dance experiences presented in parks and outdoor spaces across Greenwich and Bexley throughout the summer.

This year’s programme will include Summer Sessions held in Cygnet Square (which is the new home of Greenwich Dance in Thamesmead) as well as in Greenwich Park.

The events will take place on Friday evenings and feature performances from established artists and community dances from groups local to the area.

In Cygnet Square the Summer Sessions will help to “activate and animate this vibrant new public space at the heart of Peabody’s major regeneration project” in Thamesmead.

Meanwhile performances at Greenwich Park welcomes audiences to London’s oldest Royal Park.

Greenwich Dance and Arts Trust Productions are joining forces with the local community to deliver Park Picnics - a series of day-long local community events in the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s lesser known parks.

These include Maryon Park, Gallions Park and Queenscroft Park.

Residents in Greenwich and Bexley will be invited to advise on what performances are presented at each Picnic and to recommend creative activities that truly reflect their communities – you can have your say here by joining a Creator Group.

The events line-up will be announced after the first set of meetings at the end of May.

The finale of Summer in the Park will be made up of activities and performances as part of Thamesmead Festival - community-powered day of family friendly activities presented at Southmere Park.

This year’s festival has been made possible due to support from The National Lottery Community Fund as well as Peabody, the Royal Borough of Greenwich and The Royal Parks.

Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “We’re thrilled to have Greenwich Dance on board for this year’s Royal Greenwich Festivals.

“Their exciting programme of events will bring parks and open spaces across the borough to life, with the help of local dance groups.

“We believe that arts and culture should reflect the communities we live in, and Greenwich Dance are putting the power in your hands.

“They’re inviting communities to have their say on what performances and activities they’d like to see. I can’t wait to see this truly collaborative project animate our parks this summer!”