Royal Docks Originals 2025
This autumn, from 15 September to 4 October, experience Royal Docks Originals, a free arts festival created by artists, creatives, and communities from across the Royal Docks. Made and happening in the Royal Docks. It isn’t just a moment. It’s a movement…
Newham is the beating heart of London’s culture and home to some of the UK’s most ambitious and dynamic cultural regeneration, including the Royal Docks which is becoming London’s Cultural Engine.
Visit the festival to explore this unique area with over 50 exciting events. Expect show-stopping art, dazzling installations and world-premieres all inspired by the theme of Metamorphosis: a celebration of transformation and journeys.
Highlights include:
- Rekindling, a spectacular site-specific fire installation featuring Compagnie Carabosse and Royal Docks communities
- Royal Reflections and Sweet Hope, beautiful light artworks created for the area by Chila Kumari Singh Burman MBE
- Take a tour inside the iconic Millennium Mills, glance behind the scenes at The Factory creative studios, and get a first glimpse inside the newly refurbished Tate Institute
- Blue Sunset by Graphic Rewilding – a large-scale botanical mural inspired by residents
Plus, live music, poetry, and visual art aboard the IFS Cable Car, a Creative Careers Day for young Londoners and family fun days out at Pontoon Dock and Royal Albert Wharf. You can even see behind the scenes of Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability.
Royal Docks Originals is produced by the Royal Docks Team, a partnership between the Mayor of London and the Mayor of Newham - bringing together local artists, organisations and communities to co-create a festival rooted in place.
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For your visit
Food & Drink
Tapa Tapa
Welcoming wine bar just outside the ExCeL centre, with continental salad, pizza, and sandwiches.
Activities
The Quad Club & Spa
This spa, swimming pool and gym in the Crown Plaza Hotel offers calming treatments and classes.
Places To Stay
Connaught House Hotel
This Grade II-listed building provides comfortable rooms and classic pub dining.
