We’re closing in on that time of year again when we can safely discard our winter coats for the next few months and enjoy the sunshine. Like Roy Ayers said “Everybody loves the sunshine” and there’s no better way to take advantage of the weather than with a great fun filled festival. There are plenty of fairs, festivals and fetes around South London this summer that you will definitely enjoy.
Balham
Sun 7 May 10.30am-4.30pm at Balham SDA Church, Elmfield Road, SW17 7BW. Fashion, accessories, homewares and collectables. £2 admission, under 12s free.
Ritherdon Road Street Party, Sun 11 June,
11am-5pm, Ritherdon Road SW17. There’s always a fun, friendly vibe at this annual event in Balham. There will be plenty of stalls plus live music and a BBQ. The local eating places and shops will also be open.
SoLo Craft Fair Sun 11 June,
Noon-5pm at Balham Bowls Club, Ramsden Road SW12. Over 30 independent traders plus live music and workshops.
Balham Comedy Festival, 30 June – 8 July at The Bedford pub. “THE BALHAM COMEDY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES ALL THAT’S GREAT ABOUT THE LIVE COMEDY SCENE – MOTIVATED BY A LOVE OF ALL THAT’S GREAT IN STAND-UP” - Harry Hill
Details to follow. The final line-up is currently being prepared
Battersea
Northcote Road Summer Fete, Sunday 16th July
11am-6pm in Battersea SW11 – a very popular event with stalls all along Northcote Road plus fairground rides, smooth live music and performances and of course the Wimbledon Men’s Final shown on the big screen. Watch Andy Murray possibly get a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles in style.
Foodstock Battersea Park, Sat 15 & Sun 16 July
Acouple good days of food, drink and music with stalls, fine dining, street food, workshops, farmers’ market, live music and a children’s area also. Don’t miss out if you live In Battersea.
Bellingham
Bellingham Green festival 24 June 11:45am to 4:30pm
A fantastic neighbourhood led project taking place just as summer gets going. The Bellingham Community Project is a small charity who has been embedded in the local area for over two decades. Through their hard work and dedication to the local area, they have managed to raise enough funds to open a Leisure and Lifestyle Centre in Bellingham so festivals such as this are hugely beneficial for the Bellingham community and their charity.
Bellingham Green Park SE6 3HD
Bermondsey
The Bermondsey street festival returns to the streets of South London for the eleventh year on September 16th from 11-6pm and it normally proves to be the perfect way to end what will hopefully be a festival filled summer. This festival honours Bermondsey's historic reputation as 'London's Larder' by inviting more than thirty local restaurants to bring their food to the streets and to feed the people of south London with a variety of delicious delicacies. I vibrant atmosphere alongside musicians, dancers and much more will be on offer.
Blackheath
OnBlackheath is a multi-genre music festival that can be enjoyed by a variety of people who love a relaxed day out. Taking place from the 9-10 September 2017, this family-friendly event offers something for everyone and you can enjoy a nice hot day in Blackheath listening to pop music or possibly even indie and rock if that’s more your style. Musically the line-up is normally very versatile comprising of many iconic British bands such Primal scream, however this is combined with younger up and coming acts as well. You’ll struggle to drag your children home from OnBlackheath and there is a devoted kid’s stage with exciting theatre productions and quality kids shows. Don’t worry about getting hungry during the day; the festival has a great reputation for providing sensational food and a great dining experience. There may even be the odd appearance from a celebrity chef.
Brockley
This year’s Brockley Street Art Festival will run from 2nd – 10th June 2017.
This enthralling week-long event will run alongside popular arts festival Brockley Max, showcasing South East London’s exciting arts community, through displaying of spectacular murals by International, and national artists as well as local artists additionally.
The amazing Brockley Max arts festival is back! The Brockley Max festival takes place in venues across Brockley, Ladywell, Crofton Park and Honor Oak over a nine-day period from 2nd-10th June, finishing up with the Art In The Park festival in Hilly Fields.
Hilly Fields Midsummer Fayre, Saturday 24 June 2017 organised by the Brockley Society is back again this year. We had a wonderful time last year and it promises to be a great day full of entertainment , food and good vibes.
Bromley
Phoenix Festival (Forster Park) 2017 13 May 11:30 to 4:30
A family fun day out for you to enjoy with great live performances to look forward to from Gwen Dickey of Rose Royce and The Dualers. There are a bundle of activities to keep you occupied during the festival like t-shirt making, circus tents, graffiti workshops as well as face-painting and balloon making for the kids. This wonderful day can even be enjoyed your pet as their will be a dog show taking place so you can bring your four-legged friends along to enjoy the fun. Refreshment can also be purchased from various drink stalls.
Camberwell
Camberwell Arts Festival 10 June to 18 June
As one of the first and longest running local visual arts festivals in the UK, Camberwell Arts Festival works alongside local residents and artists studio’s, galleries and arts organisations to programme a superb nine day festival of exhibitions, events, open studios, walks, talks as well as workshops. This one of a kind festival encourages the Camberwell locals to liaise with their local environment utilising art as a method of improving resources in the area. Culturally this is an extremely important and relevant festival for the people of Camberwell and its surrounding areas.
Camberwell Fair, Camberwell Green July 22nd – 23rd 2017
In terms of its historical background it would be hard to find another festival/fair that trumps this one. The Camberwell fair can be dated back to the late 13th century incredible back to 1279. The fair ran smoothly until the mid 19th century when complaints caused it to be shut my local authorities, but in 2015 the ancient tradition returned in its 21st century form and has been going strong ever since. With over 7000 people appearing in the first two editions combined the 2017 version has been extended to a two day celebration. You can look forward to enjoying over 50 live acts all of which convey the diverse culture in Camberwell.
“The Event was Fantastic along with the Food and the Music” – Dawn Penn
African Francophone Art, Music and Culture Festival. Saturday 24th June 2017 - Sunday 25th June 2017 - 3pm - 1am, 305 Camberwell New Road SE5
The African Francophone Art, Music and Culture Festival aims to bring on one stage, a number of visual artists, musicians, singers, music bands and more from the African Francophone community.
Clapham
Sat 6th May at Omnibus, Clapham Common North Side SW4: don’t miss the opportunity to meet local authors and journalists. Tickets are available via the Omnibus website.
Just So Clapham Design and Craft Fair,
Sat 13th May, from 11am-4pm at Omnibus Clapham Common North Side, showcasing local makers and artists.
Common People at Clapham Bandstand, Sat 27th May,
11am-4pm. A great community occasion with stalls, activities, music, dances as well as spoken word on the Bandstand. A real fun event for the people living in Clapham and the surrounding areas to enjoy.
St Paul’s Church Clapham, Summer Fair, Sat 10 June, noon-4pm, with stalls, tombola, competitions, music and food.
Abbeville Fete, Sat 24th June,
12pm - 4pm, Abbeville Road, Clapham SW4 – a fantastic, family event which helps raise funds for local charities. Also features excellent live music for you to enjoy and a kids’ zone for your little ones. Not to mention a very popular dog show to put the cherry on the cake.
Falcon Road Heritage Festival SW11 Sat 1st July.
Music, dance, stalls, circus acts, food, fire station open day an array of children’s activities including a bouncy castle to add to the fun. Close to Clapham Junction
Two Brewers street party, Sat 1st July, 1-9pm,
Prescott Place SW4. A huge line up of Cabaret acts, top DJs, The London Gay Big Band and even the Winner of this year’s Drag Idol UK. We can ensure you this is always a fun filled event.
Let’s Rock London, on Sat 15th July on Clapham Common with all your’80s favourites including Human League, Sister Sledge, Howard Jones and more.
Tickets are on sale for South West 4 music festival on Clapham Common on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 August…
Followed by… House of Common – back on Clapham Common on Bank Holiday Monday 28 August with Madness and guests including the legendary De La Soul, David Rodigan are The Skatalites, Craig Charles and more. Tickets on sale now for under £40.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace Overground festival 12 -18 June 2017
The Crystal Palace Overground Festival is a fantastic event run by a team of hardworking volunteers, which you’ll be glad to hear is manly free! The festival uses arts and culture as a way of creating community cohesion within the area and it aims to be accessible for all to enjoy. The great thing about this event is that the benefits are not limited to the visitors enjoying the week. They create hundreds of volunteering opportunities while simultaneously helping gain necessary work and life skills. If you’re interested in seeing a funny comedy act or perhaps some spoken word than you couldn’t pick a better event to attend.
Deptford
Deptford X, 21 September – 01 October
Deptford X is of the capitals longest running visual arts festivals and has been hugely popular since its inception in 1998. Deptford X will look to carry on the custom of facilitating a dynamic and event-packed schedule that aims to highlight the positive impact of art in the local community
Dulwich
Dulwich Festival Fair 14th May 11am - 4pm 2017
The Festival Fair on Goose Green is THE main event in East Dulwich. The Fair is really a splendid day out for the family; from fun things for kids such as bouncy castles to even having EDT beer tent. Not to mention, handmade children’s t-shirts to homemade cakes and more attractions. This fantastic occasion is one simply not to be missed especially for all those residing in Dulwich.
Love West Dulwich Fair Saturday 20 May 10am-5pmPM
Rejoicing in the distinctiveness of SE21, the West Dulwich Fair will showcase the quintessential character of Dulwich, its people and exciting mix of independent businesses, mixing art, culture, fashion and fun for all the family. There will be an abundance of activities that you’ll be able to enjoy in the seven hours of fun, such as market stalls, dancing, face painting and much more.
Park Hall Road, Croxted Road & Rosendale Road SE24
Dulwich Park Fair, Sunday 21 May 12-5pm
The people of Dulwich are really blessed with fantastic events over the coming month and they can complete their three-peat of fairs with the Dulwich Park Fair taking place the day after the West Dulwich version above. The Dulwich Park fair will be entering its tenth year in 2017 and it promises to get bigger and better with additionally popular attractions alongside the old classics. There will be maypole dancing on show plus a magician as well a stage that will feature musicians and brass bands. Dulwich Park Fair, College Road, London SE21 7BQ
Artists' Open House
Over 250 artists will be throwing open their doors to you during the two weekends of the Dulwich Festival from 11am - 6pm. All venues will be open on 13-14 May and many will also be open on 20-21 May.
www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/artists-open-house/
Art in Action: London Fine Art Studios, Saturday 13th May, 2-5pm
Special guests and senior tutors from the London Fine Art Studios, Joni Duarte and Archie Wardlaw will be creating work using their traditional mediums and techniques live in the Gallery throughout the afternoon. Joni Duarte was Artist-in-Residence last year at Dulwich Picture Gallery.
Dulwich Picture Gallery
Free event
Clowns Without Borders: Laughter-Aid, Saturday 13 May, 3pm
Clowns Without Borders will share the performance they have been touring to refugee camps in Europe for the first time in the UK. Expect a very silly, highly visual and physical performance with lots of audience interaction!
St Barnabas Parish Hall, Dulwich Village, SE21
Tangram Theatre: The Element in the Room – A Radioactive Musical Comedy about the Death and Life of Marie Curie, Saturday 13 May, 7pm
Marie Curie lived an extraordinary life, and made incredible scientific discoveries in the face of unbelievable odds. This is her story, replete with breathtaking breakthroughs and seriously silly songs. Tangram’s internationally acclaimed peer-reviewed musical comedies about Darwin and Einstein have delighted audiences worldwide.
The Great Hall, Alleyn’s School, Townley Road
Patch & The Giant/Support: James Riley, Thursday 18 May, 7.30pm
This acclaimed indie-folk quintet are a dynamic troupe of musicians who have fast become a genuine force within the UK alt-folk scene with national radio support and appearances at festivals throughout the land. Unique instrumentation fuses with inviting story-telling courtesy of lead singer Luke Owen’s rich and tender vocals. Not to be missed. Supported by James Riley; if two years in Nashville taught London-boy James Riley anything, it’s the power of a good song.
Belair House, Gallery Road, SE21 7AB
The Harlem Meer Cats: Jungle Nights in Harlem, Saturday 20 May, 7.30pm
The unique sound of the Duke Ellington band in the late 1920s, brought to you by the Harlem Meer Cats, six of the finest early jazz specialists in London. Ned Bennett’s authentic adaptations of such classics as Black and Tan Fantasy, Echoes of the Jungle, Jubilee Stomp, The Mooche, Old Man Blues and many more really capture the exotic atmosphere of the New York’s famous Cotton Club. Holst Hall, JAGS, East Dulwich Grove
Further information on all the wonderful Dulwich based festival events, venues and dates can be found at: http://dulwichfestival.co.uk/
Forest Hill
Forest Hill Festival 2017
There will be a series of one-off screenings followed by a longer festival later in the year. Details coming soon.
Greenwich
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF) 23 June – 8 July 2017
Formed in 1996 GDIF has produced a number of outstanding street theatre shows across Greenwich and this year promises more of the same. Last year proved to be sensational at the very least with the Festival featuring over a hundred performances by dozens of national and international companies with more than 100,000 people attending and the ‘clash of the drums’ proving to be a great festival finale.
Cutty Sark Gardens, King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HT
Greenwich Music Time 2017
Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London SE10 9LW. 30th June – 7 July
Returning for the fourth year running the Greenwich Music Time event has a wonderful line-up this time around and you would be silly to not attend this six-day bonanza. With wonderful surroundings close by such as Greenwich University and the historic Cutty Sark the music is far from the only thing worth seeing. This spectacle is a vital part of London's summer music calendar with various acts from The Jacksons to Cliff Richard ending with Little Mix.
Greenwich Book Festival Friday 26 May – 27 May
This young South London festival is seeking to reflect Greenwich and south east London in the best light over the two days. The wide ranging programme on offer aims to be inclusive and welcoming for all ages. Founded in 2015 by Greenwich locals, the GB festival was set up to allow people to celebrate the journey of discovery every book can take you on.
Greenwich Comedy Festival
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich 13 – 17 September 2017
Bars, music and street food are some of the additions you can enjoy after you’ve damaged your ribs with laughter. The 2016 comedy Line-up included acts such as Jason Manford and Reginald D Hunter and 2017 will provide more of the same quality and laughter. Tickets are very affordable and can be purchases for under £18. They go on sale In June.
Grove Park
Grove Park Carnival 12-13 August 2017, Chinbrook Meadows
A weekend of great activities for people living in Grove Park and the surrounding areas. The idea is to have thrilling performing artists as well as skills workshops. The event will also provide a platform to local singers and bands to showcase their talent and gain experience performing on a stage. Community groups and local charities will also be present as a way of raising their profile within the local community.
Herne Hill
The 2017 Herne Hill Free Film Festival will take place from 28th April to 29th May, with over 30 free events across 20 amazing venues. An Adventure film night plus many more great events will be on offer for you to take pleasure in.
Herne Hill Music Festival October 6th – 15th 2017
A great festival to attend with a unique wide range of events available such as a cabaret night, Music in Brockwell Park, family concerts, jazz jam and many more.
Sunfall Festival Saturday 12th August 2017
The Sunfall festival is one of the newest festivals on this list only making its debut last year, but the inaugural event was one to remember and Sunfall is surely going to be bigger and better this time around. Held in Brockwell Park the festival is in a great location for those of you situated in Herne Hill, Brixton and Tulse Hill and it is brought to you by the teams behind various other successful festivals in Croatia and others. Like a football match the team behind ‘Sunfall’ state that this festival is one of two halves, start the party early in the day and continue the fun when the sun falls (pun definitely intended) in one of their late night clubs. Jazz, eletronica, house & hip hop are just some of the various types of music you can dance away to. Don’t miss out!
Hither Green
The Hither Green festival is back again for another year and this year may prove to be the best one yet. This year it’s running from Saturday May 20th to May 27th and there are a number of activities you can get involved in during the week. From Disco parties, a teddy bear picnic and a short film night, there are plenty of things you could do during the festival to get your summer off to a flyer.
Manor House Gardens Festival on Saturday 24thJune is an annual summer party the beautiful setting that is Hither Green. The goal of the festival is to purely celebrate the local community and as much as possible with food, drink, music, craft stalls while the fun is provided by the local businesses operating in the area. This festival aims to put Hither Green on the map and to celebrate the areas contribution to South East London.
Lambeth
Lambeth Country Show, Sat 15th& Sun 16th July,
12pm – 8pm in Brockwell Park. Stalls, food and drink, fairground rides, live music and much more. Over 170,000 people attended last year. It’s free also!
Lewisham
People’s Day is one of the biggest and most popular festivals In South East London and it has been a part of the community for over three decades now. In 2017 People’s day will reach its 33rd year and It would be silly of you to miss out on this landmark occasion on Saturday 8th July at Mountsfield Park in Catford. This magnificent occasion is a celebration music art and craft in the community with over 20, 000 thousand people visiting a year with performances across a number of stages and an abundance of stalls and exhibitions.
National Theatre Connections Festival - 10 May - 13 May 7.30pm
The NTC festival is a celebration of young people and theatre-making and gives young people a platform to perform each year. This also creates the exciting prospect of the theatre-makers and the writers of tomorrow being brought together.
Peckham
Peckham festival, 14-17 September
The Peckham festival highlights and celebrates the creative and cultural side of Peckham over the course if three days. Following a successful first year the festival is hoping to give you showcase more creativity that Peckham has to offer, while celebrating the fact the Peckham is one of the most diverse towns in South London.
Peckham Rye Music Festival 12th – 21st May
If you’re a lover of music and you take pleasure in discovering new acts then this festival is right up your street. Featuring a plethora of live performances over the 10 days you will be singing along to someone regardless of your taste in music. Performances from Addison Groove, Axel Boman and Kode9 are just a small portion of what you’ll be enjoying over the festival period.
Plumstead
Plumstead Make Merry Festival Saturday 10th June 2017. over 5000 people come along to enjoy a packed day of music, arts and activities that celebrate the history of the area and its diverse community. With up to 80 different stalls from local groups and businesses, there is plenty on offer including food and activities for all the family. Enjoy a great day entirely run by volunteers who are passionate about the local area.
12 noon to 6pm on Plumstead Common, London, SE18
Stockwell
Stockwell Festival - Now in it's fourteenth year, the Stockwell Festival is a landmark event for the local community celebrating all things Stockwell!
This year they will have a performance area, Food Court, free children's entertainment, Green Zone, Community Action Zone and much more. Don't Miss Out!
Saturday 1st July 2017, Larkhall Park SW8
Streatham
Streatham Festival, 1st – 9thJuly – taking part in a number of locations inand around Streatham. Music, dance, performance, art, comedy, workshops, and activities you name it!Streatham Festival is a wonderful opportunity for the whole community to get together.
Streatham Common Kite Day, Sun 14th May,
11am – 5pm: Streatham Common SW16 3BT. Wonderful kite displays, exhibitions and tuition plus food & drink stalls are available. You will also be treated to music also, so make sure you don’t miss out.
Streatham free film festival 16th - 23rd
A volunteer-powered movement of neighbourhood free film festivals that encourage community involvement through film.
Streatham Food Festival Thursday 22nd – Sunday 25 June
The five day festival is being streamlined this year and is designed to really showcase the brilliant food businesses of Streatham. If you’ve always wanted to discover where the best food is served in Streatham, the food festival will be a great place to start. There is a diversity of cuisines on show such as Indian, Caribbean, Vietnamese, Italian and British to name a few.
Sydenham
Sydenham Arts Summer Festival from6th to 16th of July - Last year this festival had brilliant 10 day programme, and over half of their events being completely free. This is a part of their continued effort to make special events like these accessible to all as they wouldn’t want you to miss out on all the fun.
Details will be announced shortly regarding the 2017 programme, but if last year is anything to go by, it will be a great family day out.
Tooting
Tooting Blues & Folk Festival Sat 5 August.
Another festival featuring wonderful food, music as well and drinks if you’re a fan of those three things (who isn’t) then the Tooting Blues and Folk Festival will be something you wouldn’t want to miss out on. The acts on show are Wizz Jones, Whom by fire, and the Rob Booth Band to name a few.
West Norwood
West Norwood Feast is a volunteer motorized street market festival on Norwood Road taking place on the first Sunday of every month; April to December, 10am – 4pm. So you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy.
Wandsworth
5th - 21st May with over 100 events, productions and performances throughout Wandsworth this would be a great way to kick off your summer festivals binge.
Wandsworth Heritage Festival – 27th May-11th June
Wimbledon
Wimbledon International festival 11-26 November 2017
This festival does what it says on the tin. It aims to bring together different types of music and musicians from across the globe and the 2017 edition of the event is no different. The theme will be ‘Musical Capitals’ and music from Cities such as Paris, Rome, Venice and Beunos Aires will be on show. Booking and ticketing information will be available in June.
Wimbledon Park Food and Drink Festival 26th – 28th August 2017
This year’s festival village will be packed with more delicious produce and entertainment, creating a terrific unforgettable day out that’s perfect for you foodies out there and families alike.You can get a taste of, regional food and drink, from gourmet burgers to retro ice creams and artisan beers. All this can be done in lovely surroundings with groovy live music accompanying the experience.
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