The boroughs of Greenwich and Bexley will host an extravaganza of dance and fun this summer, all for free within public parks.

From circus dance shows to roller-skating sessions, this year’s Summer in the Park festival promises to offer something for everyone.

Taking place in various outdoor spaces across the two boroughs, visitors can expect a range of experiences to enjoy from June 16 until August 12.

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.

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.

 

Maryon Park Picnic on Sunday, June 25, will feature a live Jive workshop led by Joanne Clifton, winner of the 2016 Strictly Come Dancing competition, as well as Swing Jazz, performance by The Mary Lou Revue.

Additionally, Creature Comforts will present a new family-friendly show blurring the line between contemporary dance, stilt walking and physical theatre.

 

Other highlights include Gallions Park Picnic on Saturday, July 8, which will sees Costa Rica Dance and TARU Arts take visitors on a theatrical journey atop a giant top hat alongside comedy magic act Norvil & Josephine.

Celebrating the Latino community of South London, Costa Rica UK will perform traditional Costa Rican dance and offer a fun-filled workshop, while TARU Arts will bring the Brazilian party with live drumming, dancing and family games.

Meanwhile, circus duo Hikapee offer a fun-filled show performed on a giant revolving parasol on Saturday July. 22.

 

The Summer Sessions at Greenwich Park and Cygnet Square, near Southmere Park and the new home of Greenwich Dance, will be curated by legendary skater and dancer Frankie J.

The roller skate-themed events will feature skills workshops, skate jams and live DJ performances.

There will also be performances from Elementz, who blend hip-hop freestyle, popping, locking and breaking in their show at Cygnet Square on June 23.

Qwerin, a show that weaves traditional Welsh folk dance with the energy of LGBTQ+ nightlife in their Greenwich Park performance on June 30.

Simple Cypher, who will present an uplifting hip-hop circus performance in Greenwich Park on July 14.

 

To stay up to date on the full festival listings go to www.greenwichdance.org.uk.

This year's Summer in the Park event was made possible with substantial funding from The National Lottery Community Fund - the largest funder of community activity in the UK - and with support from 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!”

Here are the dates of the Summer Sessions and Park Picnics:

 

Greenwich Park

Friday 16 June, Friday 30 June, Friday 14 July

From 4pm – 7pm

 

Cygnet Square, Thamesmead

Friday 23 June, Friday 7 July and Friday 21 July

From 4pm – 7pm

 

Maryon Park Picnic

Sunday 25 June, 1pm – 5pm

 

Gallions Park Picnic

Saturday 8 July, 1pm – 5pm

 

Queenscroft Park Picnic

Saturday 22 July, 1pm – 5pm