Cody Dock is set to host its latest Frost Fair at the end of the month with a packed programme of activities and attractions.
The event, which is free to attend, will feature a local makers’ market, live music and games.
There will also be workshops for visitors to participate in including wreath making and sustainable wrapping paper printing.
Food will be provided by German Deli and Milagros with drinks – including mulled wine – from the Cody Dock bar.
Also on show during the day will be a series of artworks from River Of Hope, a project that saw school pupils work with artists at Cody Dock to creatively respond to the Lea and the environment around it.
As part of the Thames Festival Trust’s Totally Thames festival, the resulting pieces by five Newham secondary schools and nine primary schools were first displayed in September at Cody Dock, beside the Millennium Bridge and at Compressor House in Royal Docks.
Some of those by secondary schools shown at the latter will also feature at Frost Fair, while others have made the journey to COP30 in Brazil.
Two of the artworks created as part of River Of Hope – images supplied by Thames Festival Trust
two years in the making
Kate Forde, Thames Festival Trust head of education and engagement, said: “River Of Hope has been a two-year programme that’s worked in five regions around the UK as well as in France and Ethiopia.
“The aim, through partnerships, is to connect people with their local environment, specifically with their rivers and waterfronts, as well as elevate the work of young people.
“Their pieces are showcased in different ways at international festivals all around the country.
“In Norfolk, for example, we installed artwork on the sails of boats and had a procession of vessels come down the river.
“In London, our environmental partner is Cody Dock and they’ve been perfect for the project.
“With the primary schools, they all visit the site and a lot of professional development for the teachers is involved with the aim of inspiring a more creative approach to teaching and learning.
“Through the geography curriculum they deliver a term’s worth of work around River Of Hope with the final output being the artwork – in this case a series of flags that are already on display at Cody Dock.
“At both secondary and primary level we can see the long-term impact of the project is making them relevant.
“Since Covid, schools are much more reluctant to do outdoor visits, but learning in this way is so beneficial.
“Feedback from the teachers has been that these experiences at all ages were such a leveller – seeing kids who may have been disruptive in the classroom really coming into their own.
“It really does highlight the importance of a variety of approaches to learning.
“The project is very much also about leaving a legacy there, whether it’s the artwork being displayed or the schools knowing about and being able to access resources such as the ones at Cody Dock on their doorsteps.
“In addition to the flags by the primary schools – made using marbling techniques with artist Fiona Grady – the works that will be shown at Frost Fair have been created by Newham secondary schools in collaboration with artist Shona Watt and poet Dauda Ladejobi.
“These have been reproduced on silk as three metre-high hangings and they’re really extraordinary.
“It’s the students’ take on what they learnt and their feelings about climate change globally, what’s happening in the world and their hopes for the future.”
Area’s population has had a hand in philanthropy, the foundation of unions, workers and women’s rights and female suffrage
Today the Bryant And May Match Factory has been converted into residential apartments, but it was once the scene of a history-making strike – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
The relentless digital news machines deliver a steady diet of shock and awe at callous acts of brutality by humans the world over.
One antidote to this pipeline of 24-hour misery is to take a step back from the present to look back and realise how far we’ve come in some areas.
Roughly six and a half generations ago (191 years, to be exact), it was legal in Britain for one person to own another. It took a further 31 years for the USA to abolish slavery.
The freedoms and rights we enjoy today all have their roots in the toil and struggle of people who led lives unimaginably impoverished compared with our own and – in the grand scheme of things – not all that long ago.
This is precisely why we need to study history and develop places that showcase and highlight the collective achievements and missteps of our species.
An artist’s impression of how Cody Dock’s Heritage Pavilion will look when installed – image by Cody Dock
a Heritage Pavilion on the River Lea
That is one of the missions that Cody Dock, an ecological regeneration project on the edge of Canning Town, is undertaking through its Heritage Pavilion project.
The structure will be built as part of a £1.6million National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, using the restored hull of Welsh lifeboat the Frederick Kitchen – likely the last vessel built at the Thames Ironworks – as its roof.
The glazed space will host quarterly exhibitions on the history of the area, with a special focus on the River Lea.
As anticipation builds for the pavilion’s launch, this is the second in a series of articles in a partnership between Wharf Life and Cody Dock to draw attention to some of the topics that will be featured.
The banks and marshlands around rivers are well known for their fertility.
The nutrient-heavy silts washed up by the constant flow of water, make for rich soils and abundant growth.
Factor in their historic use as corridors of trade, transport and migration and it’s little wonder that city waterways conveyed similar prosperity on the operations along their banks.
The Lea once bristled with industries that demanded sprawling communities of workers.
This human tide, forced to contend with extraordinary deprivation and shocking conditions, was in itself a potent force and one of the reasons east London has played an outsize role in the nation’s social history.
Here, people stood up, fought for better lives and succeeded. The four stories below aim to offer a flavour of just some of their remarkable achievements.
Harper Twelvetrees based his Imperial Chemical Works alongside the Lea – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
echoes of the past along the River Lea
Close to West Ham station, Berkeley Group is currently building a housing development called TwelveTrees Park.
That branding isn’t a reference to some long forgotten copse with a dozen pines, but a name from history.
The scheme is located on land near Twelvetrees Crescent, a road named for entrepreneur, factory owner, chemist, writer, campaigner and inspiring philanthropist, Harper Twelvetrees.
In his time, much of east London was a patchwork of industrial operations and slums, the latter housing the workers for the former.
The author Charles Dickens visited nearby Canning Town and wrote in 1857: “The houses are built in rows; but there being no roads, the ways are so unformed that the parish will not take charge of them.
“We come to a row of houses built with their backs to a stagnant ditch.
“We turn aside to see the ditch and find that it is a cesspool, so charged with corruption, that not a trace of vegetable matter grows upon its surface, bubbling and seething with the constant rise of the foul products of decomposition, that the pool pours into the air.
“The filth of each house passes through a short pipe straight into this ditch and stays there.”
Later on the same visit, he finds “three ghostly little children lying on the ground, hung with their faces over another pestilential ditch, breathing the poison of the bubbles as it rose and fishing about with their hands in the filth for something, perhaps for something nice to eat”.
Dickens’ bitterly ironic depiction of the dirty, blighted lives of the workers and their families around Bidder Street near the Lea is a stark picture of the kinds of conditions people endured a little over a century and a half ago in the name of industrial progress.
While plenty of business owners were content to exploit their employees, others had more progressive, compassionate ideas.
Born in Bedfordshire and originally apprenticed as a printer and a bookseller, Harper Twelvetrees developed an interest in chemistry.
Moving to London in 1848 he initially sold laundry products from other manufacturers in Holborn while working on a plan to make his own.
Having set up a small factory in Islington, in 1858 he moved production to a larger site on the banks of the River Lea at Bromley-By-Bow, just over the water from Three Mills.
Moving to the heart of the complex himself, he set about improving the lives of his workers – 400 at the peek of his Imperial Chemical Works’ success.
He built rows of cottages to house them, invested in a library, opened a lecture theatre, put on evening classes, organised sewing circles, created a clothing club and hosted non-denominational services.
There was even support for sick workers through a benevolent fund.
In 1861, the Stratford Times wrote: “Instead of dirty, narrow lanes bounded by high walls, now there are to be seen neat, commodious and well-built cottages, flanking tidy roads.
“The old population is losing its distinctive traits before a new, fresh and vigorous class that is rapidly settling amongst them and giving an air of busy life and incessant occupation to a place, which once wore an empty gloom hardly redeemed by the wild rush of waters roaring in the adjacent mill-stream.”
Philanthropy can be fragile, however.
Twelvetrees’ deal to sell his business in 1865 went bad, resulting in bankruptcy, although he did start up again on the other side of Bow at Cordova Works off Grove Road, eventually going on to produce washing machines and mangles.
A blue plaque marking the location in Bromley-By-Bow of the Match Girls’ Strike – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
lighting a fire
Collective effort is where lasting gains are often made.
While some workers in east London were relatively well treated by those making money off their sweat, others were not.
In July 1888, the women and teenage girls working at the Bryant & May match factory in Bow went out on strike.
There had been previous periods of industrial action over pay and punitive fines – sanctioning the often barefoot workers for dirty feet, untidy workbenches, lateness and dropped matches – but they had all failed.
1888, however, was different.
Atrocious working conditions including 14-hour days and the horrific ravages of phossy jaw – an industrial disease caused by exposure to the white phosphorus used in match production which killed a fifth of sufferers – were taking a terrible toll.
Social activists Annie Besant and Herbert Burrows became involved in the cause, publishing an article that angered managers at the factory, who attempted to get their workers to sign a statement repudiating its claims.
When they refused, a worker was fired – it was the spark that ignited the strike, with 1,400 women and girls walking out – probably on July 2.
Four days later, the whole factory had ceased to function.
The women had gone to visit Besant to enlist her help and with her support and the backing of some MPs, the strike generated significant publicity.
Besant – a prominent campaigner of a wide range of social and political issues – assisted in the negotiations and the workers were successful in getting unfair fines and deductions for materials abolished as well as a new grievance procedure with direct access to management.
A separate room for meals was also provided to prevent contamination of their food with poisonous phosphorus.
In the aftermath of the strike, the workers founded the Union Of Women Matchmakers – the largest such organisation of women and girls in the country at the time.
Their efforts inspired a wave of organising among industrial workers, the mothers of change.
fighting for workers’ rights
Canning Town Library played a significant role in that process.
In 1889 it was the venue for the formation of the National Union of Gas Workers and General Labourers.
Will Thorne, Ben Tillett and William Byford founded the organisation in response to lay-offs at Beckton Gasworks, with the former elected as its general secretary.
The organisation rapidly launched a successful campaign for an eight-hour working day, with its membership then rising to more than 20,000.
It was the start of a labour movement that eventually became the GMB union, which today has more than half a million members.
Also in 1889, the London Dock Strike saw a walkout by some 100,000 workers.
They won their pay claim for the introduction of the Dockers’ Tanner – a guaranteed rate of sixpence an hour – precipitating extensive unionisation across the sector.
It was against this backdrop that Labour Party founder Keir Hardie was invited to successfully stand for election as MP for West Ham South.
He represented the seat from 1892-1895.
A mural on the side of the Lord Morpeth pub celebrating the work of Sylvia Pankhurst and the East London Federation Of Suffragettes – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
women and equality
East London continued to play a crucial role in the development of workers and women’s rights.
From 1914 until 1924, 400 Old Ford Road in Bow was the headquarters of the East London Federation Of Suffragettes (ELFS), an organisation committed to getting women the vote and one based not far from where the match girls stuck their blow.
It was also the home of Sylvia Pankhurst and her fellow campaigner Norah Smyth as well as the location of their Women’s Hall – a radical social centre run largely by and for local working class women.
This included a larger space with a capacity of up to 350 and a smaller hall for about 50 – all furnished with tables and benches made with wood from supporter George Lansbury’s timber yard.
When the First World War led to unemployment and rising food prices, the hall opened a restaurant serving hot meals at cost-price with free milk for children.
Having broken with her mother – Emmeline Pankhurst’s Women’s Social And Political Union – Sylvia and the ELFS used east London as a base.
The group held marches through the neighbourhood, organised large public meetings, benefit concerts and parties as well as producing a weekly newspaper called The Women’s Dreadnought.
Other activities included opening a cooperative toy factory that paid a living wage to its female workers and even offered a crèche.
While the ELFS’s name changed over the years it remained active until 1924.
Today, the Suffragettes’ activities are remembered in a mural on the side of the neighbouring Lord Morpeth pub.
It’s stories like these that Cody Dock’s Heritage Pavilion will help showcase in greater depth when it opens next year.
Additional research by Cody Dock’s Julia Briscoe
key details: Frost Fair at Cody Dock
Cody Dock offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities and runs regular events and activities aimed at engaging with the local community.
CEO Jeremy Rees says the 25% boost in space and new facilities are already proving popular with organisers and brands, bring prosperity to the capital and Newham and the Royal Docks
Excel London CEO Jeremy Rees, left, is joined by deputy Mayor Of London for business Howard Dawber, centre, and Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, chairman of Excel London and managing director and Group CEO of ADNEC Group at the new venue’s first event – image by Excel London
People of greater seniority, plus time, results in events that do more for those attending and their organisers.
It’s this equation that underpins the expansion of Excel London in Royal Docks and the reason it’s already proving popular with brands from across the world.
Opened earlier this summer, the new facility saw early action hosting Formula E as its debut.
Built by Canary Wharf-based McLaren Construction, the extra 25,000sq m of space boosts the venue’s overall capacity by 25% to 125,000sq m.
That’s golden acreage for organisers to use, especially with the Elizabeth Line working as a major artery to deliver an ever increasing flow of people to the venue.
Excel London’s expansion massively expands the venue to the east – image by Excel London
a crucial transport link
“Since it started running and now everyone’s become familiar with it, visitor numbers have
risen 20%, dwell time has gone up by 20% and there are substantially more senior people from organisations coming to events here,” said Jeremy Rees, CEO of Excel London.
“The data is now backing up what we’ve been observing.
“If we’re in the business of connecting people, we’re doing that with an audience that’s a fifth bigger, is more senior and for a period of time that’s 20% longer.
“That multiplier effect is very substantial.”
With such positive figures as a foundation, it’s perhaps little wonder that an enhanced Excel is proving very popular following the introduction of the new facilities.
The extension includes an expanded international convention centre – allowing the venue to compete to host some of the largest congresses in Europe – as well as new exhibition halls, conference spaces and meeting rooms.
It is part of a wider £350million investment programme in London’s business and tourism economy by venue owner ADNEC Group.
The new facility includes outdoor terrace spaces – image by Excel London
a transformational expansion
“Our customers are saying the extension transforms the way they can use Excel,” said Jeremy.
“There are 37 rooms, you can have 7,000-8,000 delegates in the new space alone in a very cost-effective and efficient way.
“By using its external terraces, organisers can also create more of an emotional impact.
“Around 60% of our corporate market now is coming out of the USA – large tech, pharma and life sciences events.
“It’s exactly for them that we have built this facility.
“The encouraging trend is that they like it, they’re booking it and they’re going to be bringing tens of thousands of people to London for the first time.
“The market is speaking, everyone is moving forward with intent and the space is already getting booked up.
“It will be fascinating to see what happens over the coming months.
“Our owners in Abu Dhabi are wholeheartedly committed to investing in the experience economy in London.
“They’re extraordinarily proud of what’s been achieved so far.
“Opening the extension was definitely a history-making moment.”
Excel recently hosted Formula E – image by Excel London
Excel London: creating a halo effect
There’s a wider story here, however.
While greater provision of facilities at the venue is good news for Excel, its owners and their clients, the benefits extend well beyond its walls.
“The new facility is a very substantive step forward in terms of regular employment and profile for the area and I think the halo effect will continue to ripple through the estate and further afield into Newham and the surrounding boroughs,” said Jeremy.
“It’s an increasingly attractive proposition to invest in hospitality and the experience economy in and around Excel.
“When you look at Canary Wharf and London City Airport, the wealth building agenda in Newham and beyond with the GLA, there is a really coherent strategy to maximise the experience for visitors and the returns of investors and investees in London.
“There’s a real sweet spot at the moment and there are big players investing heavily in infrastructure – we’re one of those – to make sure as a city we stay ahead of the game compared to our European competitors.
“We’re already leading Europe and, globally, with this new facility, we are very much in the top percentile of venues that have everything to offer – exhibition and convention space, amazing transportation as well as fantastic hospitality offerings.
“My sense is that, until the next venue is completed in a tier one city, Excel is the place to come to.
“It’s fashionable, practical and commercially resonant for everyone that uses it.
“This new extension allows us to present a new kind of space that’s not existed in London before – it’s genuinely transformational for the city.”
Excel, of course, isn’t standing still.
Future plans include investment in its digital infrastructure, its hospitality offering and outside areas.
This will build on the success of Immerse LDN, a series of spaces of chapters on the edge of the dock that have been generating a steady stream of visitors to immersive attractions celebrating the likes of Formula 1, Egyptian history, Friends and Squid Game.
“There are regularly around 6,000 people a day visiting these and they’re here for a very different purpose than those coming to events at Excel,” said Jeremy.
“They are coming to be entertained, for fun, for enjoyment and they’re bringing their families.
“It means bars and restaurants can build really quite compelling business cases to locate here with consistent trade flowing though on a daily and weekly basis.
“It’s not just Monday-Friday, it’s also the weekends and it extends into the evenings too. In terms of driving a more vibrant estate, it brings life to these spaces on a consistent basis.
“I believe London has deserved more substantive, more modern and flexible infrastructure and it now has that.
“We all need to work very closely together to attract more inbound business, which ultimately creates a substantial effect throughout the visitor economy, advantaging so many of our businesses and organisations.”
key details: Excel London
Full venue details for those interested in hosting events at Excel London can be found on its website alongside extensive listings detailing what’s on in Royal Docks.
The attractions and pull of Riverscape are myriad.
Ballymore and Oxley’s 749-home scheme on the western edge of Royal Wharf overlooks Lyle Park and offers residents direct access to central London via the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers river bus service that stops at a dedicated pier on the development’s doorstop.
Then there are the connections to the east and south-east of the capital via the DLR, the on-site amenities including cafes, restaurants, a pub, a nursery, a primary school and a host of independent stores.
That’s before we even talk about the residents’ access to the Royal Wharf Clubhouse with its 25m swimming pool, sauna, jacuzzi and gym, the 24-hour concierge service and the 16th-floor Sky Lounge overlooking the Thames.
For publication designer, visual journalist, expressive and therapeutic arts practitioner and recent Riverscape buyer, Deborah Withey, however, the first thing she noticed was the scheme’s brand colour.
A show home interior at Riverscape – image supplied by Ballymore
finding a home at Riverscape
“Orange is my favourite colour so you had me at orange, seriously,” said the founder of arts education studio, Henry H Art Academy.
“I saw it on Instagram and I thought the presentation was really smart – it had a bit of soul to it, so every time it came up I found myself not swiping it away.
“Eventually, I went to the website.
“Riverscape was only the second place we looked at.
“I felt immediately at home – odd, because I had never spent any time in the Silvertown area before.
“The apartments appeared to be thoughtful in design and materials.
“I loved the close proximity to the Thames, the incredible views, and in particular the garden design.
“Green space is important to all of us and I felt Riverscape was designed with attention to that, along with a respect for the Docklands.
“For example, putting the memorial of those killed in the 1917 Silvertown explosion in a prominent place on the grounds, making Lyle Park more beautiful, and preserving the Harland And Wolff signs there.
“It’s important to pay homage to what went before.”
One, two and three-bedroom apartments are available at Riverscape – image supplied by Ballymore
living close to the Thames
Designed by Howells architects, Riverscape offers one, two and three-bedroom homes – the latter designed with families in mind.
For Deborah, though, chief attractions came via proximity to the river and the chance to put her stamp on a new home.
“My son just graduated from UCL and he is in Docker Building in a one-bed, with a beautiful west-facing view right above Lyle Park,” she said.
“Earlier this year, I sold our home in Wales and decided to use the funds to purchase something for my future life.
“It’s a one-bedroom on the top floor of the Steamer Building.
“I am very excited about sourcing pieces for it and filling it with art, both my own and works by others.
“I lived in the centre of Detroit along the river for many years and it reminds me of that.
“I am a visual journalist and designer who decided to pursue a new path with creativity and wellbeing at its heart.
“In 2018 I opened Henry H Art Academy an expressive arts education studio where the creative and therapeutic process of art making is employed to enhance the psychological and social wellbeing of individuals of all ages, learning needs and health conditions.
“Let’s say I love helping others find their own form of creative expression – their ‘secret sauce’.
“Having the Thames Clippers pier was a big factor in my decision.
“I think the local area and community have great potential as long as it stays green and I’m most excited about taking the boat everywhere on the Thames as well as walking our whippet, Ricky, in Greenwich along the Thames Path.
“I’m also looking forward to being involved in charity and community art projects in the Docklands and within Newham.
“I feel very fortunate to live at Riverscape and cannot wait to make the apartment a creative haven and visual jewel.
“My style is mid-century, which I liked way before it was everywhere – eclectic, smart and interesting.”
Facilities at the communal residents’ Sky Lounge at Riverscape – image supplied by Ballymore
key details: homes at Riverscape
Prices for the final apartments available at Riverscape start at £459,000 for a one-bedroom home.
Event on Saturday, September 20, 2025, will see visitors welcomed to the ecological regeneration project for art, workshops, exhibitions, performances and live music
Artist Zhiyan Cai will unveil her Cabinet Of Curiosity at Cody Dock’s Lighting Up The Lea event – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
Cody Dock is getting ready to host Lighting Up The Lea later this month.
The event, which will take place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, features workshops, exhibitions, performances, a plant sale, food stalls, live music and more as the ecological regeneration project throws wide its gates to the community.
The event is officially part of three festivals – Open House, Totally Thames and Newham Heritage Month – and will also see the unveiling of Cody Dock’s second Cabinet Of Curiosity.
Commissioned as part of the project’s National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, artist Zhiyan Cai has been asked to explore the pre-industrial history of the River Lea for the installation.
“I started off studying architecture and then worked in that industry for a year, but while it was an interesting thing to study, the work was boring,” she said.
“However, I did learn about structures, rendering animations.
“I started off making digital art for myself, but people liked what I created and so I thought it could be a pathway for me.
“I’m from China originally and I first came to the UK to study in Glasgow. I decided to move to London because of the opportunities to practise art here.”
Zhiyan, who has just completed a four-month residency at Arebyte Gallery in London City Island, responded to Cody Dock’s open call to create the next in its series of cabinets and won the commission.
Zhiyan’s prototype lightbox for her Cabinet Of Curiosity project – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a portal to the past at Cody Dock
“I really wanted to make something 3D but, of course, everything we have from that time is either documents or 2D paintings,” she said.
“What I’m doing is using structures within the cabinet that will look three dimensional when viewed from the front.
“It will be like a portal people can feel like they’d pass through – like a magical door from Dr Who. It’s a great idea to bring a history from the abstract into real life.
“I also work with projector mapping so there will be animation involved.
“The piece I’ve created will be in the middle of the cabinet and I’ve worked with children in workshops at Cody Dock to help them build lightboxes inspired by the area’s history.
“The idea is to combine all these different angles on the past – from me, from local kids – and, that way, to build connection.”
Angles is the right word. Zhiyan’s light boxes use optical illusion to create a sense of depth and movement as the viewer literally changes the perspective in her creations by moving their heads.
She hopes her work will encourage visitors to take a fresh look at their surroundings with the content she has created – all inspired by the research she has done alongside Cody Dock’s Julia Briscoe into the area’s past.
“We visited archives and found out about the design of Stratford Langthorne Abbey, which was located near here and founded in 1135,” said Zhiyan.
“I’ve used that information to create a kind of gallery as a framing device – it’s like a memory hall, so people can see this area at different periods in time.
“It’s about the wetlands with the plants waving in the wind, the Vikings and the abbey itself. I live in Canning Town myself and it’s really interesting to find out about the history of the land along the river.
“I was surprised to learn about the life of the abbey and the farming that happened around it as well as the fact local people simply took the bricks after it was demolished after the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII.
“They used the stone to make new buildings.
“Things were always changing here – some of those materials may still exist in buildings in this areas and I hope my work helps to illustrate these things.”
A lightbox by one of Zhiyan’s young workshop participants – image by Zhiyan Cai
Lighting Up The Lea
In addition to seeing the new Cabinet Of Curiosity, visitors to Lighting Up The Lea will also be able to enjoy Dock Tours, try beeswax candle rolling, purchase Cody Dock honey, and see the site’s singular rolling bridge turn over.
Also on the agenda will be the chance to meet artist-in-residence Remiiya Badru who is working at Cody Dock over the course of a year to explore the area’s relationship with the textile calico and pigment Prussian Blue.
She will be inviting visitors to share their stories, inspired by items in the collection at V&A East Storehouse with the aim of producing an artwork related to her research.
Those interested in participating should sign up in advance for one of three Common Threads workshops to be held on the day.
Certain Blacks’ Ensemble Festivalis set to return to Royal Docks for two days of “excitement, entertainment and a bit of education” over the last weekend in July.
“Right now it’s quite hectic,” said Clive Lyttle, artistic director at Royal Docks-based Certain Blacks, which curates the event.
“We’ve got two new directors on board and we’re training staff to work on the festival.
“We’ve got 10 young people who we recruit locally for the event – we try not to use volunteers because we know those living in the East End don’t necessarily have the ability to say they’ll do it for free and we want to give as many people as possible a bit of experience working in the arts.”
That focus on diversity is at the core of Ensemble Festival. Returning for a sixth time, the event is an outdoor celebration of circus, dance, physical theatre and street art – free at the point of delivery and as accessible possible.
Clive Lyttle, artistic director of Certain Blacks – image by Jon Massey
entertainment and education
“The festival represents everything we’re about at Certain Blacks,” said Clive.
“There’s education alongside the shows and hopefully visitors will find out some new things and they’ll be mesmerised and entertained while that happens.
“Everyone needs a bit of a smile with everything that’s going on at the moment, and we hope they’ll get out and enjoy the wider area as well.
“This year, we’re working in partnership with the Royal Docks Team, which will be launching its free Summer Splash lido on the Sunday.
“The festival itself is going to have a bigger footprint too including performances outside City Hall on the greens so we’re growing it. We’ve got some really fantastic shows and I’m very excited about it.”
Certain Blacks is part of a network called Without Walls, a national consortium of more than 35 organisations presenting arts outdoors to people in towns and cities across England.
It works to commission and develop new work each year that can then tour the country and is supported by the Arts Council, where Clive worked for many years with a special focus on Newham.
He’s also a local resident, living opposite Excel in the Flying Angel, a former seaman’s hospital for more than a century before its conversion to apartments.
Holy Dirt – image by The Clay Connection
how Ensemble Festival draws visitors to the docks
“While we’re a festival for locals, we also attract people from across London – that’s one of our big aims,” said Clive.
“We always try to book the best, diverse artists available.
“The biggest show will be Tell Me, a whole programme from Without Walls about the experience of being diagnosed with HIV and living with that.
“It features circus artists and really large red cubes – the acrobatics are spectacular.
“It’s presented by the Sadiq Ali Company and features breathtaking Chinese pole work.
“We also have Waiting Song from Mish Weaver, where two trapeze artists perform to live music.
“The two artists ask the audience what they are waiting for in the workplace and they chat to each other.”
The latter, billed as a “lyrical exploration of how anticipation shapes our emotions and actions” as the acrobats engage mid-air in “a melodic conversation about their hopes for the future” exemplifies the physical nature of many of the shows.
Other highlights include Hug by Levantes Dance Theatre, with an artist soaring about the docks on a sway pole, Holy Dirtby Vidya Productions and David Glass, which blends live percussion and Indian performance styles with modern physical theatre and NoMo by Tiago Fonseca – a clown show about addiction to screens featuring juggling and body language.
Palais De Dance – image by Big Feast / Malcolm Hart
a sense of fun
Ensemble Festival is often about radical movement then, but also a bit of a laugh.
“When the Mayor Of London moved in, they were a bit cautious about having shows right outside City Hall,” said Clive.
“But we’re working with the Royal Docks Team, which is based inside and this time we’ve got a great water installation that’s going to take place on the grass right next to the beach area.
“If the weather’s as hot as it has been recently, it’s going to be really amazing summer entertainment.”
Artizani and Tenderfoot Theatre’sHydropunk promises a chance for the public to get up close to the wet stuff as a “chaotic, yet playful water machine cranks into motion”.
The show is intended as a metaphor where everyone participating must work together to recycle the liquid and keep the fun flowing.
“We’ve also got quirkier acts, such as Palais De Dance,” said Clive.
“This show looks back to the Festival Of Britain, the 1950s and the whole dancehall culture, which we hope will speak to more of our older audiences.”
Presented by Olivier Award-winning live artist Miss High Leg Kick, aka Francesca Baglione, the spectacle promises a multi-sensory flashback with a twist to an era of celebrity appeal and the excitement of teenage nights out both then and now.
Other shows presented include The Hide, by Tilly Ingram, an installation and audio experience led by the artist that takes inspiration from birdwatching and reflects on hidden disabilities and Roots To Rise, a combination of poetry, movement and music that represents a call to ecological action from Nandita Shankardass.
Then, rounding things off, there’s Truth from Ramshacklicious and Hijinx, which will only be performed on the Sunday.
This “joyful street revolution” features a mixed cast of disabled and non-disabled performers and promises a riotous show that combines clowning with physical theatre and original music in an interactive, partly improvised happening with a message of hope.
Tell Me – image by Primo Video Productions
key details: Ensemble Festival 2025
Ensemble Festival is set to take place from noon-8pm on July 26 and 27, 2025 at Royal Victoria Dock.
All performances and activities are free to attend and no booking is required.
Precise times and locations will be available online prior to the festival and event stewards will be on site to guide visitors.
“I’m still so passionate about it, 20 years after we started,” said Natasha Hart. “NASSA is one big family – once you set foot in there, you don’t want to come out.
“We have volunteers who started with us when their children were small – they’ve grown up and left, but their parents are still helping out.
“The young people who have been through our hands stay in touch, even two decades later.”
This year will mark the 20th anniversary of the day Natasha took her two sons to Balaam Park in east London to teach them basketball, offering to make it a weekly treat.
They invited their friends, word got round and soon she was coaching groups of more than 30 kids.
The demand was there.
With £20 in the bank she registered Newham All Start Sports Academy (NASSA) as a charity and never looked back.
In 2008, her son, Anthony Okereafor, launched NASSA’s Carry A Basketball Not A Blade campaign in response to the fatal stabbings of two of his friends within weeks of each other.
Its work, tackling knife crime and gang culture, while breaking down barriers between youngsters and the Metropolitan Police, has seen more than 100,000 young people aged 10-18 attend its sessions.
In that time NASSA’s teams have also won league titles, its initiatives have been recognised with a multitude of awards and Natasha has received an MBE as its CEO.
But the demand for the charity’s blend of sports and education is unrelenting.
The pandemic and cost of living crisis have taken their toll and its work is sorely needed because it’s ultimately about more than a child learning the discipline of sport – it’s in the business of creating community.
NASSA is celebrating 20 years of work in Newham in 2025
addressing a need
“NASSA is always attracting young people,” said Natasha.
“Some want to meet new friends, some want to play sports, some want to be away from something and others want to progress and develop.
“We are always learning from them because it’s not only about the child.
“They’re a brother, a sister, a son or a daughter.
“Once the young person trusts us we find the whole family joins in.
“From a single session they get involved and the ball starts rolling – we’ll be asking how are they doing in school, what life is like – then after a few weeks you build that trust.”
Those relationships allow the charity to help address a wide range of issues facing those living locally.
It works to tackle domestic violence, addiction and unhealthy peer pressure and knife crime through a blend of mentoring, coaching, support and education.
“If we can find a solution to a problem then we will, or we can refer people on to specialists who can help,” said Natasha.
“We always want to be growing as a charity, to reach more people and embrace new ideas. For example, when we first started our workshops with the police, the relationship with young people was poor.
“Now each year we play a friendly game with serving officers and that builds trust – the young people can see they are human and that they play basketball, which is so important because they are the people you need to call when you’re in trouble.”
The charity addresses a wide range of issues through its programmes
NASSA: creating community
Over its first two decades NASSA has been successful in securing support from the likes of Excel, Tate And Lyle, UEL, Sport England, L&Q, London City Airport, the Mayor Of London, Newham Council, the Royal Docks Team and Basketball England.
“We’ve been very lucky with the supporters we have, the volunteers, the coaches and the sponsors who all enable us to deliver,” said Natasha.
“We have a rich history with what we’ve done in this community and a great track record in helping change and save the lives of people in this part of London.
“That we are able to do this is very satisfying for all those involved with the charity whether it’s our sponsors, our staff or me.”
To mark its 20th year, NASSA is planning a renewed focus on generating funds for its activities, with an ambition to roll out its mission to other parts of the capital.
A fundraising event is set to be held in June at Brick Lane Music Hall in Royal Docks as a celebration of the charity’s anniversary to help spread the word about the work its doing and offer businesses and individuals new ways to get involved in its activities.
“We want the event to help us reach new supporters and a new audience and for them to be able to come together with our existing sponsors,” said Natasha.
“It’s an opportunity for us to showcase what we have done over the past 20 years and what we are going to do in the future.
“We know we have expertise and I would love us to be able to roll that out to the surrounding boroughs.
“With knife crime the way it is in London, our work is needed more and more and I believe this is a model that could work across the city, helping to save more young people’s lives.”
Aspirational: NASSA uses the discipline of sport to effect change in young lives
key details: NASSA
NASSA, based in Royal Docks, is always looking for support from volunteers, businesses and organisations to help deliver its sport and education programmes.
Full details of NASSA’s fundraising event in June will be published in due course.
If you or your company think you could help in any way by providing resources or funding, you can contact the charity here
It will be open to the public on October 18-20 and 26-27 as part of Newham Black History Month.
Matilda Russell from Art In The Docks tells us more about the people and ideas behind it.
what can visitors expect?
The Social Art of Braided Hair is a photo essay positioning the cultural and social importance of braided hair.
All of the work being shown in the exhibition is contemporary to Newham Black History Month.
Rather than images of professional models with carefully manicured hair shot in soft focus, this show centres entirely on local east Londoners, shown as they really are.
the meaning behind it?
As well as portraying braided hair as an art form and the people who wear it as living artworks, the exhibition will show the powerful social impact of braided hair.
The time spent between a mother and child braiding hair is a deeply bonding moment.
The legacy hair design remains as a visual reminder of a time spent together.
what is Art In The Docks?
We are an artist-led social enterprise in east London, committed to making art and culture accessible to people who might otherwise feel excluded.
Regular events, activities and workshops are delivered to the local communities, as well as exhibitions, dance and theatre performances. These are free and open to everyone.
what is Nurture Academy?
It’s also a social enterprise based in east London working with individuals of all ages to promote and understand the significance of braided hair.
The organisation nurtures, mentors and teaches individuals lifelong skills while unlocking confidence.
As well as working with families and young children, Nurture Academy shines a pathway into new career directions for ex-offenders and the long term unemployed.
Art In The Docks has worked with Nurture Academy to create the exhibition
how have you worked together?
Nurture Academy promotes the understanding of braided hair, its cultural significance and the techniques used.
While braiding skills are often handed down from one generation to another and practised between siblings and friends, Nurture Academy teaches people how to optimise these techniques in workshop environments.
The exhibition will include images of these workshops, and the teaching methods used. Several of these workshops will accompany the exhibition on Saturday, October 19, 2024, and will be totally free to access.
what inspired the exhibition?
This project came about as the result of shared values between both Art In The Docks and Nurture Academy.
Both are committed to showing how the capacity for creativity fundamentally defines who we are as a civilisation.
The title of the exhibition reflects these values and highlights the importance of societal reference points.
why is it important?
Much has been said about braided hair and cultural appropriation. In the same way that tattoos are ‘not just for sailors’, exclusive title to the of art braided hair cannot today be claimed by any one section of society.
However, there is no doubt that it is deeply rooted in black African and black Caribbean culture and we have chosen this as the central theme to this exhibition.
This visual human story will be told in 22 frames, each the same size and dimension. It will centre on the people we see around us every day and invite us to stop and look, maybe to learn.
key details: The Social Art Of Braided Hair
The event runs October 18-20 and 26-27 at Art In The Docks in Royal Albert Dock, a short walk from Gallions Reach DLR station.
Black Pound Markets are set to take place on October 12 and 19
more to do during Black History Month
Newham Black History Month is here offering free talks, workshops, markets, and musical performances.
The programme runs from October 4 to November 4, 2024, with the theme Reclaiming Narratives, dedicated to addressing historical inaccuracies and seizing control of stories, allegories, and histories.
It has been organised by Newham Council as part of its 15-year Building Newham’s Creative Future Cultural Strategy, launched in March 2022.
Mayor Of Newham, Rokhsana Fiaz said: “Black History Month provides a crucial opportunity for us to recognise and celebrate the immense contributions of black African and Caribbean communities to our borough and beyond.
“This celebration is not only a reflection on the past, but also a source of empowerment for our present and future.”
Councillor Rohit Dasgupta, deputy cabinet member for equalities, social justice and culture said: “Through this celebration, we aim to challenge ignorance, prejudice, and racial hatred, and to build a more inclusive and harmonious society.”
Black Pound Markets
A celebration of Newham’s black businesses and entrepreneurs featuring music and entertainment for the whole family.
Saturday, October 12, 9am to 3pm at Woodgrange Market
Saturday, October 19, from noon to 4pm at Rathbone Market
My Story Is Of Healing
Two workshops produced by East London-based mixed-media artist Marilyn J Fontaine.
The first is Rewriting the Health Narrative Of Black Women on Tuesday October, 15. It will explore the link between emotional healing, black women’s activism and care provided for black women, referencing Dr Angela Davis and Dr Melba Wilson.
Participants will create an “emotional genogram” using coloured pens, fabric and self-portraits followed by reflections and discussions.
The second is Women’s Rest is Resilience on Thursday, October 17. It will be an exploration of language around black women (sacrifice, resilience, endurance) and community organisations in the 1980s and 1990s in Newham who delivered art workshops for the black community to support mental wellbeing.
Creative activities will be used to craft a new narrative to reflect the relationship between self-care, community empowerment and wellbeing. Participants are required to bring a picture of themselves.
October 15 and 17, 6-8.30pm, Applecart Arts, The Passmore Edwards Library, 207 Plashet Grove, E6 1BX
Improving Black Health
An event focused on enhancing the health and well-being of Londoners within the black community.
It will include discussions on various health topics affecting the Black population.
The aim is to hear and understand the health experiences of individuals from black communities in order to initiate a discussion on addressing long-standing health and wellbeing inequities, explore culturally appropriate public health strategies for combating chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes and discuss and develop strategies to improve health outcomes for patients from the black community at a local level.
Friday, October 18, 6-7.30pm, City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE
Art Workshop Inspired By Professor Sonia Boyce
Part of a series of events to reclaim narratives by exploring the political innovations, artistic achievements and cuisine of black residents and how they have contributed to life in Newham and further afield.
This event will focus on the trail-blazing career of Dame Sonia Boyce. The British Afro-Caribbean artist and educator is a Professor of Black Art and Design at University of the Arts London. She explores art as a social practice and has been closely collaborating with other artists since 1990.
In 2016, she became the first black female to be elected to the Royal Academy Of Arts in London.
Wednesday, October 23 (time TBC), Custom House Bookshop, 3 Freemasons Road, E16 3AR
Finale: From Beats to Legacy – 30 Years of Black British Influence
A showcase of grime music, film, poetry and a special guest Q&A. More details TBC.
Saturday, October 26, 6-9pm, Stratford Old Town Hall
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
In many ways, simply visiting Riverscape in Royal Docks is enough to understand its appeal.
Located on a strip of land between Royal Wharf and Lyle Park – running between the Thames and North Woolwich Road – Ballymore’s development is essentially a grand final phase in the story of its neighbour.
“It’s worth looking back to when Ballymore was master-planning Royal Wharf,” said James Boyce, the developer’s associate regional sales director.
“At the time, in 2013, there was nothing in this area – no amenities or services.
“That meant the original development had to be self sufficient.
“Now it is a destination that people in Royal Docks come to.
“The wider development is essentially a town in its own right.
“There’s a doctor’s surgery, a dentist, a pharmacy, a primary school, a nail salon, a beauty parlour and a hairdresser.
“Then there are two estate agencies, a selection of restaurants, a pub and a Sainsbury’s Local – one of the most well-used in London.
“We’re really fortunate to have established one of the most complete, new neighbourhoods of any large new-build project in the capital.”
Those moving into Riverscape, which recently launched a collection of homes in The Pearsall building, can take advantage of these benefits immediately.
This is in contrast to big regeneration schemes, where early arrivals sometimes have to wait years for amenities to arrive locally.
Ballymore associate regional sales director James Boyce
Riverscape: the right design
“We had real confidence to build Riverscape, with Royal Wharf selling off-plan in five years,” said James.
“We knew the demand was there.
“It was being designed and delivered during the pandemic, however, and there was a lot of uncertainty.
“We postponed the launch of the development, went back to the drawing board and looked at all of the best things from our projects.
“We also looked at how the way people were using their homes had changed.
“Residents were demanding a lot more from the spaces they were living in.
“So we created day rooms – internal spaces that are segregated from the rest of the apartment by acoustic screens.
“They can be used as dining rooms, offices or even as a kid’s playroom.
“We also created workspaces in most of the apartments we have available, so buyers have flexibility.
“Where we could, we maximised the living spaces too.
“Initially we were a bit concerned about the number of three-bedroom homes that we were building, but they’ve turned out to be our most popular properties.
“A few years after Covid – and with businesses requiring people to come into the office more often – there’s been a move into London.
“A development like Riverscape affords people the quality of life that they might have become accustomed to in a less urban area – it’s not high density and there’s a lot of green space.”
Ballymore’s Riverscape development is right beside Lyle Park
fully opened up
This is a key point regarding the development’s appeal.
It’s right next to Lyle Park, with Thames Barrier Park a short walk away on the other side of Royal Wharf to the east.
“Then there’s the kilometre of land that borders the Thames stretching between the two,” said James.
“We built the Royal Wharf pier in 2019 – the longest in the river – and the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers service will get you to North Greenwich in two minutes and to Canary Wharf in 19 minutes.
“Often with riverside developments, it can feel like there’s a barrier of housing on the water.
“But Ballymore’s master plan has taken a different approach.
“Royal Wharf and Riverscape are arranged around a town square with the estate offices located there.
“That really encourages people out of their homes to access those core amenities and that’s part of the success of the scheme and the community we’ve created.”
Apartments at Riverscape include day rooms separated from the rest of the property by glass walls
a wealth of facilities for Riverscape
Richard added: “The Clubhouse was built for Royal Wharf, but it was built in terms of capacity with Riverscape in mind.
“We’ve also recently refurbished it and extended it by 20% to ensure the facilities satisfy the residents.
“There’s a swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna and spa, a big cardio and weights area and two dedicated studio spaces.
“It’s the biggest residents facility of its kind in east London and it’s been incredibly popular.
“There’s also the Community Dock, which is managed by the residents and is essentially a town hall.
“It has a pretty jam-packed timetable of activities ranging from ballet lessons for kids to language sessions and a table tennis club that’s based there.
“Specifically for Riverscape, we decided to replace a three-bedroom property on the top floor of one of our riverside buildings with a lounge for residents.
“It’s a co-working space but it also has a private dining space so people can host dinner parties up there too with views over the river.”
Riverscape properties feature large format glazing to maximise natural light
a broad appeal
One, two and three-bedroom homes are available in the latest launch, featuring interiors designed by Jaki Amos of Amos & Amos.
These promise brushed brass, fluted glass kitchen cabinets and natural wood finishes inspired by Lyle Park, which celebrates its 100th birthday this year.
But while Riverscape and Royal Wharf have their specific attractions, their appeal is part of something bigger.
James said: “Since the opening of the Elizabeth Line, we’ve seen that it’s unlocked this area for people who would never have considered moving to the Royal Docks before.
“Young professionals are relocating from more central locations because the cost of living crisis is making it harder for them to stay in those areas.
“What we’ve found is that when they come here, they find they get value for money and that their lifestyle is actually improving.
“They have more space, nearby amenities and the transport is superb.
“We’ve been delighted to see that trend, because it’s something that’s really needed in the capital.
“I think the movement of London to the east started with the 2012 Olympic Games.
“Royal Docks has so much potential.
“For the future, we’re very fortunate to have the site on the other side of Lyle Park too.
“We’ve opened up the riverside with these developments and eventually further regeneration will bring even more benefits.”
Riverscape buyer Sophie Gong in her east London apartment
case study: Sophie Gong
As a fan of Royal Docks, Sophie Gong has been living in the area for more than six years and decided to buy a home at Riverscape having previously had apartments at Royal Wharf.
Here’s her perspective:
“I first moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Royal Wharf at end of 2018, hence I know the area and neighbourhood quite well,” said Sophie Gong.
“In 2020, I felt the need to move to a two-bedroom property, as my dad had started staying with me from time to time.
“Following the end of the pandemic, I started to actively look for properties and the launch of Riverscape in 2021 came at the perfect time.
“I had been living in Royal Wharf for about three years and found the area had developed a lot since I moved in.
“It became very convenient to live in, with an NHS clinic, a pharmacy, a hairdresser, a couple of grocery stores and a number of restaurants within the development.
“Additionally, Lyle Park and Thames Barrier Park are within a short walking distance for green space.
“The transport around Riverscape is ideal for me to travel into central London, with the Elizabeth Line and DLR the two main options.
“Even more conveniently, the new 241 bus route goes through the development, linking us to Custom House station and Stratford.
“Additionally, the Uber Boat By Thames Clipper stops at Royal Wharf Pier, which makes travelling to central London, as well as The O2 and Greenwich, both easy and exciting.”
key details: Riverscape
Homes in The Pearsall building at Riverscape have recently gone on sale, with prices starting at £471,500.
One, two and three-bedroom homes are all available.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
In charge since the very first show, artistic director Bradley Hemmings and his team have put together a series of blockbusters and smaller happenings aimed at delighting residents, local workers and visitors.
We sat down with him to go over a few of the highlights to help you plan your diary.
“We’ve long been associated with very surprising and unusual events that pop-up and happen in locations across Greenwich and east London,” he said.
“This year we’re opening with a phenomenal performance by a French company – Les Commandos Percu.
“The show is called Silence and will take place at 8.30pm on August 23 at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich.
“This awesome parade ground space will be filled with a fusion of pyrotechnics and percussion.
“With people going though difficult times, having something joyous and uplifting like that will be just the tonic.
“They’re a company we’ve worked with before – way back in 2016 – so we’re very much looking forward to welcoming them back.”
GDIF will feature World Kiosk in Green Street
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival – the small things
“We work across all sorts of different scales, it’s not all about large spectacles,” said Bradley
“For many people who come to the festival, it’s about having transformational experiences that disrupt the rhythm of the everyday.
“This year’s theme is All Change – we’re inspired by Gandhi’s message to be the change you want to see.
“We’re going through seismic times and something that brings people together to reflect, think and have a great time is really important.
“One of the highlights for me will be smaller in scale, but very intimate and considered.
“It invites people to take a breath – a moment outside the busyness of life – and provides a window into other people’s lives.
“Visitors are welcomed to the kiosk, which then serves them tea in a very ritualistic and beautiful way.
“Then they listen in to voices from people in other parts of the country who have been through this same process, sharing stories.
“It’s a sublime and beautiful experience, a wonderful reprieve from daily life.”
Thaw takes place on top of a 2.5 tonne block of ice suspended from a crane
melting away
“At the other end of the scale, at Royal Albert Dock, we have an extraordinary spectacle from an Australian company called Legs On The Wall called Thaw,” said Bradley
“This production takes place on a 2.5 tonne block of ice suspended above the dock on a crane.
“Each day it runs for eight hours with a performer on top trying to navigate the changing shape of the block as it starts to melt.
“There’s a sense of jeopardy but also a wonderful soundscape that provides a chance to reflect and think very hard about what’s happening to the planet and the climate emergency.
“I think this will be one of the abiding images of this year’s festival – it runs on August 24 and 25, from 1pm-9pm at the University Of East London’s Royal Docks campus.”
Dancing City is set to take place in Stratford this year
miraculous movement
On September 7, from 1pm-6pm, a number of areas in Stratford will be awash with many forms of movement.
“We set it up at Canary Wharf in 2003 and people have come to really love that event.
“This year it will take place at East Bank, the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and in Stratford town centre.
“There’s a phenomenal range of dance companies taking part.
“We’re working very closely with Sadler’s Wells East and East London Dance as well as other partners including Stratford Cross, UCL and the London College Of Fashion.
“What will be wonderful about it is that it will be taking place in the midst of the Paralympic Games in Paris.
“I co-directed the London 2012 Paralympic opening ceremony, so there’s a personal history there and we’ll be presenting work led by deaf disabled artists.
“It feels wonderful to be continuing that Olympic legacy 12 years later.
“One of the pieces is called Synergy and has been choreographed by Mark Smith, who worked on the Paralympics with me.”
Parkworks is set to bring a day of family fun to Stratford
this year and the future
“One of the things that we will be doing next year is marking our 30th anniversary,” said Bradley.
“It’s enormously satisfying to see that GDIF is still there thanks to our partners.
“It seems to me that this will be a moment where we should be taking stock and thinking about what the next three decades will look like.
“It typifies what we aim to do – to create something miraculous and wonderful that reveals the story of this emerging part of London.
“Dante Or Die have created a piece around a clock tower, which originally sat in Deptford before the GLC transported it by barge down the Thames and rebuilt it as the centrepiece of Thamesead town centre.
“An 18th century structure improbably located in the middle of the 1980s development.
“Then my final highlight is festival of family fun – Parkworks, which takes place on August 25 and 26 from 1pm-6pm in Stratford Park.
“There will be a giant interactive climbing frame built from bamboo and parents with prams choreographed with headsets.”
key details: Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
The Greenwich + Docklands International Festival runs from August 23 to September 8, 2024.
All events are free to attend. These highlights are the tip of the iceberg.
- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com
