Tramshed, the beloved theatre and community hub in Woolwich, together with the support of the Greenwich Council and Berkeley Homes, proudly presents the Greenwich Family Arts Festival 2023 (GFAF 2023). This exciting month-long celebration offers a range of free outdoor arts activities for families across the borough. From July 1st to July 30th, families can enjoy a diverse lineup of shows, interactive workshops, and musical performances across ten stunning outdoor venues. Get ready to embark on a thrilling journey filled with laughter, creativity, and unforgettable moments.
The festival takes place in picturesque locations throughout Greenwich, ranging from charming town squares to scenic parks, gardens, and even a castle, or folly as we adults call it!
GFAF 2023 promises an impressive lineup of shows, acts, and interactive workshops. Immerse your family in the magic of puppetry with “Anansi and the Lost Sun.” Be amazed by the whimsical animal antics in “The Woolly Wonder!” and “Devious Dolphins.” The festival also brings an array of live music performances that will transport you across the globe. From West African jazz-infused sounds of Bukky Leo at Greenwich Park’s Bandstand, or join the lively street performances by The Rajasthan Heritage Band in Woolwich and Kidbrooke.
Offering an abundance of awe-inspiring acts and activities suitable for all ages. Witness the breathtaking courage of Circus Raj performers, who will leave you in awe of their incredible acrobatic skills. Take part in a Story Walk Through Nature, guided by the talented Naomi Cortes, and discover the natural beauty of South-East London through captivating tales. Additionally, Tramshed’s annual Youth Takeover Day and Youth Music Showcase invite young people to explore new activities during the day and showcase their musical talents in the evening!
So save the Date for these Special Events:
Saturday 1st July
The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band – The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band is a living embodiment of this landscape, a spectacular celebration of its vibrant and colourful lifestyle; their music and dance are a heady, exciting and hypnotic reflection of this enchanting region. General Gordon Square, 1:00 pm & 3:00 pm
Circus Raj – The elite street circus performers from Rajasthan bring their legendary entertainment by combining their amazing skills in performing breathtaking acts of courage and bravery. General Gordon Square, – 2:00pm & 4:00pm
Story Walk Through Nature – One day, Darkness covers the face of the Land. Lion appeals for someone to bring back the Light and save the World. Who will succeed? The Powerful Eagle? The Clever Monkey? or Anansi the Spider and his mates? Greenwich Park Bandstand – 2:00 pm & 3:00 pm
ALL EARS: Bukky Leo Live – Bukky Leo is a saxophonist who was discovered by Tony Allen while practising in Lagos. He went on to play with Fela Kuti before pursuing his own unique blend of jazz and afrobeat. Greenwich Park Bandstand, 4:00 pm-6:00 pm
Sunday 2nd July
The Woolly Wonder! – The Woolly Wonder and Comedy Cavemen! A posse of Palaeolithic cavemen causes mischief with their pet Woolly Wonder! They’re back, and you better hold onto your snacks, as these silly hunter-gatherers and not-so-extinct Mammoth aren’t quite civilized yet! Avery Hill Park, – 2:00 pm, 1:00 & 3:30 pm
Story Walk Through Nature – Walk, talk, and take a nature stroll with Story Maker Naomi Cortes. Listen and share stories that celebrate and enjoy the natural world in the beautiful setting of Avery Hill Park.-Avery Hill Park (meet at the Café) – 12.30 pm, 1.30 pm & 4:00 pm.
Saturday 8th July
The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band – The Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band is a living embodiment of this landscape, a spectacular celebration of its vibrant and colourful lifestyle; their music and dance are a heady, exciting and hypnotic reflection of this enchanting region. Pegler Square & Cator Park North, 1:15 pm & 3:15 pm
Circus Raj – The elite street circus performers from Rajasthan bring their legendary entertainment by combining their amazing skills in performing breathtaking acts of courage and bravery Cator Park North, 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm
Sunday 9th July
The Woolly Wonder! – The Woolly Wonder and Comedy Cavemen! A posse of Palaeolithic cavemen causes mischief with their pet Woolly Wonder! They’re back, and you better hold onto your snacks, as these silly hunter-gatherers and not-so-extinct Mammoth aren’t quite civilized yet! Severndroog Castle, 12:00 pm, 1:15 pm & 2:30 pm
Saturday 15th July
Youth Takeover Day – An explosion of activity programmed by young people for ages 8 – 16. Workshop programmes to include Street Dance, Spoken Word, Graffiti Art, Parkour and opportunities to showcase skateboard / BMX skills. Just turn up and have a go. Greenwich Park Grandstand, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Youth Music Showcase Greenwich Bandstand is handed over to local talented young musicians – with performances from 13–21 years, including bands, singer-songwriters, rappers, spoken word artists, and grime artists. Greenwich Park Grandstand, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm
Sunday 16th July
Fish Out of Water Fish Out of Water is a fresh, multi-disciplinary, participatory outdoor performance using hip-hop dance, sculptures & live, responsive music to explore themes of belonging, otherness, displacement & migrancy with humour & charm. Bostall Gardens, 2:00 pm & 4:00 pm
Saturday 22nd July
Anansi and the Lost Sun A Puppet Show celebrating African & Caribbean culture for families & children aged 4 to 11. A funny, inspiring & entertaining West African tale mixing Puppetry, Spoken Word & traditional live West African Music. Tump 53, 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Devious Dolphins -Dolphins is a comedy walkabout show. Meet two Dolphins as they communicate nonverbally through whistle sounds and water spraying. Highly intelligent and naughty, these mammals show off their tricks and also reverse the relationship between humans and animals –Tump 53, 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm.
Sunday 23rd July
Falconry Dismay Dizzy O’Dare ruffles feathers with Falconry Dismay, an anarchic and wild flight into the world of falconry shows. Showcasing the extraordinary talents of three majestic birds of prey, their expert handler holds tight to the tethers to keep the show going; you will belly laugh through the raucous ride that is Falconry Dismay. Eltham Park South, 12:00 pm & 2:00 pm
Saturday 29th July
Family Pride Day Tramshed, in partnership with Fatt Projects, presents FAMILY PRIDE DAY with a spectacular line-up of performers and artists celebrating joy, self-expression, difference and all the things that make us unique (with a big dose of glitter thrown in). Royal Arsenal, Artillery Square
1:00 pm-5:00 pm
Sunday 30th July
Let’s Go Clubbing – Get your ticket to the hottest club in town! Let’s go clubbing is a new two-person juggling show charting a journey through the history of club music, starting with Disco up to the modern day. Mycenae House, 12:30 pm & 2:00 pm
And many more events and activities throughout the festival.
Events are free. Though not necessary, booking is recommended as this allows organisers to send updates, precise location details, timing changes if necessary, and priority access to events and activities when attendance numbers are high.
Check out the full programme and book your free tickets now: visit tramshed.org, call 020 8854 1316 or visit Tramshed in person at 51-53 Woolwich New Road, London, SE18 6ES.