Bigger, bolder, and completely free
The Festival will include a series of walks, talks, design workshops, music, poetry, writing workshops, history, mystery and fairy tales spread over eleven days and fourteen venues around the borough, for the very young and the very old and everyone in between, writes Michael Holland.
Discover the hidden history of Spa Road’s most iconic building – the former Bermondsey Library – now a sanctuary for meditation.
Share your voice or enjoy local talent in an intimate evening of poetry, spoken word, and stories.
Discover the heart and humour of South London through its language and slang.
Design and make a custom cover for your favourite book.
Explore the rich history of Bermondsey Square and its surroundings on an insightful guided walk revealing the stories, heritage, and hidden gems of the area.
Experience a unique solo performance interweaving live music and trombone poetry.
Discover the vital role played by Southwark’s Black community in an in-depth look into the history and legacy of the League of Coloured Peoples.
Go behind the scenes of Southwark’s vibrant culture and theatre scene when the Southwark News art correspondent shares the most memorable moments of his work.
Connect with fellow readers and dive into engaging book discussions; refine your creative writing skills; explore and share original or classic poetry and artwork; discover stories, histories, and diverse contemporary from Latin American literature, and celebrate brilliant writing and diverse stories from Black authors.
Explore the iconic words and music of The Beatles.
Hear the winning works from the Bermondsey and Beyond Poetry Competition.
And so much more.
From 18th – 29th June 2026
Full details of times and venues here: https://www.biglocalworks.org.uk/literary-festival-bermondsey-beyond-2026/
Book your free spot here for history: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bermondsey-in-my-soul-guided-heritage-walk-with-debra-gosling-tickets-1990803334364?aff=erellivmlt
Book your free seat for the Ars Correspondent talk: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1990090552414?aff=oddtdtcreator
