The S.E. London | August 6th - 9th
This weekend, we have: the THAMESMEAD FESTIVAL, a KOREAN MARKET, a DISCO ORCHESTRA, and more!
Happy Thursday, South East London!
Festivals upon festivals this weekend, from hip-hop to crafts to food, there’s a little something for everyone. But first, some good news for fans of fireworks…
📰 🎆 The Blackheath Fireworks are coming back
The Blackheath Fireworks have had somewhat of a “will they / won’t they” ever since 2020. But it is confirmed that they will return in 2026. It will follow in the footsteps of last year’s paid version, or as the council calls it, “cost-neutral.” That means they’ll be funding it through ticket sales, and that a return to free displays is unlikely in future.
Officials say they’re keeping prices as affordable as possible, with some concessionary tickets for Lewisham residents. Last year’s festival, which included live entertainment, DJs, a food village and funfair, is expected to return.
Stay safe. Stay cool. Have a great weekend.
-Anton
All Weekend Long
🎵 Roots Picnic London at Crystal Palace Bowl
A full weekend of music for hip-hop heads. The Roots Picnic has been happening for years in Philadelphia and now it’s coming to the Crystal Palace Bowl this Saturday and Sunday. It’s a huge soul-and-hip-hop lineup and tickets are still available for either day. Find out more and get tickets here.
🛍️ Korean creative market in Peckham
This Korean-founded, artist-led market takes over Copeland Park in Peckham with over 60 curated independent creatives: fashion, jewellery, ceramics, homeware, illustration, contemporary art from emerging Korean artists, and a lounge full of Korean food and desserts. The first 1,000 visitors each day get a free mango makgeolli slush. Find out more and book.
🍜 KERB Goes East at Canada Water
Street-food heroes KERB take over Canada Water for the weekend with around 50 traders serving East and Southeast Asian food, from Japanese comfort food and Singaporean curry puffs to Korean-Mexican mash-ups. Find out more here.
🎬 Rooftop Cinema Club Peckham
A big weekend of open-air screenings: In the Mood for Love and You, Me & Tuscany on Friday; Mamma Mia!, Bend It Like Beckham and The Wolf of Wall Street on Saturday; and Ratatouille, Pretty Woman and Whiplash on Sunday. See the schedule and book.
Thursday, August 6th
🪩 Disco orchestra at the Horniman in Forest Hill
Disco classics get the full orchestral treatment as the brilliant Brixton Chamber Orchestra takes over the Horniman Museum on Thursday. Find out more and book.
🇯🇲 Jamaican Independence Day at the Fox & Firkin
Celebrate Jamaican Independence Day in Lewisham with Rum ‘N’ Bass and DJ Croc spinning reggae, dancehall and more. Find out more here.
Friday, August 7th
🎶 South London Miniteca Latin & Portuguese Festival at Burgess Park
A free, all-ages celebration of South London’s Latin and Portuguese communities. Curated by DJ Bushbby with the main stage hosted by Latin-music legends Como No, expect live salsa collectives, music, dance, workshops and street food. Find out more.
🏰 Street food at Severndroog Castle - last chance!
The summer’s popular outdoor food gatherings at the fairytale Severndroog Castle are on for one more evening. There are tons of food stalls, drinks, music and dancing. Check it out.
🧘 FREE community yoga in Pasley Park
Local teacher Hannah Maher kicks off her free Friday-morning community yoga classes in Pasley Park, on Friday. All levels welcome, just bring a mat. These free sessions are running Fridays through August. Reserve your spot here.
🎨 Fabulous Fridays at Charlton House
Free family craft sessions continue every Friday at the beautiful, FREE Charlton House & Gardens in Greenwich. An easy way to keep the kids busy during the holidays. Find out more here.
Saturday, August 8th
🎉 Thamesmead Festival is back!
The award-winning, resident-led Thamesmead Festival returns to Southmere Park with four stages of soul, jazz, gospel and funk, headlined by Natalie Williams’ Soul Family. There’s also free workshops, a dog show, boating on the lake, a craft and food market, and dedicated kids’ zones. And it’s FREE! Find out more here.
👦 Dog Man: The Musical at the Southbank Centre
Dav Pilkey’s smash-hit kids’ graphic novels come to the stage in an energetic, very funny family musical at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Evening show plus daytime matinees. Find out more and book.
Sunday, August 9th
🎸 Live acoustic guitar on the Golden Hinde
Something a little different: guitarist Kris Dollimore brings his solo instrumental project Sirkus Post aboard the Golden Hinde near Borough Market, for an evening of atmospheric, alternative-tuned acoustic music on a 16th-century galleon. Tickets and times here.