Programmed by the community for the community, the festival is funded by Peabody, which is putting culture at the heart of its long-term regeneration of Thamesmead.
It was a family-friendly event packed full of music, dance, comedy, art installations, food & craft stalls, and more.
MOBO award-winning Kele Le Roc joined forces with R&B and Soul legend Terri Walker and on the main stage with a set that included their own hits such as ‘Romeo’ and ‘Ching Ching (Lovin' You Still) and Soul classics including Chaka Khan’s ‘I’m Every Woman’ where they were joined by local singer and The Voice contestant Jerusha Frimpong.
Putting the talents of the community front and centre, the standout moment came when the newly formed Thamesmead Community Choir performed an anthem for the people of the town titled ‘Hometown Pride’. Written and performed by members of the community, it is a touching and honest ode to the town they know and love.
Featuring a host of talent from Thamesmead, South London and beyond, the festival saw Park Stage performances by MOBO-winning conscious rapper Still Shadey, award-winning funk and soul outfit Groove 101, Black Wolf Blues, and local favourites Old Boy Blues Band and MC Redrum.
The Unplugged Stage hosted intimate spoken word and acoustic sets from the likes of Brit School graduate Gönül and singer-songwriter Sam Winston. A short walk away through the trees and via the market, the Southmere Stage was the place to see a vibrant range of dance styles from street dance by locally-based Dynamix to Bollywood Vibes and Capoeira Muzenz. The lakeside setting was also the place to see local canine talent put through their paces with the always popular Thamesmead Dog Show.
Returning to the festival after its hugely successful debut in 2023 was the Wanderlust Hill Stage, dedicated to up-and-coming young talent. The stage was designed and programmed by South East Way, a group of 14-16 year olds who created a pirate encampment complete with a giant skull and crossbones, and sails and flags which fluttered above the stage.
Adding to the festival’s family-friendly atmosphere, this year saw the addition of a Calm Zone, created in collaboration with a group of local special educational needs (SEN) charities including Brighter Futures Foundation (Woolwich), Advocacy Greenwich, Javan Cocker Foundation and Bexley Mencap. In the words of local artist and community activist Marcus Orlandi, whose Bow Arts studio can be seen from the festival site: “The Sensory Tent and Calm Zone are intended to make the festival as accessible as possible. We wanted to find a way of creating a space that is peaceful, engaging and safe yet totally connected to the festival.”
Adriana Marques, Head of Cultural Strategy for Thamesmead at Peabody, said:
“Programmed by the community for the community, the Thamesmead Festival is unique in so many ways. From the Thamesmead Anthem – which perfectly encapsulates the town’s collaborative spirit – to the flags, bunting and colour-popping banners designed by local artists, everywhere you look there is evidence of local creativity and ingenuity. The Thamesmead Festival shows just what’s possible when individuals, community groups and organisations come together.”
Find out more about Peabody's culture programme in Thamesmead here.