2 days ago
The full summer programme for Greenwich with concerts, carnivals and food fairs
A summer of free entertainment is coming to south-east London.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich has announced the return of its annual Royal Greenwich Festivals, promising a packed season of music, theatre, food, arts and culture across more than 25 events—all free to attend.
Running from June 7 to September 14, the festival series will bring a vibrant mix of performances, exhibitions and workshops to neighbourhoods throughout the borough, featuring talent from both local and international artists.
A spokesman for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: "From the beloved Plumstead Make Merry, celebrating its 50th anniversary, to show-stopping spectacles at the 30th Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, we're working with more organisations than ever before to bring you the biggest and best Royal Greenwich Festivals yet.
"All Royal Greenwich Festivals events are free.
"Just come along, relax and enjoy world-class arts and culture on your doorstep."
The season kicks off on June 7 with the 50th edition of Plumstead Make Merry, taking place from 12pm to 6pm on Plumstead Common.
Visitors can expect live music, dance and drumming performances, community stalls, food, and craft activities.
On June 29, Maryon Park in Charlton will host Summer in the Park, a community event featuring folk music, street arts, a food market and creative workshops.
In July, the festival continues with events in Thamesmead, Eltham, Abbey Wood and Kidbrooke.
Highlights include the African Masquerade and Nigerian Cultural Festival at Kidbrooke Carnival on July 12, featuring mask-making, a fashion show, Afrobeat dancing, food and market stalls.
Eltham's PARKSfest on July 6 and Abbey Wood's PARKSfest on July 13 will also feature live performances and workshops from LGBTQIA+ artists, as well as family-friendly collage activities.
From July 14 to August 10, The Bold Melon Collective will present Queer Migrations, an exhibition exploring LGBTQIA+ experiences, at Firepit Arts Gallery in Greenwich.
Food lovers can look forward to the Greenwich Food Festival on July 26 at Glyndon Community Centre and Green in Plumstead, which will include cooking competitions, food tastings, arts workshops and health and wellbeing advice.
Throughout August, Arc & You will host a series of Nigerian Cultural Finesse events across Kidbrooke, Middle Park, Abbey Wood and Shooters Hill.
Each event will feature cultural displays, dance, theatre and the screening of a new documentary exploring Nigerian and British identity.
The Greenwich and Docklands International Festival (GDIF) returns with a full schedule of outdoor arts, beginning with a high-energy rooftop parkour performance in Woolwich on August 22.
Beresford Square will be transformed by French company Cie Lézards Bleus as eight performers take to the rooftops in a gravity-defying display.
On August 23 and 24, Greenwich Park will host the popular Greenwich Fair, offering street theatre, circus acts, dance and family entertainment.
GDIF will close with two days of water-based theatre at Birchmere Lake in Thamesmead on September 5 and 6, blending circus, dance and live music.
The season concludes with the Woolwich Carnival on September 13.
The event will feature a colourful parade through the town centre, with music, dance, food stalls and a Nigerian cultural showcase.
On September 14, Southwood Park in New Eltham will host the final event of the season—a cabaret musical performance by Reach Theatre Company and a specially commissioned artist showcase.
The Royal Greenwich Festivals are open to everyone and no tickets are required.
Organisers encourage visitors to capture the fun on social media using #RGF2025 and tagging @royal_greenwich.
