The community-powered Thamesmead Festival returns to the urban setting of Southmere Park this Summer, bringing together residents and visitors for a free celebration.

The festival is free, open to all and will be running from 12pm until 7pm on Saturday, August 20, 2022.

Organised by local people and with a programme packed full of home-grown talent, the day features live music, dance, performance, food, and family activities as well as the much-anticipated annual dog show.

With the newly opened Elizabeth Line making transport to Abbey Wood that bit easier, Londoners are invited to attend and see what Thamesmead has to offer.

This year’s event will see the return of its three main stages – the Park Stage, up on the hill; the Southmere Stage on Southmere Square and the more informal Unplugged Stage among the trees in Southmere Park – showcasing music, spoken word, dance, magic and comedy.

Confirmed acts include south London-raised singer Samm Henshaw and Britain’s Got Talent champions Twist and Pulse, as well as Thamesmead-based street dance group Dynamix for a special performance and Greenwich Dance.

The festival, funded by Peabody, will also feature community stalls run by local groups and charities, providing information about their work in the community, free workshops and activities for children and adults, and a mouth-watering menu of food and drink from across the world.

The entire festival is programmed and led by the Festival Production Group, a committee of 14 residents representative of Thamesmead’s diverse cultures and neighbourhoods.

As part of the day, a 25 metre high hot air balloon tapestried with stories from Thamesmead will be inflated and tethered on the festival site.

Adriana Marques, Peabody’s Head of Thamesmead Cultural Strategy, said: “We’re delighted to be returning for another edition of Thamesmead Festival, our flagship community celebration.

“This event showcases community leadership at its best, with 14 local residents programming a fantastic day of music, arts, community groups and markets that reflect Thamesmead’s unique spirit.

“With its thriving creative community and its improved transport links thanks to the new Elizabeth Line, now is an exciting time to be in Thamesmead.

“The festival is an annual moment to celebrate this wonderful town and invite visitors in to witness it in all its vibrant glory.”

Jules, a resident, and poet/spoken word artist performing at the festival, said: “Thamesmead Festival is the heart of the community, celebrating and showcasing the various aspects that make Thamesmead what it is today.

“Whether you’re local or passing through on the day, it's a guarantee that you'll instantly fall in love with our town.”

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