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. Over two days enjoy live music, spoken word, comedy & circus performances, plus art & craft activities.

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!

Line-up | Saturday 6th September

Live music & spoken word (bandstand)

12pm - 12.50pm | Jamie Rudd
Guitarist Jamie Rudd plays modern folk compositions, inspired by traditional music from the British Isles. Catch him again at 1.30pm by the riverside.

1pm - 1.30pm | The Sheens
Enjoy folk, funk, pop and rock from London-based four-piece band, The Sheens.

1.30pm - 2pm | Tamashii School of Wadaikoo-Do
Experience the power of traditional Japanese drumming in this exciting performance by the Tamashii School.

2pm - 3pm | City Academy Songbirds feat. The Sheens
Acclaimed all-female choir City Academy Songbirds perform a set incorporating gospel, pop, musical theatre and rock.

3pm - 3.30pm | Tamashii School of Wadaikoo-Do

3.30pm - 4.30pm | City Academy Songbirds feat. The Sheens

4.30pm - 5.30pm | mex.fS
Guitarist and composer Joseph Gravil, aka mex.fS, creates other-worldly landscapes with his unique 'lap tap' style of guitar playing. Catch him again at 5.50pm by the riverside.

5.30pm - 6.30pm | Tom Chivers
Writer Tom Chivers reads from and discusses his exciting new book London Clay: Journeys in the Deep City, exploring the hidden landscapes of our beloved city.

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

Art & craft activities

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.

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

Performances (throughout)

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 30 minutes from 1pm as he wanders around the Wharf.

12pm - 6pm | Roving live performance & comedy
Enjoy performances throughout the Wharf as you explore the shops or enjoy a drink at our riverside location.

 

Line-up | Saturday 20th September

Live music & spoken word (bandstand)

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 & 5.30pm - 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.

Art & craft activities

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.

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

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.

Performances (throughout)

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 30 minutes from 1pm as he wanders around the Wharf.

12pm - 6pm | Roving live performance & comedy
Enjoy performances throughout the Wharf as you explore the shops or enjoy a drink at our riverside location.

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.
• 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.