By the community, for the community
Our free, family-friendly festival is the town's flagship community-led event.
Local people manage the festival programme, while homegrown talent takes centre stage on the day.
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Led by local people
Working year-round with Peabody and internationally-renowned event producers Serious, the resident-led Festival Advisory Board plans the annual Thamesmead Festival.
Local people also take on paid programming roles to ensure the festival reflects and is rooted in the local community.
It attracts thousands of Thamesmead residents and visitors from further afield, growing from 1,000 attendees in 2017 to 8,500 in 2024.
83% of festivalgoers feel prouder of the town and more connected with their community.
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Jam-packed with fun
Expect a day full of music, dance, comedy, art, food, local crafts, a dog show and much more. Local clubs, community groups and charities all play their part.
For visitors who prefer quieter entertainment, the inclusive Free To Be sensory zone offers a more relaxed festival experience.
"It’s just a really nice thing to have locally. It’s nice to see local talent, and others coming to this area and seeing how beautiful it is.”
Melissa Quibell
Thamesmead Festival FAQs
What date is Thamesmead Festival 2026?
Thamesmead Festival 2026 takes place on Saturday 8 August 2026.
The Thamesmead Festival is usually held in early August.
Where is the Thamesmead Festival venue?
Thamesmead Festival is held in Southmere Park. All of the festival stages are within the park, which is easy to get to by public transport, walking or cycling.
Head to our Getting Here page for full details of the best way of travelling to Thamesmead Festival.
Where can I buy tickets for Thamesmead Festival?
You don't need Thamesmead Festival tickets – just come along on the day! Thamesmead Festival is completely free to attend and isn't ticketed.
Is Thamesmead Festival free?
Yes, Thamesmead festival is a free, family-friendly festival in London. There are no tickets and no admission fee – just come along on the day and join the fun!
Park Stage
Unplugged Stage
