Colours & Cultures Festival returns to South London from 1–3 August 2025 for a powerful three-day celebration of community, creativity and change. This indoor–outdoor festival brings together residents, international artists, and young people to reimagine public space through performance, movement, music and shared heritage.
Lambeth rapper Big Narstie is appearing at the second Colours & Cultures event which is produced by NEON Performing Arts in partnership with Live + Breathe, who return as lead commissioning partner for the 2025 programme.
From original performances and workshops to grassroots entrepreneurship and sports activation, the festival is proudly rooted in social justice, equal opportunities and cultural inclusion. The three-day event is the brainchild of creative director and founder of NEON Performing Arts, Emanuela Pagliei.
Our Patron: Big Narstie We are proud to announce Big Narstie as the official Patron of Colours & Cultures. Following his powerful headline performance at the 2024 pilot festival, Narstie opened his set by saying:
“Thank you to everyone for coming out and celebrate the community. We need more events like this – to be out, in the park, together and discover the power of our community.”
His ongoing support reflects the spirit of this festival: unapologetically local, fiercely inclusive, and deeply rooted in collective joy.
What to Expect
Friday 1 August – Community Workshops & Afterparty
Workshops at Vauxhall City Farm, The Foundry – A Place for Change, and local venues focus on creativity, wellbeing, and social impact. The day ends with a vibrant Salsa Afterparty at The Ritzy in Brixton, open to artists, partners, and the public.
Saturday 2 August – Main Stage Celebration (1pm–9pm)
An open-air showcase of live music, dance, poetry and interactive performance in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, featuring:
• Opening acts by NEON School, Lucky, and Poetic Unity
• Dance, capoeira, acrobatics, live bands and guest appearances
• Performances by Big Narstie, Flawless, Brixton Chamber Orchestra, and more
• Workshops, street food, market stalls, and family-friendly activities throughout the day
Sunday 3 August – Sport & Sounds (11am–7pm)
An energetic finale with:
• Free sport workshops including yoga, cricket, basketball, parkour, martial arts, and more
• DJ sets by DJ Prophecy, JT The Goon, and DJ Tricks in Tha Mix with I Am Suubi
• Health and movement sessions from partners including Train Now Play Later and Sweat in the City
• Market stalls, workshops, and youth-led initiatives on site all day
Investing in Youth and Equity
This year, Colours & Cultures is proud to offer training and paid work experience for 65 young people, most of whom are currently NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training). Participants are receiving real-world experience in:
• Film and photography
• Event stewarding and front-of-house
• Technical and creative production
In total, the festival is employing over 165 artists, facilitators, and freelancers, reinforcing NEON’s commitment to fair pay, access, and representation within the creative industries.
Colours and Culture is part of Live + Breathe, a summer-long campaign dedicated to tackling air pollution in South London. Founded in 2022 by musician and activist Love Ssega, Live + Breathe is now a registered CIC (Community Interest Company) with a bold vision: to empower communities to breathe clean, safe air—especially those who have been historically overlooked.
