The popular annual arts extravaganza Royal Greenwich Festivals kicks off over the spring bank holiday weekend (26 and 27 May 2017).

Greenwich Dances, Greenwich Family Arts Festival, Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF), Greenwich Music Festival, Greenwich World Cultural Festival and Parksfest are included among the varied programme which runs through to the end of July.

Meerkats Menagerie

The Royal Greenwich Festivals programme continues to develop, with Meerkats Menagerie one of the new exciting strands (4 June to 23 July). Parks and public spaces will become theatrical safari sites, giving families the chance to join in with games, crafts and den making.

Greenwich Book Festival

Greenwich Book Festival will return to the beautiful buildings and grounds of the Old Royal Naval College for the second year, launching the Royal Greenwich Festivals programme on Friday 26 May 2017.

Greenwich  Docklands International Festival

The Royal Borough is home to some of the country's best-loved and most experienced cultural groups - from the internationally renowned Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance to Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (23 June to 8 July), whose director Bradley Hemmings was joint artistic director for the spectacular opening ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic games.

'Opening up the arts for all to enjoy'

Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald, Royal Borough of Greenwich Cabinet Member for Culture, Creative Industries and Community Well-Being, said: "The Royal Greenwich Festivals are a highlight of the capital's summer calendar and many of the events are free, opening up the arts for all to enjoy.

"The variety of entertainment attracts a large number of local residents as well as visitors from much further afield. Tourism and culture make important contributions to our local economy and help reinforce Royal Greenwich as a must-see destination."