Literary Festival, Bermondsey and beyond.
From March 6th to March 16th, 2025, the inaugural Bermondsey and Beyond Literature Festival will take place, celebrating literature and showcasing the incredible talent within the community.
The festival is completely free and offers a variety of activities for everyone. Whether attendees prefer cozy indoor events or adventurous outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Friends and families are encouraged to come together and be part of this historic literary celebration in Bermondsey! This community-led event aims to showcase local talent and voices through literature, providing a wonderful opportunity for everyone to celebrate and support one another.
For updates on all festival activities, individuals can join the mailing list or contact the organizers at [email protected].
Don’t miss out on this chance to be part of the first-ever grand literary fair in the area! The community looks forward to welcoming everyone!
Festival Highlights:
- 13:30 / Launch Event. Attendees are invited to the official launch of the festival featuring a talk by crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley at the Blue Anchor Library. Dr. Buckley will discuss her captivating book, ‘The Bermondsey Murder’. Doors open from 12:00, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure a good seat!
- Unique Books by Morocco Bound: Visitors can explore a fantastic selection of unique books brought to the Blue Market by the team of this unique book store and culture hub in Bermondsey. This is a great opportunity to discover new reads and support local authors!
Celebrate the ancient tradition of Wassail.
Wassail is an ancient tradition that celebrates the arrival of spring and wakes up the apple and pear trees so that they bear fruit. The Blue Market is proud to host Bermondsey’s 3rd Annual Wassail organised by Trees for Bermondsey and the Rouel Blue Garden Club.
Wassail Free Activities
Free workshops for all the family in The Blue Market from 2pm
- Lantern Making with Frog Morris from Illuminate Bermondsey
- Make crowns and garlands with Trees for Bermondsey
- Drawing workshop with Rouel Blue Garden Club: help us design a new mural for the lock up in Rouel Estate Community Garden
- Greening the Blue Repair Week Workshop with litter picking, recycling information and a Book Swap to celebrate the launch of Bermondsey Literary Festival
- Practise singing and playing the Wassails accompanied by some special guests
- Plus more to be announced!
This is a great opportunity for people of all ages to get creative and join in.
At 4.30pm, our Green Man and Musicians will lead a lantern procession to nearby Rouel Estate Community Orchard, where the Wassailing will take place from 5pm – 6pm. Mulled cider and non-alcoholic fruit punch will be served. Participants are encouraged to bring along something to wake up the spirits of the trees, such as a pot and wooden spoon, a drum, bells, a musical instrument or a horn.
The Bermondsey Wassail is funded by Southwark Council’s Neighbourhoods Fund
