The S.E. London | July 23rd - 26th
This weekend, we have: the PECKHAM FOOD WEEKEND, a CARIBBEAN TAKEOVER, a BLACKHEATH MUSIC FESTIVAL, and more!
Happy Friday, South East London!
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Okay, on to the good stuff…
The summer holidays are officially here, which means you need to figure out what to do with yourself (and possibly your kids) for the next few weeks. Well, there’s plenty on this weekend.
But first, some good news out of Peckham…
📰 Major services saved for both young and old
The Nest, the free mental health service for young people on Rye Lane, was set to close its doors this November. This week, Southwark Council reversed that decision and confirmed The Nest will stay open.
Since opening, The Nest has been a genuine lifeline: a place where under-25s can walk in and get support without a referral or a long NHS waiting list. The council has committed to keep funding it and to push for the NHS to secure its long-term future.
The same meeting also saved the borough’s Dementia Adviser service, which supports people living with dementia and their carers, with four years of funding confirmed.
We’re bringing you a little more local news each week, so hit reply and let us know what you’d like to see more of.
Stay safe. Stay cool. Have a great weekend.
-Anton
All Weekend Long
🚴 South London Grand Prix at Herne Hill Velodrome
Two days of high-speed bicycle racing come to the historic Herne Hill Velodrome, the last surviving venue from the 1948 London Olympics, this Friday and Saturday. There are going to be the top cyclists from the UK and internationally racing it out. And our friends at the Velodrome have given SE London readers 10% off one-day tickets with code SLGP10. Grab tickets here.
🍜 Peckham Food Weekend 2026
Organised by Mr Bao, 19 Peckham restaurants, bars and cafés are serving up £10 specials from Friday to Sunday, with £1 from every dish going to Peckham Pantry. Taking part this year: Mr Bao, Forza Wine, Peckham Cellars, Shorty’s, Taca Tacos, Janda Diner and so many more. They’ve got everything from crispy pork belly bánh mì to swordfish tostadas. See all the venues and dishes here.
🥁 Steel Scenes at the Southbank Centre
I feel like with steel pans, you either love ‘em or hate ‘em. Well, if you love ‘em, the Southbank Center is throwing a three-day party marking 75 years of the steel pan in the UK, with youth ensembles, UK steel bands and brand new commissions across the Royal Festival Hall. And most of the weekend is free! Find the full schedule here.
🎬 Rooftop Cinema Club Peckham
The rooftop screenings roll on with a stacked weekend: Sinners, Love & Basketball, Fight Club, About Time, Love Jones, The Great Gatsby, Before Sunrise, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World and Interstellar, all with wireless headphones and skyline views. See the schedule and book.
🎭 Romeo & Juliet in Greenwich (final performances)
Last chance to catch the Greenwich Theatre’s production of Romeo & Juliet, which wraps up its run this weekend. If you’ve been meaning to go all month, this is it. Book your tickets here.
🛍️ Canada Water Craft & Flea Market
Craft & Flea takes over Canada Water for the weekend with independent makers, designers and collectors from across the country. Browse handmade ceramics, jewellery, illustrations, homewares, candles and textiles, plus genuine vintage finds, all sold by the people who actually make them. Find out more here.
Saturday, July 25th
🎉 Caribbean Takeover at the National Maritime Museum
The Caribbean Social Forum returns to Greenwich for a free, family-friendly celebration across the National Maritime Museum campus. This is the fifth-anniversary edition, honouring 60 years of the Notting Hill Carnival, with African drumming, calypso dance, carnival headwear workshops, a film screening and even a game of dominoes with the experts. And it’s free! Find out more here.
🎶 KISSTORY On Blackheath
Old skool, garage and anthems take over Blackheath Common for a huge all-dayer just up the hill. The lineup is a proper nostalgia trip: Ms. Dynamite, So Solid Crew, DJ Luck & MC Neat, Todd Terry, Baby D, Oxide & Neutrino and loads more across four stages. Get tickets here.
🎉 Haflah at the Horniman
The Horniman Gardens in Forest Hill is hosting a celebration of South-West Asian and North African culture, with live music at the bandstand, a souq market selling Palestinian produce, food trucks serving Syrian and Lebanese street food, plus a dabke dance tutorial and Arabic calligraphy. Find out more here.
🐟 Heritage Craft & Mudlarking Festival at Southwark Cathedral
Spend a day on the shore of the Thames with mudlarks, archaeologists and conservators. Expect craft demos, talks, family drop-in activities and an exhibition of finds pulled from the river. Get tickets here.
🎉 Pride at Elephant Park
A full day of music, celebration, and joy at Elephant Park celebrating queer culture. It’s sure to be a good time. Find out more information here.
🏛️ Woolwich: Arsenal to Art Deco walking tour
A guided walk through Woolwich’s riverside, from 18th-century gun factories to grand Victorian buildings, taking in the origin story of Arsenal FC and the area’s recent regeneration. Find out more about your neighbourhood and book here.
Sunday, July 26th
🏺 Ceramics Market at Dulwich Picture Gallery
The gallery’s Sculpture Garden hosts its first-ever Ceramics Market, bringing together local potters and special guests. Browse everything from everyday mugs to sculptural one-offs and chat to the ceramicists about how it’s done. Find out more here.
🎶 Tokyo Riddim at the Fox & Firkin
Close out the weekend with a laid-back afternoon of Japanese-Caribbean crossover sounds, blending jazz, reggae and dub. Kicks off at midday. Get tickets here.