If an evening of award-winning entertainment, hidden gem street-food and free music sounds good to you, then Woolwich is the place to be on Friday 21 August.
Not only will the award-winning Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) return with their first show of the season but our Woolwich Summer Lates programme means you can sample the best Woolwich has to offer in authentic global cuisine and soak up the summer evening at our pop-up al fresco eating spaces.
Councillor Asli Mohammed, Cabinet Member for Economy, Town Centres and Co-operatives, said: “Woolwich Summer Lates has brought our community together. It offers an exciting programme of free outdoor entertainment, showcases our amazing local businesses and has created a vibrant and inclusive space long into the evening. We are expecting many people from out of town to come to the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival opener, so we want them to eat, enjoy and experience what else Woolwich has to offer.”
Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Culture, Equalities and Leisure said: “Each year, our summer events get better and better. Bringing together the vibrancy, culture and creativity that our borough has to offer with world-class entertainment from GDIF, that’s what makes this programme what it is. It’s a fantastic celebration of our borough's rich history and diversity; our borough really is the place to be this summer.”
Barrie Kelly, Chief Executive of Visit Greenwich said: “This summer has seen an incredibly vibrant Woolwich, both in the town centre and the riverside. The summer lates programme has helped us spread the word across London and develop a new generation of visitors to see a very special part of London for the first time.”
The party starts in Beresford Square at 3pm, when Just Louis gets on the decks, commissioned by Summer Lates. Our world food market is open from 4pm, where in addition to established favourites, newcomers Smoke & Spice serve Nigerian suya and shawarma and Meat-o-Fresh hit the spot with their smash burgers. There will be an outdoor library and sports taster session thanks to leisure provider GLL, and Somali dance performers from Mama Udey Foundation, commissioned by Summer Lates, will put on a show at 6pm in partnership with award-winning market trader, Roon's Catering. Coffee connoisseurs can grab a drink at new café Bob’s Your Uncle in the Market Pavilion and check out their special collaboration with Oatly.
The main event is GDIF’s spectacular opening performance, 360, which starts 7pm in General Gordon Square. Expect a fully immersive and exhilarating experience as a giant circular stage transforms Woolwich into a dancefloor.
To catch more grooves after 360, DJ Vince Lam from Half East Records will perform in Beresford Square from 8:30 to 9pm. His setlist will be inspired by 360, playing homage to dance world created and so expect Afrobeats, R&B, dark disco, city pop and hip-hop tracks, with Just Louis closing at 9pm.
For those wanting to stay later and discover Woolwich, a map of everywhere to eat and drink across the town centre can be found in free tote bags. Woolwich has several historic pubs including Dial Arch, Earl of Chatham and The Guard House. Alternatively, head to Powis Street where Cupp will be open later and Woolwich Front Room is hosting games night until 10pm. Take a stroll through Royal Arsenal Riverside to uncover hidden gems such as House of Denna, a boutique café and creative hub just beyond Peter Burke’s steel sculpture ensemble, Assembly. Explore Woolwich's growing reputation as a cultural destination through innovative arts venues Woolwich Works and Punchdrunk.
GDIF is on until 6 September and Woolwich Summer Lates runs until 12 September. Woolwich Summer Lates is supported by the Mayor of London as part of their Summer Streets programme.
Find out how to get to Woolwich.