10th-19th May 2024
Dulwich Festival, 10th-19th May, promises to deliver another exhilarating programme of exciting events in 2024 for the delectation of our South London audience!
Filling spaces and places with arts and culture, this year’s lineup includes all the festival favourites, from fairs to the ever-popular Artists’ Open House, as well as walks, talks, literature, music and performance.
Literature headliners include food-blogger and author Ella Mills, Channel 4 news presenter Cathy Newman and local author, social commentator and entrepreneur Kenny Imafidon. ‘Deliciously Ella’ will be demonstrating how to enhance mealtimes with her latest book Healthy Made Simple, whilst Cathy Newman will be offering a captivating insight into her book Ladder, which brings together discussions between some of the most influential women in the world on work, love, growth and challenge. Kenny’s book, That Peckham Boy. Growing up, Getting Out and Giving Back, details his positive outlook and manifesto for social change, after being accused of a murder he did not commit, and is sure to both hearten and inspire audiences.
Music and Dance acts will nourish the soul, with fantastic female leads heading up the Jazz series at the EDT. London born Poppy Daniels will be introducing her new quintet, merging sounds from jazz, hip-hop and Latin, whilst Laura B and her Band will be showcasing an electrifying evening of rhythm and blues. The much-loved Dulwich Choir Festival will be raising the roof with uplifting performances from three colossal choirs, including the multi award-winning Meantime Chorus, whilst festivalgoers are invited to exercise their own vocal chords at the Sing From Scratch workshop. Expect a night of enchanting music and spoken word at Under the Tree, and sublime classical sounds from the Southwark Sinfonietta. If the dance floor has your name on it, the Festival Ceilidh and Live Band Dance Party are not to be missed!
For families, there are an abundance of activities on offer, many of which won’t cost you a penny! Get back to nature with the London Wildlife Trust, who will be returning to The Orchard in the Village for a Wild Teddy Bear’s Picnic, or enjoy a full day of activities, food and fun at Kingswood Arts. For a dash of culture, head to the Dulwich Picture Gallery, where you’ll be able to gain free access to the gallery’s main collection or visit Christ Chapel to explore the historic organ, built by George England in 1759! If you’re partial to a kitchen disco, the award-winning Big Fish Little Fish, with DJ’s, dance and craft, might be just the ticket for you and your family! Of course, the fairs at Dulwich Park, West Dulwich and Goose Green will be serving up all the good stuff, including the renowned Dog Show at Dulwich Park Fair, maypole dancing at West Dulwich Spring Fair and delicious street food and performances at Goose Green Fair.
The much-celebrated Artists’ Open House will take place across the two weekends of the Festival, with a huge range of artists sharing their talented output. Be sure to catch the pop-up shop in Dulwich Village, hosting six artists, including Joe Thomas, who will be back in action with his energetic five-minute fast portraits! Havelock Walk, Carnegie Library and Coldharbour Studios are all fantastic hubs to explore a wide range of artists, and if street art makes your heart sing, grab a place on Street Art Walks with Amanda Greatorex, who will explain the links between murals and the Masters at Dulwich Picture Gallery! For more pavement pounding centered around our wonderful community, there are several historic walks to participate in, including a Pub Walk, examining the historic pubs of the area… drinks not included!
There really is something for everyone at Dulwich Festival this year – dive into www.dulwichfestival.co.uk and see what makes you smile!