Happy Thursday, South East London!
A few things about me… I’m a writer, I’m a film lover and I listen to a lot of jazz music. And that’s why this is my kind of weekend in South East London. There’s a creative writing group, a brassy jazz band, and a free movie in Deptford. Not to mention, this weekend is the last weekend of the Deptford Literature Festival. (Scroll down for the full programme!)
But this is also a particularly good weekend for any parents out there. You have to give it up to the Dulwich Picture Gallery, who almost have too many great childrens' activities to mention.
Get out there, have fun, be safe, meditate, stretch, stay hydrated, and be well!
-Anton
🎸 Concerts & Events
Thursday, March 26th
Films in the Foyer. A special cinema club in Deptford, and this one is geared towards female empowerment with an ‘80s feminist classic in honour of Women’s History Month. Register here for a free spot!
Friday, March 27th
Tate Modern comes alive at night. Music, talks, workshops, films. One of the exhibits is explored and an entire night of activities is built around it, all taking place in the amazing huge Turbine Hall. Learn more about the exhibit.
Concert at the Queen’s House. An evening concert by the Trinity Laban Chamber Choir. Experience some incredible music in an amazing location. And you get a free drink with your ticket.
Servesmith’s Up Late is serving up cocktails, natural wine, beer, and DJ’s only spinning vinyl. Catford is the place to be this weekend. Normally a cafe, once a month, Servesmith’s comes alive at night and turns into a drinking, music-listening great hang. Here are some shots from last month.
Saturday, March 28th
Creative writing group in Peckham. Somewhere Else was developed as a prompt-free writing session to let your creativity run wild. This is a free event. Come, talk, or don’t talk, and get some writing done.
South London Soul Train. This looks to be a great event with two rooms full of music. In one, the Riot Jazz Brass Band. In the other, DJ’s spinning Northern Soul all night long. Get tickets here.
All Weekend Long
The Deptford Literature Festival - last few days! A crazy number of events celebrating the writing, creativity, and artistry of South East London. Stories, workshops, talks, readings. There’s something for everyone. Check out the full programme here. Quick! The festival ends on Saturday.
Lifeline: A musical about medical professionals. Not what you were expecting, was it? This musical just came from a successful run off-Broadway and is now playing in Southwark. Check out the previews here.
Peckham Salvage Yard. 70 traders selling all sorts of amazing vintage gems at this Copeland Park flea market. Stroll, find some bargains, refresh your space with some quirky, vintage finds. Find out more here.
🧒 Family-friendly Activities
The Marvellous Myth Hunter and the Magical Market. This interactive show is part of the Deptford Literature Festival. The story leads families through classic myths but weaving in local Deptford and Lewisham spots and values. And thanks to a last-minute donation, the show is now free!
Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat. Mischief and mayhem all weekend long at the Greenwich Theatre. This show is a blast for families of children 3+. Multiple performances on Saturday and Sunday. Get your tickets here.
How to Tame a Mummy Monster. Another pick from the Deptford Literature Festival. This reading of the “How to Tame a Mummy Monster” book by the author is perfect for kids ages 4-6. Find out more here.
Astronomers Take Over. This is a brand new space adventure at the National Maritime Museum all about the wonders of space. Perfect for space fans 4 and up and their families. There’s so much cool stuff in this exhibit.
Dulwich Picture Gallery has loads of events this weekend! Creative Tales, an interactive storytelling session, Art Sundays, for 7-12 year-olds, And ArtPlay session specifically for new parents, and in time for Easter, the Eggstravaganza Festival.
🍺 Food & Drink
The Catford food market is back! That’s right, it’s the last Sunday of the month and that means foodies rejoice. Last month had a hell of a lineup of great eats. Click here to see a preview of some Brazilian desserts on offer.
A whiskey festival. Whiskey Live and Fine Spirits is the premiere gathering of UK whiskey enthusiasts. Sample limited editions and the nominees for the World Whiskies Awards. And line your stomach with some street food so you don’t get too toasty. Whiskey lovers need to click here!
📰 News in your borough
GREENWICH
THAMESMEAD SELECTED AS “NEW TOWN,” ALLOWING FOR HOUSING & INFRASTRUCTURE
Plans for a major new Thamesmead Waterfront development have taken a big step forward after being selected as part of the government’s next generation of “new towns,” with the potential for around 15,000 homes to be built.
The project will also transform a large, currently underused riverside site into a new neighbourhood with housing, jobs, and infrastructure, and potential transportation upgrades like a DLR extension.
SOUTHWARK
PECKHAM RYE SHOPPING ARCADE SET TO BE DEMOLISHED
Holdrons Arcade, the old building that encircles the entrance to Peckham Rye station, is finally set to be demolished after about a decade of fighting. The station will be replaced with an open area with benches and planters and stalls for a new and improved little market area.
Southwark is also waiting on £45 million from the Department of Transportation, some of which they’re going to use to make other improvements to the station.
What do you think of them revamping Peckham Rye Station?
LEWISHAM
TWO LEWISHAM COUNCILLORS DEFECT TO GREEN PARTY
Two Lewisham Labour councillors have defected to the Green Party ahead of upcoming local elections. This is a big shift, but it’s also the latest in a trend.
The move follows earlier defections and means the Greens continue to strengthen their presence on a council long dominated by Labour, with both councillors set to stand under their new party banner.
That’s all for now. Have a great week!