The annual Streatham Festival is a volunteer-run 10-day arts festival that brings together artists, musicians, photographers, dancers, writers, comedians and more for live performances, exhibitions, walks, talks and events across a range of venues in Streatham, south London. There’s something for everyone in our line-up, from an all-dayer music festival, to a night sky photography workshop, to flamenco classes, to Desi comedy, to an old-fashioned music hall variety show. And it all kicks off with a ceilidh (if you’ve yet to experience a ceilidh, we promise it’s the most fun you’ve never had).
With the arts and venues suffering badly from the effects of the pandemic, the festival is here to help restart Streatham’s vibrant arts scene. And many of the events are free.
When is it?
7-16 October 2022.
What are the events?
Among the highlights of this year’s festival are:
Streatham Festival Ceilidh
To celebrate the opening of this year’s Streatham Festival, we’re welcoming back the blazing fiddles of Ceilidh Tree for a night of wild dancing.
Streatham Strut
10 gigs in 10 different venues across 10 hours. The first gig starts at 1pm, the second at 2pm, the third at 3pm… you get the idea. Join for one gig or, if you’re feeling brave, all 10. Featuring artists such as Kia, Hux, The Vincent Burke Trio, Sea Noise and nkomba.
Desi Central Comedy Show
A night of stand-up from Desi Central, featuring Tommy Sandhu (BBC, Brownload), Kane Brown (BBC, 1Xtra, Amazon Prime), Farhan Solo (So You Think You’re Funny) and Muhsin Yesilada (One Minute Smoke).
The Art & Craft of William Morris and his legacy today
A talk on the extraordinary life of William Morris 1834-1896, his prolific design talent for fabric, wallpaper, furniture and stained glass together with his wider interests of poetry, publishing, politics and conservation.
No Turn Unstoned
A two-day music hall-meets-variety event. We’re re-creating an old-fashioned pub-style atmosphere, with Mine Host directing proceedings, and of course a licensed bar and snacks available.
COBO: Comedy Shutdown Black History Month Special
It’s a comedy night that is not only packed to the brim with jokes but also celebrates the vast array of comedic talent throughout Black History Month, featuring Kane Brown (BBC, 1Xtra, Amazon Prime), Marlon Davis (BBC Live At The Apollo, Comedy Central), Kyrah Gray (Vibrant & Hilarious) and Junior Booker (Laughter Lounge).
Night Sky Photography – with Jeremy Phillips FRAS
This free in-person and online streamed event is aimed at anyone who is interested in taking wonderful pictures of the night sky. It charts a journey beginning with the cheapest equipment – your mobile phone and an £80 telescope – showing how you can shoot the moon, capturing its craters and beautiful features, even from a light-polluted urban setting.
StreatArt
An art trail exhibited in the shops, cafes, and business venues along Streatham High Road.
