The inaugural Bermondsey and Beyond Literature Festival was a celebration not to be missed! From March 6th to 16th, the community came together to honour literature and highlight the remarkable local talent that made the area so special. Hats off to Erika at the Big Local Works and all those involved in making this happen.
This exciting, free festival featured a wide array of events and activities for all ages and interests. Whether visitors preferred cosy indoor readings or interactive outdoor experiences, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
As a community-driven initiative, the festival proudly showcased local voices through the power of literature. It was a brilliant opportunity for people to connect, celebrate, and support one another creatively and culturally.
Festival Highlights
World Book Day – Storytelling, Chats and Bookmaking
Thursday 6 March | From 13:00 | Appleby Blue Almshouses
Preschool children from Little Me Nursery arrived for a lively animated book reading session, open to local parents and under-5s. Beloved favourites like The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar, and We’re Going on a Bear Hunt delighted the little ones.
Later in the day, Morayo hosted a creative afterschool arts and crafts session where children made their own bookmarks and enjoyed nursery rhymes and drawing activities.
The Bermondsey Murder with Dr. Angela Buckley
Saturday 8 March | From 13:30 | Blue Anchor Library
Crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley delivered an illustrated talk on the infamous ‘Manning Murder’ – a fascinating dive into Victorian crime history. Visitors also enjoyed browsing the Morocco Bound Bookshop stall, filled with literary gems.
Down The Blue – Guided Tour
Sunday 9 March | From 14:00 | The Blue Market
Led by local historian and artist Debra Gosling, attendees took a relaxed guided walk through the history of Bermondsey’s famous thoroughfare, soaking in stories of the past.
Dear Tommy – A Talk by Michael Holland
Monday 10 March | From 19:00 | Appleby Blue Almshouses
Writer and filmmaker Michael Holland gave an evocative talk on Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in the Golden Age of Postcards, sharing insights from his book Dear Tommy, filled with rich visual and historical detail.
Toddler Shake & Boogie: The Three Little Pigs
Tuesday 11 March | 9:30–11:30am | Appleby Blue Almshouses
Dawn and Ellie brought energy and fun to this under-5s session, blending storytelling, song, arts and crafts, all inspired by The Three Little Pigs.
Open Mic Poetry Night
Wednesday 12 March | From 19:00 | Morocco Bound Bookshop
Local poets and writers took the mic to share original work in a welcoming, expressive evening of poetry and performance.
Rotherhithe Voices
Friday 14 March | From 18:00 | Café Deli Felice
This month’s open mic event, hosted by creative writing tutor Alison Clayburn, centred around the theme The Thames. It provided a supportive platform for both new and experienced performers to share spoken word, songs, and stories.
Visit to Peek Frean Museum
Saturday 15 March | From 13:00 | The Biscuit Factory
Participants explored the delightful Peek Frean Museum with volunteer co-curator Gary Magold. From biscuit tins to staff magazines, the visit offered a charming look into Bermondsey’s rich biscuit-making heritage.
Bookmaking Workshop with Amanda Boachie
Saturday 15 March | From 13:00 | The Blue Market
Amanda Boachie, founder of FORTY-FOUR WORDS, led a hands-on workshop in bookbinding techniques. Participants of all ages learned how to stitch and knot to create their very own books.
Festival Finale
Sunday 16 March | 13:30–15:30 | Canada Water Library
The festival closed with a special prize-giving for the 16+ poetry competition and a gripping talk by author Sarah Bax Horton. In Arm of Eve, she explored the chilling case of the Thames Torso Murders—shedding light on a lesser-known killer who predated Jack the Ripper, with a surprising Bermondsey connection.
This year’s Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival was a huge success—celebrating community, creativity, and the joy of storytelling in all its forms.
