Bermondsey Carnival returns to Southwark Park on Sunday, August 6, and organisers have released the hotly-anticipated programme of music, food and activities.
The 123-year-old festival, which is free to all, was cancelled last year due to a lack of funding. But GALA festival will lend its stages and equipment to the historic event, allowing it to go ahead.
Revellers can expect groovy tunes from The Specials frontman Neville Staples, Catalan human tower builders and delicious grub from some of the borough’s best restaurants.
Music
Malick Kouyate’s music has been described as “enchanting” and the West African musician will kick off the day’s events.
He’ll be playing the Kora – an ancient 21-string instrument harp-like instrument that produces a distinctively delicate sound.
Swing, folk and blues outfit Alice and the Smiles will then take over, followed by Ardavan Ramin’s atmospheric “Persian desert” tones.
The mid-afternoon will signal the beginning of a foot-stomping, head-banging three hours thanks to a triple whammy of rock bands.
Bastru is a Bermondsey-based Bermondsey trio while Paradise on Purple were founded in the ‘90s by students at Southwark College.
The Bootleg Jam, a tribute band for The Jam, is renowned for sharing all the enthusiasm of its punk rock idols.
The Specials singer Neville Staple will headline Bermondsey Carnival this year. He played on and off with the world-famous Ska troupe from 1978 to 2012, performing lead and backing vocals.
Activities
Castellers of London are a group of performers following the 200-year-old Catalan tradition of human tower-building.
Expect mesmerising structures up to seven people tall as the team shows what can be done with “team work, cooperation and passion”.
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Whether you’re just starting out or already a yogic guru, the Sahaja Yoga Meditation Tent will be the perfect place to relax your mind and body.
Sahaja Yoga meditation aims to establish “a deep state of inner silence and joy, where one experiences the deepest self, free from unhelpful thoughts, anxieties and worries”.
Roaming comedy characters and magicians from the circus troupe Custard Storm Production will also be gallivanting around the site.
Their performers will be juggling, face painting, balloon modelling and hosting a circus skills workshop.
Food
Keeping up with festivities could require refuelling. Luckily, heaps of great food stalls will pitch up on the day.
Nanny Bill’s, based next to London Bridge, is renowned for its free-range, grass-fed beef burgers – aged with Himalayan salt for the perfect patties.
Smashing Plates, also from London Bridge, offer what they call “unorthodox” Greek cuisine. Expect gyros, souvlaki and grilled feasts with the odd twist to keep things interesting.
En Root uses seasonal vegetables, pulses and authentic Gujarati spices to deliver a much-loved vegan menu.
Based in Clapham and Peckham, they promise to cook up a storm that’s good for the mind, body and soul.
Chefs from Lil Watan are dedicated to offering the best of Lebanese cuisine – falafels and wraps drizzled in all sorts of delicious sauces.
450 Degrees will be on hand with the pizzas and, of course, a Mr Whippy truck will be on hand to fulfil all your dessert needs.
Community Stalls
Bermondsey Carnival is all about bringing the community together so representatives from Southwark’s most important local organisations will set up stalls.
Big Local Works is based at the Blue Market and offers confidential advice on 121 services including universal credit, personal independence payments, freedom passes and much more.
Southwark is a hotspot for regeneration projects. To find out more about what developers have in store for the borough, head over to the stalls run by Greystar and British Land.
The Proper Blokes Club is a walking group that encourages men to talk and breaks down the stigma around discussing mental health. Their stall will be full of friendly fellas only too happy to have a chat.
There will also be stalls run by Roosters Boxing, the Southwark Park Association and the Bermondsey British Legion.
The free Bermondsey Carnival will take place at Southwark Park, SE16, from 12pm to 8pm on Sunday, August 6.
The free Bermondsey Carnival will take place at Southwark Park, SE16, from 12pm to 8pm on Sunday, August 6
