Free festival on May 18, hosted by Knight Dragon and curated by Wayne Hemmingway, will be headlined by Gilles Peterson
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It’s nearly been a decade since developer Knight Dragon teamed up with designer Wayne Hemingway to bring a free festival of music, crafts, arts, food and drink to Greenwich Peninsula.
Urban Village Fete is set to return to SE10 on May 18, 2025, with what can only be described as a wealth of activities and performances for visitors to sample.
Taking over Peninsula Square, Central Park and Design District, it’s continued to build and develop the vision outlined in 2015 as a creative form of placemaking, as the residential towers have risen around it.
“The transformation of Greenwich Peninsula since 2015 is extraordinary, and the evolution of the Urban Village Fete is just one example of how much the place has changed in a decade,” said Laura Flanagan, director of Greenwich Peninsula.
“What started as an eclectic community get-together in a brand-new piece of town, has grown into one of London’s most-loved festivals.
“From inspiring talks hosted in the heart of Design District, to games, music and independent shopping in Central Park, there is so much to explore.
“Celebrating 10 years of the Urban Village Fete is a significant milestone for Greenwich Peninsula, giving us the opportunity to bring to life all the very best things about living, working and visiting here in one amazing day.”
The line-up has been designed to attract as wide an audience as possible with highlights including the following:
family fun at Urban Village Fete
Beats And Braids will be providing feather hair extensions and braids from stylist and Design District tenant Stanley Watts, the Incredibly Clever Canine Circus is back, showcasing tricks for dogs and owners to learn and Jon Hicks’ Allympics will host competitive events such as show jumping, a spoon race and a birthday cake hurling contest to mark the 10th edition of the festival.
music and performances
Returning once again, headliner Gilles Peterson will be spinning sounds, while London Soul Choir, the Charity Shop DJ People’s Party and Design District’s Loose.fm are also on the bill.
Another one to look out for is London-based cultural hub and music movement Touching Bass.
>> “I played at the first ever Urban Village Fete back in 2015 and it has been incredible to watch the event grow and come together over the past 10 years,” said Gilles, DJ and top of the bill for 2025.
“It is a neighbourhood that gives back to the community and that’s a special thing indeed.
“You don’t come across many other events that represent a true democratisation of art – something we need now more than ever. Here’s to 10 more years.”
health and wellness
Recently opened Greenwich Peninsula gym Gather will be hosting group workouts, Yoga and family sessions.
There will also be the chance to learn to skateboard with the Keep Rolling Project and Skateboard GB coach Rachael Sherlock as well as an opportunity to have a go at Wheelchair Basketball with Brixton Ballers in Design District’s rooftop court.
arts, crafts and creativity
Urban Village Fete has a programme of more than 40 workshops for visitors to take part in.
Make pinch pots and paint ceramics with Pottery Studio LDN, weave baskets with Yi Crafts, blend teas with Hackney Herbal, try Polish paper cutting with Well Crafted or take a one-hour nail art workshop with expert Sophie Harris-Greenslade.
Explore full listings on Greenwich Peninsula’s website.
creative conversations
Friend of the fete and BBC Radio London presenter Robert Elms will set up shop at Design District for a series of interviews on topics as diverse as education, collaboration and the evolution of street fashion.
>> “Ten years ago, this part of London was little more than the O2,” said Robert. “But since then, the Urban Village Fete has helped to promote a genuine creative quarter where people can have a great day out while enjoying art, architecture and design.
“I shall be talking to some of those creatives, designers and makers again this year. Coming together to discuss thought provoking topics amid a fun festival is one of the things which makes the event unique.”
shopping at Urban Village Fete
The Urban Village Fete Makers Market will see more than 34 independent stalls open for the event.
Prioritising sustainable goods, these include Aah Kid’s upcycled kids clothing, Elan Skincare’s vegan products, lighbulb terrariums from WildBulb and CharitySuper.Mkt, the UK’s first multi-charity shop.
Every purchase will see money go to the British Heart Foundation, Traid, Emmaus Greenwich and War Child.
‘doing the right thing’
“HemingwayDesign takes huge pride in being able to curate and contribute to such a successful free event across the last 10 years,” said festival curator Wayne Hemingway.
“Urban Village Fete gives back so much – you don’t have to spend a penny and yet you can experience something truly special
“By being generous and providing the community with culture of this quality and diversity and of this scale, Knight Dragon is simply doing the right thing.
“It is uplifting to see the vital support that the fete gives creatives, designers, artists and small businesses.
“It brings our team incredible satisfaction in creating something meaningful for the community, bringing people together for one unforgettable day in the heart of the city.
“We get so much joy from observing tens of thousands of diverse Londoners have such a great time.”
To help boost the vibe, Urban Village Fete will host five bars and more than 30 food and drink producers including the likes of Smashing Plates, Annie Mae’s Mac And Cheese, En Root and Jerk And Grind.
All events and activities are located a short walk from North Greenwich station, the Thames Cable Car and Greenwich Pier for river bus services.
key details: Urban Village Fete
Urban Village Fete is set to take place on Greenwich Peninsula on May 18, 2025, from 11am-7pm. Entry is free.
Visitors can register their attendance online to get festival updates and receive a free spin on the tombola stand.
Some workshops are ticketed and can be booked in advance online.
Find out more details here
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