Internationally acclaimed neo-soul pioneer Omar will be headlining, cementing the festival’s reputation as one of London’s most distinctive cultural events.
The legendary singer-songwriter — whose timeless hit There’s Nothing Like This remains a UK soul anthem — will light up the Park Stage on the banks of Southmere Lake in South Thamesmead. Blending beloved classics with fresh cuts from his acclaimed ninth album, Brighter the Days, Omar promises a performance that’s both nostalgic and new.
“South London is so close to my heart. It’s where I record most of my music, and I’ve always been inspired by its creative energy,” says Omar. “I’ll be performing tracks from Brighter The Days alongside old favourites, but what really excites me is seeing the next generation of artists bursting out of Thamesmead. Come join me for a celebration of soul, community, and the future of music. Let’s make it unforgettable.”
Music, culture and community
Across four performance stages, festival-goers will be able to experience everything from Afrobeat, R&B, rock and pop to spoken word, comedy, and street dance, plus a market featuring local artists, artisans and food vendors.
Visitors to the Park Stage can look forward to acts including Afro Pulse’s explosive afrobeats, Kukunari's dreamy indie-pop soundscapes, Masiba’s haunting melodies and Zion B’s sensational R&B set. This year’s Park Stage is funded by Lovell, who are working with Peabody to build high quality new homes in South Thamesmead and providing opportunities for local people.
To nurture the next generation of talent, young people will be given a chance to shine on the Wanderlust Hill Stage. The lineup has been entirely programmed by local 13 to 16-year-olds through the social arts agency Three Rivers. The stage set has been designed by neurodivergent artists through Re-Instate.
For quieter moments, the Thamesmead Unplugged Stage, nestled in a leafy grove, will offer intimate acoustic sets, spoken word and razor-sharp comedy. Meanwhile, the Southmere Lake Stage is set to buzz with diversity - from swing dance and double dutch skipping to the Thamesmead Community Choir and the return of the much-loved dog show.
Everyone is welcome
The popular Kids’ Zone will return this year, as well as an expanded edition of Free To Be zone.
Established in 2024 by local artist Marcus Orlandi, this inclusive quiet area has been created in collaboration with several local charities supporting people with special educational needs and their families. This year’s festival will also see the launch of Eclectic Avenue, showcasing all kinds of community group stalls.
By the community, for the community
The Thamesmead Festival is commissioned and funded by Peabody, the not-for-profit housing association that is working with local people and partners to regenerate the town. The event programme is put together by members of the community. It’s produced by leading music producers Serious, supported by two local residents recruited and paid to work as creative producers. Continuing to grow in popularity, the event welcomed 8,500 people in 2024.
This year, two paid local producers have joined forces with the resident-led Festival Advisory Board to deliver a vibrant celebration of music, creativity, and local pride.
Local resident and creative producer Jerusha Ujanga said: "It is an honour to be this year’s Stage Producer. It’s all about celebrating the incredible artists and creatives who call Thamesmead home.” said. “This experience has taught me so much about how to seamlessly combine musical genres to craft a line-up that has something for everyone. Now, I can’t wait for you to experience what makes this town such a creative powerhouse. See you there!"
Local resident and Creative Producer Amanda Eatwell, said: "The best way to truly know a place is to get involved. Thamesmead is full of organisations, creatives, and opportunities just waiting to be discovered. That’s why we created Eclectic Avenue. It’s where visitors can explore the amazing groups shaping our community, and even try their hand at something new! Come and meet the people who make this place special and maybe leave inspired to join them!”
Lisa Drew, Peabody’s Cultural Programme Manager for Thamesmead, said: “The Thamesmead Festival keeps getting bigger and better, with each year offering more excitement and showcasing the best of what the local area has to offer. Thanks to all the hard work from our new, local producers and the continued support from the Festival Advisory Board, this year will again shine a spotlight on the incredibly talented people that call Thamesmead and Southeast London home. This remains a festival for everyone, completely free and open to all.”
