Gabriel's Wharf Arts Festival

Gabriel's Wharf has long been an artsy enclave nestled in London’s vibrant South Bank, so we're excited to share with you our free creative event, the Gabriel's Wharf Arts Festival 2025!

We invite you to join us for two unforgettable days on Saturday 6th and Saturday 20th September for a celebration of creativity and community. Enjoy live music, spoken word, and circus performances, plus art & craft activities. Across both days encounter roving spoken word and comedy performances, as you explore the shops or enjoy a drink at our riverside location.

It's not just about the entertainment, but also about immersing yourself in our community. Take the opportunity to meet our wonderful shop and restaurant owners, and maybe even stumble upon a keepsake that you'll treasure forever. See some of the makers at work in their shops, plus enjoy a selection of dining and shopping special offers.

Location: Gabriel’s Wharf, Upper Ground, London SE1 9PP (access also from the Thames Pathway)

Admission: Totally free!

Saturday 6th September | Line-up

12pm - 12.50pm | Amber Honey
Amber Honey (aka tarantula.mber) brings her fresh folk sound to this year's festival, inspired by artists such as Meredith Monk and Tim Buckley.

1pm - 1.10pm | Marina
Hear original compositions for guitar and voice from this singer-songwriter. 

1.10pm - 1.40pm | The Sheens
Enjoy folk, funk, pop and rock from London-based four-piece band, The Sheens.

1.45pm - 2.15pm | Tamashii School of Wadaiko-Dō
Experience the power of traditional Japanese drumming in this exciting performance by the Tamashii School.

2.20pm - 3.20pm | City Academy Songbirds feat. The Sheens
Acclaimed all-female choir City Academy Songbirds perform a set incorporating gospel, pop, musical theatre and rock.

3.30pm - 4pm | Tamashii School of Wadaiko-Dō

4pm - 5pm | City Academy Songbirds feat. The Sheens

5pm - 6pm | mex.fS
Guitarist and composer Joseph Gravil, aka mex.fS, creates other-worldly landscapes with his unique 'lap tap' style of guitar playing. 

Spoken-word artist Tia-zakura performs throughout the day - witness her unique style blending storytelling and rhyming patterns.

1pm - 5pm | Bunting making
Get creative and decorate bunting to hang up around the Wharf. All ages are welcome!

1pm - 4pm | That Guy With A Ball
Prepare to be captivated by Matt Hennam (aka That Guy With A Ball), whose act includes manipulations with a stunning crystal ball. Catch him every hour, on the hour, as he wanders around the Wharf.

Saturday 20th September | Line-up

12pm - 1pm | mex.fS
Guitarist and composer Joseph Gravil, aka mex.fS, creates other-worldly landscapes with his unique 'lap tap' style of guitar playing.

1pm - 2pm | Doolally Tap
Enjoy a barnstorming live performance from jazz band Doolally Tap, fizzing with the spirit and energy of the prohibition era in true New Orleans style.

2.10pm - 3.20pm | Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi
Award-winning harpist Alina Bzhezhinska (aka AlinaHipHarp) and acclaimed jazz saxophonist Tony Kofi bring their innovative and refreshing sound of their recent albums 'Altera Vita' and 'Whispers of Rain' to this year's festival.

3.30pm - 4.30pm | Doolally Tap

4.30pm - 5.10pm & 5.20pm - 6pm | Danusia Samal & Ed Gaughan
Critically-acclaimed artists Danusia Samal (vocals) and Ed Gaughan (guitar) perform work from the Great American Songbook and beyond. 

Spoken-word artist Tia-zakura performs throughout the day - witness her unique style blending storytelling and rhyming patterns.

1pm - 5pm | Placards with Alice Alderman
Get creative and create affirmation placards with artist and author Alice Alderman. All ages are welcome!

1pm - 4pm | That Guy With A Ball
Prepare to be captivated by Matt Hennam (aka That Guy With A Ball), whose act includes manipulations with a stunning crystal ball. Catch him every hour, on the hour, as he wanders around the Wharf.

In-store events

Saturday 6th & 20th September, 12pm - 6pm | Poetry On The Hour @ Potters' Yard Arts
Enjoy hourly poetry readings and demonstrations at Potters' Yard Arts. Meet artist Liz Mathews and writer Frances Bingham, and learn more about their clay and paper-based work.

Saturday 6th September, 1pm - 5pm | Vegan scents workshop @ TAP by Gita's Portal
Led by Gale Scents, mix and purchase your own unique perfume from an array of 100% natural and vegan ingredients. Free sample giveaways on the day.

Saturday 20th September, 1pm - 5pm | Mark making with Tami St George Hedley @ Skylark Galleries
Create your own work of art with artist Tami St George Hedley at this drop-in session outside of Skylark Galleries. Have a go at mark making using vibrant acrylic paint and everyday items such as bubble wrap, sticks and kitchenware. Suitable for all ages.

Saturday 20th September, 12pm - 6pm | Handmade Moments with TMBoutique @ TAP by Gita's Portal
Get creative with TMBoutique's earring bar. Choose from a stunning selection of cabochon beads in various colours and designs to create your very own cabochon stud earrings. Festival special offer: 1x pair £8, 2x pairs £15 or 3x pairs £20 (usually £10 per pair).

Festival special offers

To celebrate the festival enjoy a selection of special offers from some of our vendors:

• Claim a free dessert with any main course at Paradiso from 12-6pm. Mention ‘Arts Festival’ to claim
• 10% discount on framed prints & artist’s books by Liz Mathews at Potters' Yard Arts
• Enjoy discounts on products at TAP by Gita’s Portal, see in store for details

Please note:

• This event is completely free, no tickets are required.
• Line-up may be subject to change.
• There will be limited shade or rain cover so please dress appropriately for the weather on the day.
• You are not permitted to bring alcoholic drinks with you, any found will be confiscated. Food and drinks can be purchased from the many vendors at the Wharf.
• Filming and photography will be taking place at this event.