Greenwich+Docklands International Fair 2019 aka GDIF is back! That’s right bigger and better for 2019, and in our opinion, one of the best annual festivals Greenwich Borough has to offer. We’ve taken a look at the line-up and pulled out the best family-friendly performances, so you don’t have to. Enjoy!
Greenwich Fair – 21-23 June 2019
Fantabulousa!, Tickertape Parade
22 June, 2.15pm, 4.40pm, 23 June, 12pm, 3.20pm
King Charles Lawns, Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, SE10 9HF
Step into the magic of Fantabulosa!, a pop-up world of imagination and storytelling where boundaries are forgotten, and anyone can be whoever they want to be. Join some of the UK’s leading drag artists for an unmissable show featuring interactive storytelling, lipsync, dress-up, games, songs and a LOT of glitter!
Want more fabulousness? Meet the artists and join in the fun in a more relaxed setting with glittery face painting, storytelling and games with Tickertape Parade’s informal activity sessions, running throughout Greenwich Fair and open to all ages and stages.
Drop into the activity sessions on Saturday 22 June, 1pm-6pm and Sunday 23 June, 12pm-5pm. (Excluding showtimes) more info here…
i-Puppets, Close-Act
21 June, 7pm, 8.30pm, Woolwich Town Centre, SE18
22 June, 2pm, 6.30pm, 23 June, 2pm, 5pm, Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London, UK
A trio of unusual optical creatures have landed and as they look down from above, they are curious to find out more about Woolwich and Greenwich. An intriguing interactive walkabout show which encourages you to reflect on seeing the world from a different perspective. Walkabout show involving large lit-up puppets that look like robotic eyes. More info here…
L’Atelier / Friends of Crusoe, Toc de Fusta
22 June, 1pm-9pm
23 June, 12pm-7pm
Old Royal Naval College, King William Walk, London, UK
Two linked interactive shows – one of them involves beautiful handcrafted wooden games for children and adults, and the other invites audiences into the “workshop” where the games were created.
Test your mind with these intriguing and brain-teasing mechanical puzzles, all beautifully handcrafted from wood. Suitable for children and adults alike, we invite you to explore and enjoy and take time to play. More info here…
Touch, smell, investigate, discover in a multi-sensory carpenters workshop, where all the Friends of Crusoe games were assembled. Uncover the creative inspiration and explore unlikely tools and machines used by Robinson Crusoe himself. L’Atelier is for the curious of any age, although recommend for 7+ to fully enjoy the experience. More info here…
Pasture with Cows, Captain Boomer
21 June 12pm -8pm, 22 June 12pm-8pm, 23 June 11am-5pm
This is an enormous frame surrounding real cows in Greenwich park – audiences are invited to sit and watch the cows and find some space for contemplation.
An enormous bucolic painting comes to life. Blurring the boundaries between art and reality, city and countryside. Like a real painting, it stops the time and pulls you in. You are invited to sit down and question your frame of mind. The majestic rhythm of the cows slows you down and makes you wonder. Please enter a world of rural bliss. More info here…
Other notable mentions across the festival should also go to:
My House, Apocalyptic Circus This will take place in Passey Place, Eltham – 4 July, 5 July, 11am, 1pm, 3.30pm
Come close and take a peek through the doors and windows of this pop-up circus theatre house, designed with children and families very much in mind. Combining playful circus including slack rope, hand balance and partner acrobatics, My House is followed by an opportunity for budding circus stars to open the front door and get stuck into some DIY tricks in this unusual town centre playspace. More info here
MO and the Red Ribbon, Compagnie L’Homme Debout This will take place in Roman Road, Bow
This is a large scale professional performance which tells the story of a giant child puppet and his experiences of migration. Audiences follow the puppet down Roman Road.
Combining spectacular staging and emotional storytelling, meet MO, a giant child puppet, who wakes up in Bow to find he has been separated from his family. With a red ribbon as a guide, help MO on his journey in this promenade production which explores the experience of migration from a child’s perspective, offering an ultimately optimistic look at the world we inhabit and those we share it with.
For the full festival program, please visit the GDIF website.
Price: FREE and for all ages. Contact Details Email the team here! Website URL: festival.org Address Details
Location: London SE10 9NN
Details are subject to change so please make sure you check with the venue before setting out. Thanks!