The prestigious Pineapple Award is for the ‘activation’ category, recognising outstanding work across the UK to bring places to life.
Programmed by local people alongside our cultural team and festival producers, Serious, Thamesmead Festival showcases acclaimed performers and local talent, supports small businesses and local services, and aims to welcome the whole community.
The festival has grown in popularity – with more acts, vendors and visitors joining the fun year on year – and has featured prominently on BBC, ITV and local news.
- The Thamesmead Festival has grown from 1,000 revellers in 2017 to over 8,500 in 2024
- 83% of festival-goers say the event makes them feel more connected and proud of Thamesmead
- 88% believe it boosts wellbeing and the local economy.
Festival Advisory Board (FAB) member, Ian Tyson, said: “There’s so much talent and creativity in Thamesmead and each year the festival allows that talent to shine out. But most of all it’s a celebration of community and togetherness that everyone wants to be at. I’ll never forget the day I overheard a kid on the bus excitedly ask his friends, ‘Are you all going to the festival?’ That was the moment when I knew we’d built something special.”
Commenting on the award, Joanne Bernard, FAB, added: “We’re so proud to receive this award on behalf of everyone from the community who put their heart and soul into making the festival such a success every year. Like the festival itself, this award shines a light on everything that’s positive about Thamesmead for the world and for ourselves to see.”
Adriana Marques, Head of Cultural Strategy for Peabody, said: “The Thamesmead Festival is a fantastic community-led event, celebrating homegrown local talent and the diverse cultures across the town. It’s a huge undertaking, supported by so many people – the incredible Festival Advisory Board, events experts Serious, local performers, traders, artists, Bexley Council, Lovell, and, of course, the people of Thamesmead. This award is yours.”
With a long-term cultural strategy and an ongoing commitment to community leadership, Peabody is ensuring that Thamesmead Festival remains a cornerstone of life in Thamesmead. It’s all part of Peabody’s work to improve, grow and look after the town for the long term.
This year’s Thamesmead Festival will take place in Southmere Park on Saturday 2 August.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on who will be there.
