Following a jam-packed summer programme, the Royal Docks Team today announces its inaugural autumn festival, Royal Docks Originals, hosting over 20 arts, performance, music, heritage and family events from 14 October until 31 October.
Inspired by its diverse communities, rich history, and exceptional water and landscape, the Royal Docks is delivering a new programme of exciting events for the whole family, which will host Internationally known and local world-class artists making projects here in the Royal Docks that champion and celebrate talent in the local community (London Borough of Newham).
The festival is part of an ambitious vision to make the Royal Docks London’s newest cultural quarter. It will look to nurture and support existing creative communities and provide new employment opportunities in the cultural sector. Bringing culture to the doorstep of Londoners, Royal Docks Originals aims to inspire residents and delight visitors by celebrating the existing diverse community and cultural vibrancy of the area.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture & Creative Industries, said: “For over 100 years, the Royal Docks was London’s global gateway and, thanks to this new festival, is now set to become one of London’s cultural engines – a place where world-class artistic projects are formed and celebrated.
“This is another great example of culture taking centre stage in London’s recovery – alongside our ‘Let’s Do London’ campaign season with theatre, music and family events all helping to get London back on its feet.”
The area is also soon to be the new home to City Hall and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, as the GLA moves from Southwark to The Crystal in the coming months. The Royal Docks Enterprise Zone is a joint project between the Mayor of London, the London Borough of Newham – led by Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz – and the London Economic Action Partnership (LEAP).
Mayor of Newham and Co-chair of the Royal Docks Enterprise Zone Board, Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, said: “We all feel like doing something different after lockdown, so why not come down to the Royal Docks to experience great events that are mostly free.”
The highlights of the Royal Docks Originals programme include:
Family fun
The Royal Docks Original Family weekender brings FREE arts and culture to Royal Docks including storytelling adventures with Patchlarks, a visit from YARA + DAVINA’S Pet Balloon Service and workshops from the Institute of Imagination. There will be a spectacular FREE event that will feature music, song and will be a chance to have a dance after sunset.
Theatre
This autumn the Royal Docks will welcome world-class and locally produced theatre productions including ARRIVAL produced by imPOSSIBLE and co-directed by West End director Matthew Dunster and Jon Bausor, 2012 Paralympic set designer. The show invites the audience on an exciting storytelling journey of the docks filled with live performance, food, film, beatboxing, music and dance and will showcase the people, place, past, present and future of this extraordinary area of London.
At the end of October British comedian, actor, cabaret and alternative variety figure Jonny Woo will bring his new work-in-progress play Silvertown, in the annex of the Tate and Lyle Factory. Woo explores contemporary themes of sexuality, identity, race politics, community and safe spaces within the context of 1960s society.
Immersive art
Londoners are invited to come and witness the World’s first ever flavour rainbow created by jelly extraordinaires Bompas and Parr! Visitors will be able to taste the flavour rainbow with flavours that have passed through the Royal Docks. The colourful archway is located below Silvertown Way, Britain’s first flyover, and showcases a kaleidoscope of flavours using white light refracted through the falling moisture.
The old Tate and Lyle factory will be home to an extraordinary bespoke gallery called the Factory Project featuring sculptures, paintings, drawings, videos and installations from over 80 different artists. This bespoke location will not be your typical gallery setting but will also host talks, workshops and tours to inspire all visitors!
Photography
One of the UK’s leading portrait photographers, Michele Turriani will feature her work Docklands People at Royal Docks this October. Exploring the rich architectural heritage of the area from dock swimmers to students, Michele Turriani introduces us to the people of the Royal Docks in a captivating photographic essay showcasing the diversity of this fascinating part of East London.
You can find the full events programme below or you can visit https://royaldocks.london/whats-on for more information about what’s happening at Royal Docks this autumn.
