Laura Flanagan Archives

A day of activities and vibrant performances is planned for February 21 including Lion Dances and Dragon Dances, crafts, street food and more

Two Dragon Dances will welcome in the Year Of The Horse as part of the celebrations - image by Kris Humphreys Photography — Two Dragon Dances will welcome in the Year Of The Horse as part of the celebrations – image by Kris Humphreys Photography

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Greenwich Peninsula is set to celebrate Lunar New Year this month with a Saturday of spectacular performances.

On February 21, 2026, visitors to Peninsula Square will be treated to dragon dances and lion dances to usher in the Year Of The Horse.

Also in place at Design District from noon-5pm will be The Eternal Market.

Curated by Eastern Margins, this will showcase east and south-east Asian food, arts and crafts featuring independent makers, artists and designers selling hand-crafted goods, prints, ceramics and more.

A selection of street food traders will also be serving up Asian dishes such as handmade dumplings, sizzling noodles, grilled skewers and sweet treats.

Laura Flanagan, director at Greenwich Peninsula, said: “Over the past three years, our Lunar New Year celebrations have become a well-established part of the peninsula’s programme and a regular fixture in London’s events calendar.

“The celebrations offer an opportunity to bring our diverse audience together to enjoy live performances, food and creative experiences across the neighbourhood.

“We have engaged many of our local businesses from Canteen Food Hall And Bar to our riverside art gallery Firepit and residents and visitors are encouraged to explore and enjoy the whole peninsula during the festivities.”

Catch the Lion Dances on Greenwich Peninsula - image by Kris Humphreys Photography — Catch the Lion Dances on Greenwich Peninsula – image by Kris Humphreys Photography

don’t miss the dances

Lion Dances, combining movement, percussion and acrobatics will take place at 2.30pm and 3.30pm on the day.

Each lion embodies good fortune and protection, intended as “a vibrant symbol of strength, unity and celebration”.

Dragon Dances will take place at 3pm and 4pm.

These colourful performances feature rhythmic drumming and sweeping movements, symbolising “strength, prosperity and the promise of a bright year ahead”.

All dances last approximately 15 minutes and are suitable for all ages.

Visitors can expect DJ sets throughout the day at Canteen - image by Kris Humphreys Photography — Visitors can expect DJ sets throughout the day at Canteen – image by Kris Humphreys Photography

go deeper

In addition to the central performances, Loose.fm DJs will be playing tracks throughout the festivities at Canteen Terrace and Barton Yard in Design District, with a set of contemporary sounds and global rhythms promised to help mark the occasion.

Firepit Art Gallery And Studio at Upper Riverside is also joining in, hosting The Splendours Of Henan exhibition.

Free to view from February 17 until March 14, 2026, this special exhibition in honour of the Year Of The Horse features ancient craft techniques, textiles and contemporary works from China’s Henan province.

A number of Lunar New Year craft workshops are also set to take place during the celebrations with full details available online. Each activity costs £5.

Firepit Art Gallery And Studio will be hosting a special exhibition - image by Kris Humphreys Photography — Firepit Art Gallery And Studio will be hosting a special exhibition – image by Kris Humphreys Photography

need refreshment?

Greenwich Peninsula also boasts an extensive food trail, with plenty of Asian flavours available from businesses locally.

As well as the global offerings at Canteen, Kiki And MiuMiu Market offers Asian groceries, baked treats and bubble tea, while Eat Fan serves up a wide range of Chinese dishes.

key details: Lunar New Year 2026

Lunar New Year festivities are set to take place from noon-5pm at various locations on the Peninsula on February 21, 2026.

All performances are free to attend and easily accessed from nearby North Greenwich station, the IFS Cloud Cable Car or Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ pier.

You can find full listings and more details here

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Festival of lights set to bring movement, workshops, food, drink and music to south-east London

Visitors are encouraged to participate in a Group Traditional Dance to mark Diwali - image supplied by Knight Dragon — Visitors are encouraged to participate in a Group Traditional Dance to mark Diwali – image supplied by Knight Dragon

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“Diwali is a celebration of light, joy and togetherness – and this year’s programme brings that spirit to life in a new format,” said Laura Flanagan, director at Greenwich Peninsula.

“We’ve worked closely with independent traders, artists and performers to create a day that honours South Asian heritage and showcases the richness of its traditions.

“This vibrant celebration reflects our diverse community, and we welcome people from all over London to join in and spend the afternoon eating, dancing and creating.”

Greenwich Peninsula’s forthcoming Diwali celebrations are set to take place on October 18, 2025, from 2pm to 7pm.

Free and family-friendly, the day will feature a range of activities including a group dance by Garba performers and Dhol drummers.

Visitors and local residents are invited to Peninsula Square, Design District and Barton Yard to help celebrate the festival of light.

Here’s what’s happening:

Lantern Making Workshop

Sales And Lettings Suite, Peninsula Square – 2pm-3.20pm

Join this drop-in, hands-on workshop to design your own mini triangular lantern using willow sticks, tissue paper and yarn.

Led by professional lantern artists, the session offers a fun and creative experience for all ages, with all materials provided.

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

In 15–20 minutes, participants can craft a personalised lantern to take home or add to the festive display in Peninsula Square.

No booking required.

The celebrations will include a vibrant procession with Dhol drummers - image supplied by Knight Dragon — The celebrations will include a vibrant procession with Dhol drummers – image supplied by Knight Dragon

Dance Rehearsals

Canteen Courtyard – 2.30pm-3.30pm and 4.30pm and 5.30pm

Join expert dancers to learn the joyful steps of Garba and the playful rhythms of Dandiya Raas in open rehearsals designed for all abilities.

These are suitable for ages 10+ and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult

These sessions celebrate the rich and diverse audiences of Greenwich Peninsula, inviting everyone to take part in the evening’s group dance.

No experience is required – participants just need to bring their energy and get involved.

Dandiya Stick Decorating

Sales And Lettings Suite, Peninsula Square – 4pm-5.50pm

Get hands-on with a pair of Dandiya sticks – short, decorated bamboo poles used in traditional Gujarati folk dances.

Embellish your own set with colourful trims and festive flair, ready to join the group dance or take home as a joyful keepsake.

No booking is required for this drop-in session.

Group Traditional Dance

Starts Peninsula Square, ends Barton Yard – 6pm-7.15pm

Join a vibrant procession led by illuminated rickshaws, Dhol drummers and Garba dancers in traditional costume as it winds through the Design District.

Under a canopy of light, take part in a group dance that unfolds in three parts – Dandiya Raas, Garba and open free dancing, the heart of the celebration.

The event will also feature a South Asian street food market from noon-8pm in Peninsula Square and Bollywood beats and desi DJs from 4pm-9pm at Canteen Food Hall And Bar to keep the party moving.