After 5 years away, the Bermondsey Folk Festival is back. Join us for an afternoon of folk music and dance from around the world. This year’s relaunch is part of a plan to regrow the Bermondsey Folk Festival & to include as many old folk traditions, old and new, as we can. It includes some acoustic reggae, which I had the pleasure to hear a practice session this evening, trust me when I say don’t miss this!
FREE ceramics and painting activities for your kids.
27th September 2025 at the Blue Market Place in Bermondsey (see location map).
Register as it helps us understand numbers, and plan for the event, without this it’s really difficult so we appreciate those who add their details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bermondsey-folk-roots-micro-festival-tickets-1623885528329?aff=oddtdtcreator
Live outdoor performances:
* Bity Booker
* Carragher Academy of Irish Dance
* Cunning Folk
* Gemma Khawaja
* Indika Ital (Featuring Fyah Mawi & Ifatunde Orunmila)
* Jacken Elswyth
* Okinawa Sanshinkai
Bermondsey Folk Festival – A Community Tradition Since 2015
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Bermondsey, the Bermondsey Folk Festival has become a cherished fixture on London’s cultural calendar, but 2019 was the last year Bermondsey hosted it. This free folk music celebration, born of local passion and community spirit, first took to the stage in 2015—and in doing so, planted a seed that would flourish in the years up until 2019 (then the pandemic), we’re now in a position to bring it back.
Origins: A Chance Encounter and a Bold Idea
The festival’s story began in 2014 with a serendipitous conversation at Bermondsey Market: a folk musician chatting with a local fishmonger over jellied eels. That spark led to the first festival in September 2015, organised by Cunning Folk Music with support from Blue Bermondsey BID. From intimate pub sessions to lively outdoor performances, the festival struck a chord with Bermondsey locals from the start.
A Festival that Evolved with Its Community
The first editions of the festival unfolded over a week, turning Bermondsey’s pubs into live music hubs each evening. Since 2017, the festival has found its stride as a one-day event in September featuring:
- Live outdoor performances
- Family-friendly activities
- Local food and drink
Save the Date
The Bermondsey Folk Festival returns soon with more music, memories, and magic. Whether you’re a folk purist or simply seeking a soulful Saturday in the city, come join the chorus.