Bermondsey Puppetry & Storytelling Festival: Free Storytelling and Making
Free outdoor storytelling sessions with Bernadette Russell. Venture into the magical forests of the world, find out all about BATS… and make some bunting for our grand finale celebration in Bermondsey Spa Gardens on 12th July. This event is run in association with Trees For Bermondsey and Bermondsey Literature Festival.
Storytimes: 12.15, 1.15 and 2.15
Outside in Rouel Road Gardens and Community Orchard (3 minutes walk from The Blue across St James Rd)
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!
- Live performance 12.15, 1.15 and 2.15
- Free workshop activity
- 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
This 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.