Are you a local organisation with an innovative idea for a free, fun, cultural festival led by young people? Apply now for Royal Greenwich Festivals funding and bring your idea to life!
Our flagship summer festivals programme returns in 2026, and applications for funding are now open. Organisations can apply for up to £15,000, £30,000 or £60,000 to deliver free community events and activities next summer.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities, said: “Royal Greenwich Festivals is back for 2026 and we’re on the lookout for ideas that put young people at the heart of the project.
“Our flagship festival programme showcases the incredible arts, culture and heritage on our doorstep and empowers local organisations to deliver free, accessible and inclusive cultural opportunities to our communities.
“If you’ve got an idea for a festival that celebrates the borough’s diversity and gives young people the opportunity to learn, connect and create, apply now for Royal Greenwich Festivals funding.”
This year is a special one, as we’re looking for projects that actively involve young people as makers, performers, producers and audiences, so we strongly recommend you attend our support workshop before applying to learn more. This will take place on Thursday 27 November, from 12:30pm to 2pm at Woolwich Town Hall. You’ll need to register in advance through Eventbrite.
Applications will need to show how young people's creativity, energy, and ideas will shape the planning, delivery, and experience of the festival.
This theme supports our Cultural Impact Award programme, a Mayor of London initiative, which will be co-created with local young people, culminating in three, spectacular, free public events for residents and visitors to enjoy in 2026 and 2027.
The deadline for applications is Sunday 21 December 2025 at 5pm. Please read the guidance notes carefully before applying.
If you have any access needs or need further support, please contact us at artsgreenwich@royalgreenwich.gov.uk and we will do our best to help you with your application.
In 2025, the Royal Greenwich Festival programme provided £159, 000 in funding for 28 free events, from 10 local organisations; Arc & You, Arts Trust Productions, Black Female Entrepreneur Greenwich, BME Volunteers, Bold Mellon Collective, Festival.org, Plumstead Make Merry Association, TARU Arts, Tramshed and Woolwich Works.