Puppet & Storytelling Festival: Forest Storytelling and Puppet Making
Free family drop-in craft with storytelling. Create your own woodland puppet and find out how to bring it to life!
Bangladeshi born storyteller Rez Kabir performs in the Marketplace.
Make your own Tree Spirit Marionnette puppet with artists Sarah Sparkes and find out about how you can join in with our finale event in July.
All ages welcome, all materials provided.
Storytelling is suitable for all ages and lasts 20 minutes. Storytimes: 12.30, 1.30and 2.30
All puppets made at this event can be used at at our grand finale celebration in Bermondsey Spa Gardens on 12th July. Put the date in your diary!
Storyteller : Rez Kabir
Rez Kabir is an actor & storyteller based in London. Born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, he came to UK with his parents. He acts, produces, writes and works in theatre, film and TV across the UK and internationally. He has dedicated much of his work to local communities, young people and families to support literacy, language and well being. He is also Artistic Director of Tamarind Theatre Co based in Whitechapel, widening participation in the arts. https://mayaproductions.co.uk/about-maya/rez-kabir/
Artist : Sarah Sparkes
Sarah Sparkes is a London-based artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores the boundaries between science, folklore, and the supernatural. Sarah works across installation, sculpture, film, and performance as well as curating and teaching. She is the founder of live art project Chutney Preserves where puppets, performers, artist and the public interact in outdoor space, including the Puppet Wars on Camberwell Green. Sarah has run many memorable activities in The Blue Marketplace, including colouring competitions, making christmas decorations and lantern making.
Bermondsey Puppet & Storytelling Festival 2026
A new family-friendly community festival is coming to Bermondsey in summer 2026. Bermondsey Puppet & Storytelling Festival will feature free puppetry and storytelling workshops across local schools, community venues and public spaces, leading to a lively outdoor celebration in Bermondsey Spa Gardens on Sunday 12 July, 12–5pm.
The finale will showcase community-made puppets alongside headline performances from internationally renowned storytellers including Usifu Jalloh, Emily Hanna, Marrianna Portello and Bernadette Russell. All events are free and open to all ages.
Find out more:
https://bermondsey.london/events/puppet-storytelling-festival-2026-bermondsey/
What to expect at the workshops
Free public workshops will take place across local venues and outdoor spaces, including sessions at The Blue Market and the finale in Bermondsey Spa Gardens. Led by professional storytellers and puppeteers, these hands-on sessions invite people of all ages to create puppets, share stories and learn the techniques that bring puppetry and storytelling to life. Participants can contribute ideas and creations towards the final community celebration. No experience is needed — just curiosity and imagination. Take home your creations and then bring them along to Bermondsey Spa Gardens on Sunday 12 July 12 – 5pm and join in with our finale show!
- Free drop-in workshop activity 12pm – 3pm
- Free storytelling performance : 12.30, 1.30and 2.30
- All ages welcome
- Disabled accessible
- Seating available
- Market open with places to eat and drink nearby
How to get there?
By bus
1, 381, P12
By train
South Bermondsey, Canada Water
By tube
Bermondsey
By car
Parking on St James Road (2 hour maximum). Free street parking available at weekends, please check signs for local restrictions.
Accessibility
Blue Market is an outdoor space all on one level with wide entrances, suitable for pushchair, wheelchairs and mobility vehicles. Seating available. Disabled access toilets in Blue Anchor Library.