The 30th anniversary edition of Dulwich Festival is being rolled out across SE21 and its surroundings this May, with over 60 events spanning literature, comedy, music, walking tours, family fun and more.
For those new to the neighbourhood, it’s an opportunity to snoop around open houses, find locally-made produce at one-off markets, discover local history, catch live performances and make connections with like-minded locals. Some events are ticketed and need to be booked in advance, but plenty more are free and run on a drop-in basis.
From park picnics for all the family to the household names delivering talks on your doorstep, here are the highlights of Dulwich Festival’s 2023 programme…
FAMILY
Party in the Park
The festival kicks off this year on May 12 with a party in the park.
The main attraction? A giant inflatable adventure course, ideal for older kids aged 8-16 but open to all energetic sorts.
Once you’re done navigating obstacles, there will be family activities and plenty of food, too.
Griffin Sports Club, 12 Dulwich Village, London SE21 7AL. May 12, 6pm – 8:30pm.
Admission: FREE but ticketed. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/opening-night-event-party/
Dulwich Park Fair
A returning favourite since 2007, Dulwich Park Fair is perhaps the keystone event of the annual festival.
Free and open to all the family, this year’s fair is a chance to meet the fluffies from Vauxhall City Farm, wince through the bashing of a traditional Punch and Judy puppet show, be dazzled by live magic, listen to bands and choirs, and cheer on the four-legged performers of the dog show.
Dulwich Park, College Road, SE21 7BQ. May 14, 12pm – 5pm.
Admission: FREE. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/dulwich-park-fair-2/
Wild Teddy Bears’ Picnic
‘If you go down to the Village Orchard today, you’re sure of a big surprise’, because there will be teddy bears aplenty propped up on blankets and the like.
While your little ones picnic with their favourite cuddly friends, the London Wildlife Trust is inviting families to hear all about the animals living among the grasses and trees of our local parks, through nature-themed stories accompanied by live music.
Village Orchard, Dulwich Village, Cnr Gallery Road and Burbage Road, SE21 7AF. May 13, 12pm – 4pm.
Admission: FREE. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/wild-teddy-bears-picnic-at-the-village-orchard-with-london-wildlife-trust/
Goose Green Fair
There’s something for just about everyone at the Goose Green Fair.
Bouncy castles, beer tents and stalls selling everything from art to homemade cakes and jewellery have been promised.
Explore the offering and stick around for a nibble of something delicious, plus special performances from local youth groups.
Goose Green, East Dulwich Road SE22 9AU. May 21, 11am – 5pm.
Admission: FREE. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/goose-green-fair/
WALKS
Street Art Walk with Amanda Greatorex
Join Amanda Greatorex for a walking tour of Dulwich’s murals, exploring their relevance to the local community and links between the faces beaming down from the neighbourhood’s walls and the artworks that inspired them.
Meeting point and time varies depending on event. Walking tours on May 14, 17, 19 & 21. Duration: 3 hours.
Admission: £12/£10 concessions. dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/street-art-walk-with-amanda-greatorex-sunday-14th-may-12-00-noon/
Georgian Heritage Walk with Ian McInnes
Explore Dulwich’s historic Georgian houses on foot and learn about the people who used to live in them in this 90-minute tour led by Ian McInnes.
Meet at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, Gallery Road, SE21 7AD. May 14, 2pm – 3:30pm.
Admission: £7/£4 concessions. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/georgian-heritage-walk-with-ian-mcinnes-2-00pm/
Wildlife Weekend at Centre for Wildlife Gardening with LWT
Rewild your little ones (and yourselves!) in this wildlife walk at East Dulwich’s Centre for Wildlife Gardening.
Through pond dipping and minibeast hunting, you’ll come face-to-face with toads, tadpoles, woodlice and worms.
Centre for Wildlife Gardening, 28 Marsden Road, London SE15 4EE. May 21, 1pm – 4pm.
Admission: FREE. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/wildlife-weekend-at-centre-for-wildlife-gardening-with-lwt/
LITERATURE
An Evening with Adam Kay
Hear the junior doctor turned best-selling author Adam Kay discuss his latest book Undoctored, charting his life since handing in his scrubs.
The Great Hall, Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, SE21 7LD. May 18, 7:30pm – 8:30pm.
Admission: £16.50. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/an-evening-with-adam-kay/
An evening with Caleb Azumah Nelson
Join Costa Prize-winning novelist Caleb Azumah Nelson (Open Water) for a talk about his new novel Small Worlds – an exploration of fathers, sons, faith and friendship.
Alleyn’s MCT, Townley Road, SE22 8SU. May 12, 7:30pm – 9pm.
Admission: £12.50. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/an-evening-with-caleb-azumah-nelson/
Food Demonstration with Rukmini Iyer
In this page-to-plate demonstration, chef and author of the Roasting Tin series Rukmini Iyer is taking audiences through some one-pan curry recipes from her latest book, India Express.
Old Library, Dulwich College, Dulwich Common, SE21 7LD, May 14, 3pm.
Admission: £12.50. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/food-demonstration-with-rukmini-iyer/
COMEDY
Berk’s Nest presents: Sikisa and Special guest
Laugh along to the latest material from south-east London local Sikisa plus a special guest. Sikisa is known further afield for her performances on TV’s Live At The Apollo.
The Crown and Greyhound, Dulwich Village, SE21 7BJ. May 15, 7:30pm.
Admission: £10/£8 concessions. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/berks-nest-presents-comedy-double-bill-monday-night/
Berk’s Nest presents: Kieran Hodgson and Max & Iva
Performing as part of a three-night comedy special are Kieran Hodgson and double act Max & Ivan.
All are Edinburgh Comedy Award nominees, so they’re bound to get you laughing.
The Crown and Greyhound, Dulwich Village, SE21 7BJ. May 16, 7:30pm.
Admission: £10/£8 concessions. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/berks-nest-presents-comedy-double-bill-tuesday-night-kieran-hodgson-and-max-iva/
PERFORMANCE
HandleBards – Romeo and Juliet
Eco-friendly theatre company The Handlebards – who cycle to all their performances carrying their set on their backs – are calling in at Dulwich Festival with their take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Romeo and Juliet.
This fresh-air production is taking place on the fields outside JAGS Sports Club, so be sure to pack your rainwear.
JAGS Sports Club, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JN. May 18, 7pm.
Admission: £18/£10 concessions. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/handlebards-romeo-and-juliet/
Jean Toussaint – the JT4
Did someone say live music?
American jazz legend and soprano saxophonist Jean Toussaint is performing upstairs at the EDT Jazz Club, supported by Neil Casey, Steve Watts and Mike Pickering.
Upstairs at the East Dulwich Tavern, 1 Lordship Lane, SE22 8EW. May 18, 8pm – 10pm.
Admission: £10. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/jean-toussaint-the-jt4/
Under the Tree
An all-female line-up of folk, country and jazz singer-songwriters are performing a concert with themes around identity and womanhood at the Copper Beech Café.
Early booking is recommended for the chance to grab a table and a bite to eat while you’re there.
Copper Beech Café, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JN. May 17, 7pm – 9:30pm.
Admission: £15. www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/event/under-the-tree-2/
OPEN HOUSES
For design enthusiasts, a highlight of Dulwich Festival is the Artists’ Open House programme, a chance to peek inside some of the neighbourhoods most beautiful homes, and shop the work of over 800 artists and makers.
Among those exhibiting work is portrait artist Sam Barnett, whose upcoming work includes a portrait of King Charles III commissioned for the coronation (May 13 & 14).
Local architecture firm Nimtim is opening up its doors, exhibiting the vivid, abstract works of local artist Katrina Adams as well as some of their latest design work (May 13 & 14).
Also opening up its studio is District Architects (May 13-14 and 20-21) , displaying their latest work and holding free design consultations – book in advance to secure a session.
For more information about Dulwich Festival’s Artists’ Open House programme, visit: www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/artists-open-house/
Dulwich Festival is running from May 12 – 21.
Admission, dates and times vary depending on event. For more information, visit: www.dulwichfestival.co.uk/
