The South Londoner - April 2026

SOUTH LONDonER

South London saunas and ice baths

Freight roars into Brixton nightlife

stand up and be counted

KATE CHEKA JOINS A HOST OF COMEDIANS FOR DULWICH FESTIVAL

Forty years of Peckham Theatre

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Editor Kevin Quinn

About us Contents

Editorial Manager Katherine Johnston

Writers Evie Flynn, Michael Holland, Maya Sgaravato-Grant, Niall Holden

We’ve been producing independent, balanced and community-focused journalism in south London since 1987. We are proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

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5 HOME SECRETARYOval Farmers' Market, Black Balloon Archive Exhibition in Brixton, Open Studios at Pullens Yard, and a new musical at Southwark Playhouse

7-13 WHAT'S ON -

Herne Hill art fair, Camberwell Green food festival, comedy at The Glitch in Waterloo, Kia Oval prepares for a summer of cricket and what's on for families

14-17 COMMUNITYNunhead sisters running Network Salon, and our guide to South London saunas and ice baths

20 WHAT'S ONSouthbank Centre turns 75, and the Camberwell church hosting organ karaoke

23-25 DULWICH FESTIVAL

26-32 FOOD & DRINKNido in East Dulwich, Slice Circle in Nunhead, Hausu cocktail bar in Peckham, the East Dulwich Supper Club and Freight in Brixton

35 THEATREForty years of Peckham Theatre

37-38 HISTORYInside the trailblazing Peckham Experiment

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homE sEcrETary:

What’s on in south London?

By Evie Flynn

OVAL FARMER’S MARKET, KENNINGTON:

Just a stone's throw from Oval Tube Station lies a quaint farmers' market in St Mark’s Churchyard. Known amongst locals for its fresh, local produce, it’s become a firm favourite on a Saturday. Peruse a selection of bread, baked goods, homeware, cheese and hot food stalls.

Every Saturday, 10 – 3pm St Mark's Churchyard, Kennington, SE11 4PW

BLACK BALLOON ARCHIVE EXHIBITION, BRIXTON:

Liz Johnson Artur is bringing Black Balloon Archive exhibition to Brixton from the end of March. Her collection of analogue photography will be on display and will feature a live events calendar, alongside an in-house photography studio dedicated to capturing new portraits and stories that will be integrated into the archive’s future.

Running until end of December 2026

53 Station Road Brixton London SW9 8PB

OPEN STUDIOS, PULLENS YARD:

The historic Pullens Yards – a collection of three charming Victorian cobbled courtyards – will be opening its doors across three days this June. The weekend features music, food and community, inviting locals to learn about the makers. From shoemakers and jewellery designers to bespoke flooring specialists and flower pressers, the range of craftsmanship on display will offer a glimpse into the skill and creativity inside the unique space.

5 – 7 June

Pullen’s Yard, SE17 3LH

POETRY NIGHTS AT LALA BOOKS:

Two well-loved poets from Glasgow – Michael Mullen and Peter Scalpello – will be hosting a poetry and open mic night at Camberwell’s independent bookshop: LaLa Books. Michael, a spoken-word artist and The List’s Best Rising Scottish Author, is joined by Peter, whose acclaimed debut Limbic was highly commended for the Forward Prize. His second collection, Mirrorstage, is out this month with Cipher Press. Expect an intimate night of readings, performance, and open mic.

23 April, 7pm – 9pm

Tickets £12

Lala Books, 4a Grove Lane, SE5 8SY

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FLYBY: A NEW MUSICAL, SOUTHWARK PLAYHOUSE:

Running for a limited six-week season, FlyBy at Southwark Playhouse is a new musical telling the story of Daniel, an unpredictable engineer, and Emily, a fiercely intelligent documentary film maker with a complicated past. Starring Poppy Gilbert and Stuart Thompson, the production explores themes of desire, talent and ambition through an intimate and exhilarating love story.

Running until 16 May

Ticket from £16

Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, SE1 6BD

Herne Hill Art Fair

By Maya Svaraganto-Grant

Anew independent art fair is coming to South London, offering a diverse array of contemporary work for collectors to explore this spring.

The Herne Hill Art Fair will take place over the second and third weekend of May at Station Hall, located above Herne Hill Rail Station, and will feature pieces from more than 20 artists each weekend - some of whom will be exhibiting their work for the first time.

The team behind the fair, which was curated by South London-based New Zealand artist Luana Asiata, are sponsoring two artists this year: Denmark Hill artist Zerbebal Caumba, who was selected by Station Hall manager Hayley Byfield, and creative Nadia Z Andres from the Creative Mentor Network, who was chosen by Luana herself.

Both of these young artists specialise in oil painting, often depicting human subjects.

Zerbebal Caumba stated that she was ‘grateful’

for the opportunity to exhibit her work at the fair.

She said: “As an Angolan-British artist, my work explores identity, emotional complexity, and the inner worlds we carry.

“Through figurative painting, I’m interested in presence, tension, and the quiet strength held within the body.”

The fair will participate in the Dulwich Artists’ Open House project, which runs

Scontemporaneously to the fair and sees artists across eight South East London postcodes open up their homes, studios, and local spaces to visitors.

This project is part of the broader Dulwich Festival, which will take place from 8-17 May and feature a number of events and performances, ranging from the musical to the literary.

Artworks on display are available for purchase,

Eat around the world

By Evie Flynn

festival returns to Camberwell Green.

Now in its third year, Eat Around the World celebrates the rich diversity of flavours found across Camberwell and wider South London. Last year, the festival drew an impressive crowd of over 7000 local residents and families and this year promises to be even bigger.

Described as a “true foodie destination,”

and private viewings will be held from 6-9pm on Friday May 8, and Friday May 15, with attendees having the chance to savour a glass of wine while enjoying the vibrant display.

Station Hall, above Herne Hill Station, Herne Hill, SE24 0JW Open 8 & 15 May from 6–9pm, and 9–10 & 16–17 May from 11am – 6pm; free entry

the festival will showcase cuisines from across Asia, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. With more than eighty food stalls to explore, visitors can expect a vibrant mix of tastes, aromas, and culinary traditions.

This year will also shine a spotlight on hyper-local produce, from honey and jam to cakes, mushrooms, and locally brewed mead. Camberwell Green’s farmers’ market will be on hand, offering farm-fresh produce, artisan and deli items, as well as plants and herbs.

A selection of bars will be available to quench your thirst, serving local craft ales, cider, bubble tea, wine tastings, and classic Pimm’s. Visitors can also pick up a free Camberwell Food Map, guiding them through the SE5 food scene and helping them make the most of the festival.

For those keen to explore further, Camberwell Food Walks will run throughout the day, taking guests to some of the area’s most exciting food destinations. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample dishes and meet the people behind the recipes.

The recently launched Camberwell Life App will be showcasing what’s on offer at the festival and will provide culinary tours around

each continent.

Annette Cauneen from Urban Farmers’ Market, who played a key role in developing the festival, said:

“This festival turns Camberwell Green into a global kitchen. Every stall opens a door to another culture, reflecting the extraordinary food landscape of Camberwell itself.”

Thanks to funding from Southwark Council, there will be a free community lunch on offer made by Spring Community Hub food charity as well as a free bouncy castle and range of games for children.

Kids can enjoy a bouncy castle, zorb balls, a penalty shoot-out competition run by Amuru children’s charity, as well as face painting and arts and crafts stalls.

The local Metropolitan Police team will also be present, offering bike security marking, while a range of local charities and community groups will showcase the best of Camberwell’s vibrant community.

There’s no need to book, simply turn up on the day and enjoy a celebration of food, culture, and community in the heart of SE5.

Saturday 16 May, 11am-7pm Camberwell Green, SE5 7AA

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Tall Tales and Cocktails ―

A new series of comedy rooted in real-life storytelling has arrived at The Glitch Theatre in Waterloo.

By Evie Flynn

The Comedy Night, Tall Tales and Cocktails, has just celebrated its fourth birthday and marked the occasion with a move to Waterloo. A “tall tale” refers to exaggerated or unbelievable stories – and that’s exactly what audiences can expect at each show.

The concept was founded by comedian Steve Mayne, who wanted to take a different approach to stand-up, and the evening features little to no audience participation.

“No one will be asked what their name is or what they do for a living,” he said. “It’s all about the stories being told.” We went along to the opening night, and what a laugh it was.

From unbelievable comedy stories to moments that made the whole room cringe, each act brought something completely different. Performances from Tom Dell, James Townsend, Steve Vertigo and Julia Holden had the audience constantly changing between bursts of laughter and second-hand embarrassment, all seamlessly held together by host Steve.

Steve, who grew up in East London, says the idea was inspired by his childhood memories of sitting in pub back rooms, listening to the “crazy stories” adults would share.

Drawing on his experience as a comic, he turned that inspiration into a long-running comedy night. Each event features four different acts, including some wellknown names from the industry, and has consistently received five-star reviews.

The names of the acts are not traditionally shared until just before the event. “We have had some huge comics like Mark Thomas and Red Richardson,” Steve said. “We don’t share the line-up as we want people to come for the storytelling experience, rather than just the names.”

“I miss when people would go to the bar to talk to people,” Steve explained. “This night is all about bringing the community together through storytellingcelebrating people's similarities rather than highlighting their differences.”

After a successful residency at The Rosemary Branch Theatre in Islington, the well-loved event is heading south to Lower Marsh’s Glitch Theatre for a threemonth run.

Tickets cost £10.50 or £8 concessions, available from www.theglitch.london/events

The Glitch Theatre, 134 Lower Marsh, SE1 7AE

The biggest party in cricket ―

The Kia Oval in Kennington is hosting a sun-soaked line-up of women and men's double-headers

By Evie Flynn

The Kia Oval, home to both the Surrey County Cricket Club’s men’s and women’s teams, has earned its reputation as “The Home of T20 Cricket,” welcoming more than 100,000 fans across June and July each year.

Twenty20 (T20) cricket is one of the sport’s most popular and accessible formats, offering a fast-paced spectacle with just 20 overs per side – compared to the longer 50-over format of traditional one-day matches.

At the heart of the action is the Vitality Blast tournament, a county tournament played over nine weeks each summer, featuring some of cricket’s top talent.

Match days at the Oval combine top-class cricket with a lively, family-friendly atmosphere, including food stalls, mascots, and interval entertainment.

Tickets remain affordable, with standalone women’s matches priced at £10 for adults and just £1 for under16s. Double-header tickets, which cover both matches, start from £30 for adults, with under-16s also just £1.

Last year marked a historic moment for Surrey, who are also known at the Three Feathers, as the club launched its first fully professional women’s team. They made an immediate impact, securing a five-wicket victory over Birmingham Bears. Southwark-born Kira Chathli, who grew up watching her heroes at the Oval, sealed the win, striking the winning runs with 20 balls to spare.

The grand finale in July 2025 brought in a record attendance for a women’s county T20, but this year the women’s competition is set to expand even further. Mirroring the men’s format, the finals day will now

feature three knockout matches, replacing the previous structure of only an eliminator and a final.

The T20 season this year gets underway on 22 May with a ‘blast off’ double header, where both the men and women’s teams will be up against Lancashire Thunder & Lightning.

Following a series of away games taking the women as far as Yorkshire, and the men just across the river to Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Three Feathers women’s team will return home to the Oval in their only standalone fixture on Wednesday 27 May where they will go up against Durham.

A mega week of entertainment is set for the second double header of the summer on 31 May as the women take on Somerset and the men will play their London rivals, Kent Spitfires.

Towards the end of June, the ICC Women’s World Cup will be hosting three games at the Kia Oval and both T20 Surrey sides will be spending some time on the road.

In July, two more double headers are lined up with the women going against Warwickshire Bears in the afternoon, followed by the men taking on Sussex Sharks in the evening.

The twelfth and final group game on Sunday 12 July for the Three Feathers will see the women’s team welcome Hampshire Hawks before the men battle with Essex Eagles.

Fixtures at the Oval, available to book online at www.kiaoval.com.

What's On Family

By Evie Flynn

CRYSTAL PALACE

DINOSAUR PLAYGROUND:

A brand-new playground has just opened in Crystal Palace Park, inspired by the park's life-sized dinosaur sculptures. The new site has dinosaur-inspired details round every corner, from skeleton shaped structures to a sandpit shaped like a dinosaur footprint. There’s slides, roundabouts, basket swings, and picnic benches.

Grand Centre Walk, London SE19 2BB

ANCIENT EGYPT EXHIBITION, BATTERSEA:

NEON at Battersea Power Station is hosting an exhibition of Egyptian treasures – many of which have never been seen outside of Egypt. Showcasing 200 items from the reign of Ramses II, the display aims to narrate the story of his 66 year reign. With many considering Ramses II “Egypt’s greatest pharaoh", the exhibition features his wooden coffin as the centrepiece.

Running until 31 May

Tickets from £24.55

Cringle St, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BX

BABIES AND TODDLERS MUSIC SESSIONS, BROCKWELL HALL:

Parents and babies and toddlers under 5 are invited to the newly renovated Brockwell Hall every week for an interactive music session. Led by Tony B Happy Drums – a performer, storyteller and teacher – participants will be guided through an hour of singing, dancing and drum-playing.

Every Thursday 10am Free, no ticket required Brockwell Hall, Brockwell Park, Norwood Road, London, SE24 9BJ

OKINAWA DAY AT THE BLUE MARKET, BERMONDSEY:

The Blue Market in Bermondsey are hosting their annual London Okinawa Day this summer, celebrating unique music, food and culture of Japan Okinawa is Japan’s southernmost prefecture, encompassing the Okinawa Islands, the Sakishima Islands, and the Daitō Islands. The day features a range of dance and musical performances, with the sounds of the Sanshin musical instrument, the rhythms of Okinawan Eisa Dance.

20 June, 12pm – 5pm

The Blue Market, Market Place, London, SE16 3UQ

Join the Vauxhall City Farm Fair to welcome the sunny days ahead. The day promises to be packed with delightful activities for all ages. These include sheep shearing, wool spinning, live music, kid’s film club, and a tombola with some farm-theme prizes. Plus, there will be arts and crafts and a springtime educational workshop. Don’t miss the chance to meet the animals in the VIP cuddle corner.

Saturday 16 May

Free, book online at vauxhallcityfarm.org Vauxhall City Farm, 165 Tyers Street, SE11 5HS

Network

Hair

By Evie Flynn

Sisters Cristina and Cinzia Maniscalchi have run Network Salon in the heart of Nunhead for a quarter of a century - from hosting lockdown exhibitions for charity to releasing their own line of hair products.

Born to Sicilian parents and raised in nearby Peckham Rye, the pair opened their hair salon when they were just 20 and 25.

“We didn’t always get on,” Cristina admits. “But as a family, we took over the salon – and somehow, it brought us together.”

“We’re like best friends now. Working together every day helped us understand each other in ways we never did before. In a way, the salon saved us.”

Now aged 45 and 50, Cristina and Cinzia have built more of a community than a business, where clients are encouraged to open up and connect. “We don’t just talk about the weather here,” Cristina says. “People can text us whenever they want. It’s about building real relationships.”

Their vision of a community space as well as a hair salon became vital during lockdown, when clients could no longer come in and talk openly. In response, the sisters launched a heartfelt project inviting clients anonymously to submit memories, poems, and letters.

“When restrictions lifted, we turned those submissions into an exhibition,” they explain. “People shared things they had never told anyone before.” The event raised vital funds for Refuge and sparked what they describe as “beautiful, emotional moments.”

They have since hosted dementia awareness evenings, art exhibitions for self-taught creatives, and even launched a “pay it forward” scheme – where clients who can afford it contribute toward treatments for those who can’t.

“It’s about bridging the gap,” they say. “There’s wealth and poverty side by side, but here, people come together.”

The sisters have also used their platform to tackle difficult conversations around mental health. “Hairdressers are in a unique position,” they explain. “People open up to us. Everyone has a story, but often there’s shame attached. We want to break that down.”

Their work is also deeply personal. Both sisters have faced health challenges – alopecia and eczema – which inspired them to develop a line of natural, refillable haircare products in collaboration with a local lab.

“There was a gap in the haircare market for something honest,” they say. “The response has been incredible and we sell out every week.”

Despite Nunhead’s rapid changes over the years, Cristina and Cinzia remain grounded in its sense of community.

“It used to be a tough area, with a lot of poverty and crime. Now it’s more gentrified, but the love is still here.

It’s small, and people look out for each other.”

The pair have also made an sustained effort to raise awareness for causes close to their hearts. From Refuge, who support women and children experiencing domestic violence, to encouraging people to become a 'Dementia Friend'.

In April, they launched their own food salon bank, encouraging customers to 'bring a tin', which will be passed along to people who need it most.

After lockdown, Network's clients came together to support an elderly customer in a mission coined 'Keep Dorothy Glam'. Dorothy, who was 100 years old, enjoyed getting her hair blow dried every week. However, she could no longer walk to the salon.

In response, 30 Network customers pooled together and to take turns dropping Dorothy to the salon.

According to Cristina, Dorothy said that she had met

more people in that year compared to the last 10 years. Looking ahead, Cristina and Cinzia have no plans to slow down. Ideas for the future include a low-cost film club, expanded community services, and dedicated salon hours for neurodiverse clients and those with social anxiety.

“Salons aren’t always comfortable for everyone,” they say. “We want to change that.”

Recently, they have opened an outdoor styling area, so clients who prefer a quieter session have the option to escape the busy main room.

Their impact has not gone unnoticed. The salon has received top ratings on Treatwell for three consecutive years and continues to earn glowing five-star reviews. They’ve even been nominated as one of London’s standout small businesses.

But for the sisters, success is measured differently. “It’s

They say their success is down to their clients - their 'extended family'

about connection,” they say. “About making people feel seen, heard, and supported.”

After 25 years, Cristina and Cinzia say their success is down to their clients, whom they describe as their 'extended family'.

Cristina said: "When we first took over the business, we talked for many years about changing the salon’s name, as it didn’t sound very much like a hairdresser’s.

"But 25 years on, we feel it is perfect – because its meaning is connection, and that is exactly what this place has always been about."

• A wash and haircut costs £65, with a blowdry an extra £7 on top.

• Full head colours start from £80 and highlight services starts from £140.

Network

Salon,

122 Evelina Road

Your guide to: South London's saunas and ice baths

By Evie Flynn

South London is becoming a hotspot for a new kind of social ritual: the sauna and ice-bath circuit. Inspired by the Finnish tradition of contrast therapy, these spaces blend community with wellness and offer a unique way to catch up with friends.

From wood-fired escapes for under a tenner to a more polished Nordic-inspired experience with ice baths and yoga on offer, South London’s sauna scene is as diverse as it is accessible.

URBAN HEAT CAMBERWELL, SE5:

Founded by Aarthi, Urban Heat Sauna Camberwell places community at the heart of its offering. Set in the heart of SE5, the sauna and cold plunges are tucked inside a converted railway arch. The space has high ceilings, natural light and an outdoor area. For Aarthi, Camberwell was the natural choice: “a vibrant neighbourhood where

people actually know each other, support local businesses and show up for things.”

Following spinal surgery, Aarthi came to rely on the sauna as a recovery tool, as well as a form of stress relief from her corporate job. Fast forward to August 2025, she left the tech startup world behind to create her own space.

The sauna fits up to 15 people and the sanctuary also has an indoor lounge area to relax before and after the session. They have hosted numerous events, including creative writing nights and regular run-and-sauna sessions with Grove Lane Run Club. Looking to the future, Aarthi has big plans to introduce more seasonal events, including sauna and sound evenings and artist takeovers. For local fitness lovers, they also want to collaborate with run clubs and boxing clubs, alongside a series of recovery focused sessions around marathon and Hyrox events.

“I wanted to create somewhere that felt more

like your living room – where you go with your mates to hang out in a healthy way,” she explains. “Making the sauna accessible and inclusive for people in the city who are desperate for some time away from the constant pings and demands on their attention.”

Drop-in pricing is £16 per session or opt for a group of five sessions for £75. Monthly memberships start at £29 per month, which gets you two sessions per week. Or, take advantage of their spring offer, where you can book three sauna and plunge sessions for just £39.

Arch 347, Camberwell Station Road, London, United Kingdom SE5 9JN

INNERVISIONS ALCHEMY, SE16:

Innervisions Alchemy is a hidden sauna sanctuary in South Bermondsey offering wellness sessions for under £10. Set in a former industrial yard, the

space features three wood-fired saunas and two cold plunges as part of a Scandinavian-inspired retreat.

Sessions start from £8 off-peak, with additional offerings including yoga and massage.

Unit 1, Ilderton Wharf, Rollins Street, London, SE15 1EP

CAMBERWELL COMMUNITY SAUNA, SE5:

Opening its doors in spring 2025, Camberwell Community Sauna is nestled in Ruskin Park, a short walk from Denmark Hill station.

The site features three saunas (including one accessible) and two cold plunges (5 degrees and 10 degrees).

Prices start from £9.50 an hour for an off-peak session or £11 peak.

Ruskin Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8EL

PECKHAM COMMUNITY SAUNA, SE15:

Described as a ‘garden sauna’, Peckham Community Sauna is in the serene Glengall Wharf Gardens in Burgess Park.

The site features two saunas and three cold plunge pools. There is no on-site power, so prices are just £7 an hour to reflect the simplified approach.

A proportion of proceeds are used to support the community garden that hosts the sauna.

64 Glengall Rd, London SE15 6NF

WELLNEST, SE1:

Located beneath the London Bridge arches, WellNest is a luxury wellness space combining saunas, cold plunges and exercise classes.

Their Nordic-style saunas can accommodate 18 or 30 people, while two-person ice baths make switching between temperatures easy. Flexible one-off spa sessions start from £28 or £119 monthly for unlimited sessions.

7-9 Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW

FINNISH CHURCH SAUNA, SE16:

Rotherhithe’s authentic Finnish sauna is nestled in the grounds of the Finnish Church, with both public and private saunas available.

The public sauna costs £12 for an hour session or the private sauna is available for £25 per person during the week or £28 on weekends.

33 Albion St, Rotherhithe, SE16 7HZ

OLD KENT ROAD SAUNA, SE15:

Half way down the Old Kent Road lies a 20 person Finnish style sauna. Complete with an outdoor area, hot and cold showers and three cold plunges, the space is available for single sessions or private hire. Sauna sessions are 1 hour (Tuesday – Sunday) and cost £11.

AMP Studios 897a Old Kent Road, SE15 1NL

SAUNA SOCIAL CLUB, SE15:

Sparked by the question “what if, instead of a pub, you met friends in a sauna?”

The Sauna Social Club in Peckham aims to reconnect friends with an alternative to drinking culture. They regularly feature DJs and musicians and their main sauna has a hi-fi listening system. A second smaller sauna is designed for chatting and meeting people. Access to the sauna and ice baths is £14.99 or £9.99 for those on a low-income.

Railway Arch, 842 Brayards Rd, SE15 2AG

BRIXTON ROOFTOP SAUNA, SW9:

Offering spectacular views of South London, the space offers private sauna rooms, cold plunge pools and waterfall buckets.

The space also features the Birds Nest Diner offering dishes made using local ingredients for a post-sauna meal. For two people, it costs £15 per person for 30 mins during off peak times, or £22.50 per person at peak times.

International House, 6 Canterbury Crescent, London, SW9 7QD

THE CABIN, SW4:

Set on the edge of Clapham Common, The Cabin is a wood-fired mobile sauna and cold plunge space designed to bring the local community together when the sun isn’t shining.

Sessions cost £19, or £16 when booking a block of five.

Clapham Common, London, SW4 0JA

Best Start Family Hubs: Supporting Families from the Very Beginning

The aim of the Best Start Family Hubs network is to make it simpler for parents and carers to access what they need in one place, at the time they need it.

For more than 20 years 1st Place Children and Parent’s Centre has been part of the local community, supporting families and helping children thrive, we are now also a Best Start Family Hub – the first in Southwark! Family Hubs bring local services and children centres together, supporting families from pregnancy through the early years and beyond.

Pop in and see what’s available. You can access practical help, advice, and find a welcoming space to spend time with your children. We have lots of fun play sessions designed to support children’s learning and development, and free courses are available covering topics like family life, parenting, wellbeing, and early learning.

Families can also be connected with other services including health support, wellbeing, benefits advice and getting back to work.

We also have two nurseries offering

high-quality early education in a safe, nurturing environment where children can learn, play, and grow. Eligible families can access 15 or 30 hours of free childcare, helping to make early education more affordable.

We hope to see you soon! 1stplace.uk.com

Would you like to buy more fruit and vegetables?

As part of the support available, families can access the Rose Vouchers for Fruit and Veg Project. Rose Vouchers can be collected weekly and used at participating local markets and greengrocers to buy fresh fruit and vegetables, helping families eat healthier for less.

Diamond anniversary

The iconic Southbank Centre is turning 75 this year, marking the milestone with a vibrant line-up of anniversary celebrations

By Evie Flynn

The Southbank Centre’s story began in 1951 with the Festival of Britain and the Royal Festival Hall at its heart. Built to provide hope to the nation after the turbulent Second World War, eight million people visited London during May to September 1951 as the country embraced modern art and architecture.

The Royal Festival Hall is the last surviving structure from the original festival site and was the reason why the Southbank Centre itself was built. Completed on 3 May 1951, the hall was finished just in time for the Festival’s opening, with further additions made during the 1960s as the site developed into a major cultural hub.

75 years later, the centre is channelling the same spirit of celebration in 2026, with a series of takeovers and exhibitions to mark the diamond anniversary.

The centrepiece of the festivities is You Are Here on 3 and 4 May, marking the exact beginning of the Festival in 1951. The performance takes the audience on a journey through 75 years of British youth culture, including music, dance, theatre and fashion. It lasts two hours and invites visitors to move through the scenes themselves, from the swaying of a 1950s tea dance to the intensity of a nightclub dance floor.

To celebrate 50 years of the iconic skate space beneath Queen Elizabeth Hall, the area will transform into the Skate Space exhibition (7 May –21 June), featuring photography, audio and video on a pay-what-you-can basis.

On 25 and 26 July, steel pan groups from across the country will be coming together in a nod to the first steel pan performance at the Festival of Britain. In 1951, the Trinidad All-Steel Percussion Orchestra performed outside the Royal Festival Hall as the first steelband to travel abroad, introducing the musical form to a new audience.

In the summer, youth culture will be celebrated again with Imagine the Future – led by renowned poet Lemn Sissay – where local and national schools will share their hopes and dreams for the future through poetry and creative writing.

Building on this focus, the Southbank Centre will also present a new youth-powered weekender, Letters To The Future (18–20 September), spotlighting the ‘cultural leaders’ of the next generation, including Amelia Dimoldenberg, Olly Alexander and MyraRose Craig.

Goalhanger, the popular podcast company headed by Gary Lineker, will be hosting a series of live shows, Q&As and panels in The Rest is Fest (4 – 6 September). Responsible for fan favourites like The Rest is Football, The Rest is Politics and The Rest is Entertainment, the faces behind the series will be heading to the halls to bring the entertainment to the stage.

In the autumn, pianist Yuja Wang (11 September – 13 December) will combine a traditional piano recital with mixed reality headsets for a 50-minute immersive performance and throughout the year, Southbank Centre will be highlighting some of the iconic artists it has hosted from around the world.

The Hayward Gallery will present a landmark exhibition of Anish Kapoor (16 June – 18 October) and the Royal Festival Hall will mark the 90th birthday of composer Steve Reich with the Classical Opening Festival (22 – 27 September).

Other highlights include Harry Styles’ Meltdown Festival (11 – 21 June), which features 11 days of music, dancing and community, alongside a new range of public artworks unveiled on the Riverside Terrace created by Sir Quentin Blake.

To keep the history of the centre at the forefront, the team is now inviting anyone with memories of the Festival of Britain to come forward – whether it be from one of the events on the South Bank or from the celebrations across the country.

To submit a memory, head to the Southbank Centre website: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/ festivalofbritain

To see the full line-up of events or to book tickets, visit: www.southbankcentre.co.uk/our-75thanniversary/

Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, SE1 8XX

The Camberwell church hosting organ karaoke

St Giles has a jazz club in its crypt

By Romilly Schulte

St Giles in Camberwell has become a firm fixture in South London's culture offerings: the grade two listed Neo-Gothic church offers a dramatic background for their famous 'Organoke', and has been hosting top jazz acts in its basement for over 30 years Communal song is central to church traditions, but St Giles swaps the hymnal out to make way for a style of group singing we may not associate with a church venuekaraoke.

The event began as a project to restore and save the church's historic organ, which now plays, alongside a full live band, everyone's classic karaoke favourites for everyone to singquite literally - en masse.

While the St Giles remains the spiritual home of the night, it has also travelled to Battersea Art Centre and the Brighton Dome since being launched in 2016.

Jazzlive at the Crypt has been in the church's foundations since 1995, and has since been one of the leading figures in the London jazz scene through its esteemed Friday concerts.

They merged with the collective 'Jazz Umbrella' to establish a charity in 2000, which has been promoting jazz education in the UK ever since, and has hosted top musicians from all over the globe.

Making up the modern church's musical underbelly, the Crypt actually originated from the original 11th century Anglo-Saxon church, which inhabited the site until it was destroyed by fire in the 1800s.

Live at St Giles also hosts weekly sunday sessions with acts varying from the London Saxophone Choir to the Bach Plus Collective, their music oscillating between the religious and the secular.

In the more traditional line, the church boasts three choirs and regular evensong services.

We can also look forward to other events in line with Camberwell's wealth of cultural and artistic outputs, including film screenings by local record store Dash The Henge, often soundtracked by live music performances.

More information on music at St Giles can be found at liveatstgiles.com for Jazzlive at the Crypt.

DULWICH FESTIVAL

8-17 MAY 2026

10 DAYS OF MUSIC, DANCE, LITERATURE, ART, WALKS, TALKS, PERFORMANCE AND FAIRS

Over 80 events, including free family fun!

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Dulwich Festival returns for 2026

This year’s festival –from 8 to 17 May – promises an enriching programme of art, music, literature and family events in Dulwich.

By Evie Flynn

As warmer days approach and signs of summer slowly arrive, it can only mean one thing – the return of Dulwich Festival. Bringing over 80 events and 500 artists to South London, the extensive programme features ten days of literature, visual art, music, and family events.

Showcasing local creatives, it was created with the community in mind. This year, the line-up is diverse, showcasing talent from South East London and further afield, creating a “festival for all” in the heart of Dulwich.

ART:

Home to the world’s first purpose-built public art gallery, Dulwich’s rich cultural heritage is reflected in this year’s art programme.

The Dulwich Picture Gallery will be a major part of the festival’s line-up, with an exclusive collection tour led by director Jennifer Scott (12 May). Visitors can also enter for free and explore at their own pace, with the gallery opening its doors on Sunday 17 May.

Heavy Pencil will return to Dulwich for an evening of drawing in time to music (8 May). Watch illustrators Andrew Rae and Chrissie Macdonald project their creations for the audience and draw live in response to the sounds.

Those looking to develop their own artistic skills can attend a life drawing class on 11 May or a talk on Banksy from Arts Society Dulwich (13 May), exploring the cultural and socio-political points made through his artwork.

Festivalgoers can also take part in a guided tour to see the influence of art on the streets of Dulwich. Taking place throughout the whole festival, many of the murals adorning the walls are inspired by Old Masters from the picture gallery.

COMEDY:

Comedy remains a central theme this year – keeping the line-up lighthearted and spotlighting well-known alongside rising comedic talent.

South London comedy favourites will take to the stage at Dulwich Hamlet Comedy Club on 12 May, including Radio 4’s Mark Steel, who will be taking a

break from his wider UK tour for the evening. Arthur Smith, Micah Hall and Kate Cheka are also among the other local faces bringing stand-up comedy and laughter to the festival.

Arthur, who grew up in Rotherhithe before moving to Balham, describes Dulwich Festival as having a distinct “South London vibe.”

The comedy veteran said: “I’ll be doing a pantomimestyle comedy where the audience can shout back at you.

“The evening gets a real mix of performers too – with younger and older acts — and I’ve got plenty to say about the joys of getting older.”

Arthur’s father used to play for Dulwich Hamlet Football Club and he is looking forward to returning to the grounds for an evening of local comedy.

For child-comics, head to Dulwich Hamlet Football Club for Olaf Falafel’s Stupidiest Super Stupid Show (10 May), bringing his hit Edinburgh Festival show to South East London for one day only.

An outdoor screening of cult classic film, Pulp Fiction, will take place at Picturehouses’ outdoor cinema, including an introduction from acclaimed author, journalist and broadcaster Miranda Sawyer (9 May) Or, for Shakespearean comedy The Factory will challenge conventional theatre-making techniques with their performance of the tale of Cymbeline (9 May).

LITERATURE:

Successful authors from all genres will be bringing their ideas and inspiration behind their works to Dulwich in a series of talks, workshops and panels.

Best-selling food author Georgina Hayden will be sharing her brand-new recipe book MEDesque, featuring 110 easy-to-cook recipes with Mediterranean

Continues on page 25

roots. Georgina’s upbringing, living above her grandparents’ Greek Cypriot taverna, inspired her foodwriting career. Starting at various magazines, she moved on to write her own recipe books, including Sunday Times bestseller Nistisima and its follow up, Greekish.

History enthusiasts can attend an insightful conversation between two widely acclaimed historians, Sunday Times best-selling German historian Katja Hoyer and Cambridge University Professor Richard J Evans. The pair will discuss Hoyer’s latest book about the Weimar Republic, Life on the Edge of Catastrophe, to explore how a little town in the heart of Germany was home to some of Germany’s great thinkers, but was also the place where fascism took hold.

Other authors heading to Dulwich include Katie Prescott, whose book investigates the Bayesian yacht tragedy that killed tech tycoon Mike Lynch, his daughter, and five others. Suzanne O’Sullivan will be giving a talk on her newest book The Age of Diagnosis and Alex Preston will host a relaxed conversation about his forthcoming thriller, A Stranger in Corfu.

Hear from Labour MP and former Cabinet Minister Liam Byrne as he shares his brand-new book, Why Populists are Winning or join Victoria Donovan for a talk shedding light on the lived reality of Putin’s war in Ukraine (17 May)

For those interested in writing fiction, an experienced creative-writing tutor, Laura Barnett, will lead an inclusive session introducing the basics of storytelling (17 May). Or, head to Write Club – the festival's literary open mic night – which returns for its second year on 12 May. The free event is an opportunity for any South East London writers to share what they have been working on and for a supportive audience to hear your words, perhaps for the very first time.

MUSIC AND DANCE:

From the feel-good tunes of jazz to larger classical performances, music enthusiasts have over twenty-five music events to choose from.

The South London Jazz Orchestra will bring the energy with an evening of swing dancing and live jazz on 10 May. With no experience required, head to the Grafton Dance Centre to learn from Professional Jitterbug Simon Selmon.

To learn even more about jazz, there’s an afternoon for the whole family on 17 May coined Jazz from the Jabberwock’s jaws. Designed specifically to introduce families to the brilliance of live jazz, the performance brings Lewis Carroll’s nonsense poem to life.

Beatles fans will love the DJ set from festival favourites The Beatles Dub Cub (16 May) with DJ Chris Arnold’s ska, hip hop, dub, funk and reggae spins on the music

created by The Fab Four.

Voices in the Village (10 May) is a performance of three local choirs, or attend an hour of music and chanting in a Kirtan workshop, using the ancient vibrational language of Sanskrit (9 May)

The whole family will be entertained with the return of the Family Silent Disco in the grounds of Dulwich Picture Gallery (8 May) or at a free afternoon around the Maypole in Dulwich Square (9 May).

Women composers will be highlighted in a showcase by Erda Ensemble and ‘tweens’ (7 – 11 year olds) can join Legs London for a dance class centred around joyful movement (12 May)

For a calmer option, Dulwich yogis are invited to combine movement with disco in a Live DJ yoga session (9 May).

ARTISTS’ OPEN HOUSE:

The popular Artists’ Open House is bigger than ever this year and stretches to other parts of South London. Created to bring the community together through art, makers and artists will be opening their homes, studios and local spaces. Art will be available to buy and creatives will be around to meet face to face. Station Hall, the hidden gem above Herne Hill Station, will be taken over alongside a series of events at The Hub (part of University Arts London) in Peckham.

Weaving Trust from founder of Nice & Graphic Michelle Dwyer will exhibit large scale letterpress installations exploring themes of belonging and connection, based on a series of one-to-one conversations with Peckham residents.

Dates: 8 – 17 May

Prices: Various prices (£0 – £30)

Location: Dulwich and surrounding areas

Book tickets at https://dulwichfestival.co.uk/

Nido

Meet the husband and wife duo who swapped burnout in corporate tech jobs for their dream neighbourhood café in the heart of East Dulwich.

By Evie Flynn

Michelle and Alex run Nido, an independently run coffee shop tucked along Melbourne Grove, now celebrating its second birthday alongside two major award nominations.

Opened in 2024, the couple took a much-needed sabbatical from work and travelled to South East Asia. Nido – meaning “nest” in Spanish – was inspired by the white sand beaches of El Nido in the Philippines. Symbolising a shift in their attitude to work and life, they returned determined to pursue an alternative to the “London rat race” and open their own café venture.

After months of searching, they fell in love with a shop on a quiet street just a short walk from East Dulwich station. Taking it on as a new brand challenge, they turned the space from a dull shop front and into a bright orange stand-out spot on the street.

Living nearby in Camberwell, the pair worked tirelessly to renovate. To combat her lack of experience in hospitality, Michelle took on work in a local shop beforehand to learn as much as she could about customer service.

“We have been growing ever since, which has been down to the community” Michelle said. “We want our customers to know how important that community is to us and how embedded we feel into it.”

Two years on, they have been nominated for the London Coffee Festival awards as best independent coffee shop and best community café, a major accolade for a small space just two years after opening.

Originally from South Africa, Michelle has injected a slice of home into the offering at Nido. “At first we just sold coffee,” she said. “But now our retail section is championing local products from my home country South Africa and also East Dulwich.”

The offering features South African spices and crockery, alongside individual or multipack traditional rusk biscuits, which are dipped into the morning coffee in every South African household.

They also have a range of non-edible items on offer, from ceramics to local artwork and look to expand their offering in the future.

Open from 7am, the team are ready to welcome commuters, with Michelle behind the counter most mornings serving freshly brewed coffee and a selection of pastries to the people of SE22.

On a Wednesday morning at 7am, Nido hosts Melbourne Grovers, a no-pressure community run club. The group meets at the cafe for a 5km loop before ending back at the neighbourhood spot for a pre-work coffee. Set up by a friend and customer of Nido, the cafe has turned into a well-loved HQ for members.

Alex says the street – Melbourne Grove – is also part of Nido’s appeal. “It feels very communal and is pedestrianised for the most part.

“I think customers are craving that community feel where the barista knows their name and knows about their life.”

Looking ahead, he explains that the goal is to grow their brand. “We want to start hosting events and open up the space for hire,” he said. “Our overall mission is to establish Nido as a community space, expand the nonfood products and stay on the look out for local South East London suppliers.”

When asked for their go-to order, Alex would opt for a cortado and a savoury pastry, most likely the popular cheese and marmite swirl.

Michelle’s choice would be a filter coffee with a muesli rusk, as she says each filter offers something different each day.

She explained: “It allows a conversation to start with a customer, plus I am a big lover of filter coffee.”

Both are kept busy running a small business, training staff, and learning as they go.

“I think you always romanticise the idea of running your own business,” Alex said. “But we knew we wanted to be entrepreneurs.”

“We’re business partners and life partners – and of course, one day we’d love to join the run club, if either of us have time!”

https://nidocafe.co.uk/ 11 Melbourne Grove, London, SE22 8RG

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Sourdough Sophia is moving to Spa Terminus

Five years ago, we started Sourdough Sophia in a tiny kitchen during lockdown. This April, we’re moving into Spa Terminus!

Two railway arches. A proper production bakery. The new home for every loaf we send out across London.

We’ll be baking alongside some of the best producers in the country, and honestly, we still can’t quite believe it. On Fridays and Saturdays, the doors will be open to the public… fresh bread, incredible coffee, and a chance to see where it all happens. Come say hello!

Arches 5 and 6, Voyager Business Park (Spa Terminus), SE16 4RP w: sourdoughsophia.co.uk

Bitesize

By Evie Flynn

SLICE CIRCLE AT THE OLD NUN’S HEAD, NUNHEAD:

From May, well-loved pizza brand Slice Circle will be taking over the residency at the Old Nun’s Head. Celebrating New York’s slice culture, they will be bringing their 14-inch pizzas, dips, sides and desserts to the pub from Monday to Saturday.

Opening 6 May

The Old Nun’s Head, 15 Nunhead Grn, London SE15 3QQ

MONDO SANDO, DEPTFORD:

Mondo Sando, a popular Camberwell sandwich maker known for its Japanese-style sandwiches, is opening a branch in Deptford this April. The new space will feature their signature sarnies and sides, including the Mondo Frango and Mondo Combo alongside some new creations. The concept began when two friends, Jack and Viggo, started delivering sandwiches by bike around Camberwell and Peckham.

The Arch 5, Deptford Market Yard

HAUSU COCKTAIL BAR, PECKHAM:

Nestled next to Peckham Rye Station, Hausu bar and restaurant serves a mixture of flavours against the backdrop of a vintage sound system. In March, the team opened a new cocktail bar upstairs in a revamp of their dining area. The new space features a brand new cocktail list and opening hours. It will be open Thursday to Saturday from 6pm to 12pm, but keep an eye out for their After Hours events when they will be open until late.

11a Station Wy, London SE15 4RX

GERMAN KRAFT BREWERY, ELEPHANT AND CASTLE:

Launched by three 21-year-olds in 2017, German Kraft Brewery is hosting a summer of events as it prepares to close its doors at the end of 2026. The space in Mercato Metropolitano will be hosting a rolling programme of live DJs and will screen major football games during the world-cup.

42 Newington Causeway, London SE1 6DR

TOLA, PECKHAM:

A popular music bar and roof terrace in Peckham has evolved with a new and improved space. TOLA have designed their club room with a retuned sound system and improved lighting. They have also introduced an ‘immersive experience’ on the dance floor and in the DJ booth, as well as a bespoke bar outside with more comfortable seating options.

56 Peckham High St, London SE15 5DP

South-East London business named in UK’s Green Growth 100

Local small business recognised as one of the UK’s leaders in sustainability-led growth.

February 2026

South-east London Coffee roaster Mont58 Coffee has been selected as part of the Green Growth 100, an initiative launched by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT to spotlight small businesses successfully using sustainability as a core driver of growth.

The Green Growth 100 champions one hundred small businesses across the UK that are embedding sustainable practices into their operations - from cutting waste and energy use to rethinking supply chains, attracting new customers, and strengthening long-term resilience.

Founded in 2018, Mont58 Coffee has been led

by Maya Haiman-Eilon and Shai eilon who have placed sustainability at the core of the business. Through practices implementing recyclable and compostable packaging, a returnable cup scheme, bike deliveries, waste-reduction across roasting and retail operations, and a strong commitment to supporting the local economy through local suppliers and partnerships - the business has shown how responsible practices can deliver both environmental impact and commercial success.

On being named in the Green Growth 100, Maya said:

“Being recognised in the Green Growth 100 reinforces

our belief that sustainability and commercial growth are not competing priorities. From recyclable and compostable packaging to returnable cups, bike deliveries and waste reduction across our operations, we’ve built Mont58 around responsible practices that strengthen both our environmental impact and our long-term resilience. This recognition reflects the dedication of our team and community who continue to support a more sustainable way of doing business.”

Michelle Ovens CBE, CEO and Founder of Small Business Britain, said:

“The Green Growth 100 celebrates the small businesses that are showing sustainability and growth go hand

in hand. These businesses are not only reducing their environmental impact, but also strengthening their operations, engaging customers, and building more resilient business models. Mont58 Coffee is a brilliant example of how sustainability can fuel long-term success.”

This Green Growth 100 follows the work of the Willow Review, an independent, Governmentbacked review into the financial benefits of sustainability, which was co-chaired by Small Business Britain with BT sitting as a Steering Board member. The Willow Review published its landmark recommendations last summer, outlining a roadmap to unlock the vast financial opportunities of sustainability for Britain’s 5.6 million small businesses.

Chris Sims, Chief Commercial Officer, UK Business, at BT, added:

“The businesses in the Green Growth 100 are setting the benchmark for how sustainability can unlock innovation and commercial opportunity. It’s inspiring to see how small businesses across the UK are turning greener practices into real business growth. We’re proud to support this initiative and congratulate Mont58 Coffee on being recognised.”

As a business featured on the Green Growth 100 Mont58 Coffee will also be in the running for the Green Growth Awards - hosted by BT on 12 March 2026 - which will see two standout businesses from the line-up awarded a £5,000 grant to help them to scale their sustainability ambitions and continue driving positive change.

East Dulwich Supper Club ―

The East Dulwich Supper Club popup provides a communal space for local SE22 foodies to connect over seasonal food, well-crafted drinks and like-minded company.

By Evie Flynn

Hosted at Fabulous Fifty Seven on North Cross Road, the event is run monthly by Suzanne James Catering, who transform the intimate venue into a relaxed communal dining experience.

As an independent East Dulwich-based caterer, Suzanne and her team have built a reputation in the community for a locally-grown, sustainable and personalised approach to event catering.

Whether it's a large scale event like a wedding or a more intimate anniversary celebration, Suzanne brings 35 years' experience in the hospitality industry.

The supper club concept provides a space for Dulwich locals to connect, whether they are prospective or past clients of Suzannne, or just interested in trying something new.

The evening is a welcome change to normal restaurant dining, where guests are encouraged to interact with each other. In March, there were twelve people around one table, so the set up was intimate, yet not intimidating.

On arrival, guests were met with a cocktail and the rest of the evening was ‘Bring Your Own’ alcohol or beverage of choice. A selection of freshly made canapés, including tarragon tartlets and duck pancake rolls, were also waiting as guests trickled in.

This was followed by a generous portion of a thick porridge bread paired with lashings of butter, plus a beetroot, blood orange and goats cheese salad.

The main course was laid out to self-serve, and there was plenty of food to go around. The main

event was a British Cider braised pork shoulder that fell off the bone, purple sprouting broccoli, savoy cabbage with wild garlic and creamy dauphinoise potatoes. For dessert was fresh rhubarb crumble pie with custard, plus coffee or tea to finish.

Suzanne was working hard behind the scenes throughout the evening yet also came out to speak to the guests, many of whom she had met before. She also explained the beginnings of her company as a family affair: “It bothered me when I knew there were young people out there who were willing to work, yet couldn’t get jobs.”

After initially hiring her son’s friends as teenagers, hundreds of young people in Dulwich have since gained their first casual job with Suzanne, often returning back in the University holidays. Her son now works with her as a chef, and the master of the house at March’s Supper Club had been with the company since he was a teenager himself.

Guests should not be intimidated by the interactive nature of the evening - the team made everyone feel relaxed and other guests were inviting and friendly.

Suzanne hosts a similar evening of foodie celebration each month titled canapé club, designed for guests to try the latest seasonal canapés with a glass of something sparkling.

The next Supper Club will take place on Saturday 25 April, bringing Cornish crab and corn fritter salad to the table to start, pressed lamb shoulder with seasonal asparagus for the main and a meringue bomb with lemon curd to finish.

At £75 per guest, including a cocktail, canapés and all three courses, the evening is a unique and enjoyable way to meet new people over delicious food.

NEXT EVENT:

Saturday 25 April, 7 – 9:30pm

Fabulous Fifty Seven 57 North Cross Road SE22 9ET

Book here: https://www.suzannejames.co.uk/edsc017

Freight roars into Brixton’s nightlife scene

By Romilly Schulte

London’s largest open-air rooftop venue is finally set to open in Brixton this May.

Launching on May 7, Freight Brixton is ideally situated just minutes from Brixton station, next to Brixton Village Market and opposite the trendy shipping containers that make up Pop Brixton.

The venue will have a 1,000+ capacity and will be home to live music, DJ collectives, chef residencies, and even foodie festivals, with three bars and four independent kitchens.

It will provide around 50 new jobs for the area, and promises to host grassroots and charity events, as well as hosting a wide array of musicians and chefs in a variation of residencies and nights.

It was originally slated to open nearly two years ago in July 2024, on top of the Pope’s Road

branch of Sports Direct, but an issue with licences caused the delay and it moved to its nearby current site of 33 Brixton Station Road.

Freight Brixton is presented by the same team behind Freight Island in Manchester, and will be a promising addition to the capital’s dining, drinking and dancing scene.

The programme for their opening summer will combine an eclectic range of live music and DJ sets with chef residencies and night markets.

It will also host daytime events including day

parties and family-friendly activities.

Brunch events are set to be a hot feature on the menu, with the return of the ‘reggae brunch’ and ‘Maggi brunch’, a British-Jamaican day party that is central to contemporary dancehall culture.

Dan Morris, managing director of Manchester’s Freight Island, said: “I cannot wait to get this open – we have seen what creating these kinds of spaces can do for a community in Manchester, and we are all very excited to build something just as special in Brixton.”

Music-wise, the space will present a weekly “Soul of the South” event every Thursday and will host the forerunners of the jazz, funk and soul scene with acts to include IYAMAH and Blue Lab Beats.

Star reggae selector David Rodigan and his sound system will make an appearance on 9 May, and Ghosts of Garage will present a UK garage night on May 30.

Visit freightbrixton.com for the full lineup.

21 MAR – 10 MAY

For ages 7+

TICKETS FROM £10

Forty years of inspiring young actors in Peckham

Theatre Peckham, celebrates its 40th birthday with free exhibition of archive material and the launch of its Peckham Fringe Festival

By Oliver London

Theatre Peckham, which is responsible for kick-starting the career of Star War's John Boyega, is celebrating its 40th birthday.

To mark the occasion on May 2, the theatre on Havil Street, is hosting a free exhibition displaying archive material and will be launching their annual Peckham Fringe Festival.

The fringe opens with the first ever performance of WITNESS, a stage adaptation of Alex Wheatle’s 2022 novel, directed by Theatre Peckham Artistic Director Dr Suzann McLean.

WITNESS tells the story of a young man in a Pupil Referral Unit who witnesses a shocking act of violence, forcing him to choose between protecting those close to him and speaking out.

The production includes local artists at different stages of their careers, including the West End’s Albert Magashi in the lead role of Cornell and members of Theatre Peckham’s academy in supporting roles.

An important element of the theatre’s local impact is their so-called ‘Theatre Peckham Model’, which offers pathways to support children, young people and artists in training, development, and the creation of new work.

Speaking about the production, Dr McLean said: “WITNESS is a powerful example of the theatre’s journey - with artists who began here now creating work at a professional level.”

On May 4, Peckham Fringe will also feature a dedicated Alex Wheatle day in collaboration with Words of Colour, bringing together

“WITNESS is a powerful example of the theatre’s journey - with artists who began here now creating work at a professional level.”

writers, performers and screen talent for a public conversation and Q&A.

The anniversary aims to celebrate the people, voices, and communities that have shaped the theatre over the past four decades, since it was founded in 1986 by Teresa Early MBE.

Full details of the Peckham Fringe programme will be announced in due course. Tickets for the event can be found at their website: https://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/

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Step inside the Peckham Experiment

97-year-old Ken Marley has many happy and vivid memories of the pioneering Peckham Experiment as it marks its centenary.

By Evie Flynn

The Peckham Experiment, which ran from 1926 to 1950, was a groundbreaking social initiative in Peckham involving around a thousand local families, designed to encourage people to take ownership of their health and recreation.

Ken, who joined as a teenager, could be the oldest surviving member of the experiment. He lived in the catchment area with his mother and attended the centre for four years after the war.

Experiencing a childhood where he was sent out to the countryside as well as sleeping in shelters during air raids, Ken said the centre felt like pure luxury to him.

At its peak, it encouraged over 1,000 local families to join a new kind of community “family club,” taking part in regular exercise, good nutrition and community living. Membership was sixpence a week and the only condition was that members had to take part in regular “health overhauls” (check-ups) for the whole family.

“It was quite obviously novel,” Ken said. “Something completely different in our lives at the tail end of the war. At first we thought, ‘my God, this is fantastic.’

“Looking back, I didn’t realise how lucky I was to be part of it. After such a turbulent childhood during the war, I fell in love with it all – the food, the fitness – it was just perfect for me.”

What was the experiment?

Set up by pathologist George Scott Williamson and physician Innes Hope Pearse, the experiment posed the simple question: “What does it mean to be healthy?”

It first opened in a makeshift building at 142 Queen’s Road, opposite Queen’s Road Station, before moving to the purpose-built Pioneer Health Centre on St Mary’s Road in 1935.

The centre, which is now luxury flats, has been

renamed the Pioneer Building. When it was constructed it was described by architect Walter Gropius as: “An oasis of glass in a desert of brick.”

The architect responsible, Sir Owen Williams, aimed for the centre to be “to the townsperson what the village green, the village hall, the village pond, the village pub and the village church are to the countryperson.” It was open, bright and built for movement and spontaneous activities. Inside, there was a swimming pool, gymnasium, nursery, theatre and café.

During the war, the Pioneer Centre was requisitioned and closed for six years, the pool was drained and the glass walls were blacked out to protect against bombings. When the war ended in 1945, it was uncertain whether the centre would reopen, but the community fought to bring it back. Members came back voluntarily with brushes, paint and tools to scrub the walls and pool.

Members of the experiment organised films,

music and concerts in the evening and the ‘Pioneer Walz’ was developed as a symbol of their community spirit. Ken recalls how exercise classes and roller skating sessions were often held on the roof of the building. “You could skate around the roof for hours… it was brilliant!”

Meals were provided and used fresh, locally grown organic produce from Oakley House, a farm in Bromley, where members could visit and take part in the food-growing process. The experiment is closely associated with early organic food and farming thinking, including links to the Soil Association, established in 1946.

Ken said: “I was quite fit and healthy, so this was right up my street. Growing up eating the right foods and learning what fitness was – what a great life.”

This approach to wellness was radical and rather than staff imposing a programme, families were able to take part in what suited them. They swam, played badminton, tennis and snooker, joined keep-fit classes or met friends in the café.

Eligibility criteria for membership was based on location only. Those chosen had to live near the experiment, within what Pearse called “pram pushing distance” of the centre. Ken was living nearby on Queen’s Road at the time, after his house on Meeting House Lane had been destroyed by bombs.

The Centre also became a social hub for local teenagers. Ken said: “The biggest problems were the teenagers – arguments over girls and the odd fisticuffs – but that was just part of growing up.

“I was there all the time. I’d come home from school and be over the wall and round to the centre.”

Peckham was chosen over other locations because it was an ordinary, mixed neighbourhood that reflected urban Britain at the time. “Most of the

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families involved came from little narrow streets,” Ken said. “It was so different for us to go into an ultra-modern building like that. I can still remember it now – the glass walls, equipment and cork floors.”

The findings of the experiment discovered that freedom was vital for wellbeing. Doctors Williamson and Pearse originally hoped the experiment would be replicated on a larger scale. In 1939, Queen Mary visited the centre, demonstrating the interest shown nationally and internationally.

Legacy of the experiment and Centre:

In 1950, the centre closed permanently after the National Health Service was formed, with a focus on treating illness rather than cultivating ‘wellbeing’. Three years later, the London City Council (LCC) purchased and repurposed the building for education and community initiatives.

Throughout the 1960s, it was known as The Southwark Adult Education Institute, providing courses and programmes in art, literature and languages. The swimming pool and gym remained open for community use.

The building gained Grade II listed status but maintenance issues worsened and by 1989, parts of the building had to close down. The Centre was ultimately sold in the in the late 1990s and underwent a major restoration project and converted into 34 privately-owned flats alongside 14 new houses in the grounds.

The development, which officially opened in 2000, features much of the original architecture and modernist features. Ken visited the new buildings with his daughter last year. “I took my daughter on a drive through Peckham and we were looking through the gates,” Ken said. “I got speaking to the gardener who invited me to have a look. It was just as I remembered it.”

The Peckham Experiment CIC was formed in 2024 to ensure the legacy of the experiment and and Pioneer Health Centre is preserved and actively used as a living resource. Ran by three residents of the Pioneer Building, the group was formed after they moved into their new flats and discovered the interesting history behind the development.

Nina Farrell, creative director and co-founder of the Peckham Experiment CIC said: “We were initially drawn to The Pioneer Building architecturally, for its incredible facilities (yes, the pool!), and for the strength of the creative community. We knew nothing about the Peckham Experiment when we moved in. We only began to grasp the depth and significance of its history once we were living here.”

“What started with genuine curiosity has led to a truly fascinating journey of discovery,” said Dan Liston, also co-founder of The Peckham Experiment CIC. “The initial excitement of living in such a unique place has been overtaken by a sense of pride and privilege not only to learn about the story of what the Pioneer Centre was originally created for, but to now be part of sharing the legacy into the future and exploring how it can intrigue and inspire a new generation.”

Their work involves creating a new digital ‘home’ for the Peckham Experiment, where people can discover and contribute to the story through collections, films, oral histories and new creative work made in Peckham today

A short film made about the Peckham

Experiment in 1947, The Centre, is available to watch on the BFI’s website.

CENTENARY EVENTS:

• May 2026: New website launches with open access to the digital collection.

• September 2026: Open House returns with an expanded programme of architectural tours and community activities.

• October 2026: Subject to funding, Peckham Experiment are planning a community exhibition at Copeland Park Gallery, combining archive materials with newly commissioned artworks, oral histories, and stories from Peckham residents past and present.