Why Bermondsey Festival Is the Highlight of the Year.

Bermondsey may not be the centre of the universe, but for those of us who live here, the Bermondsey Festival truly feels like the highlight of the year. As a local artist, I get so much joy from this event. With over 10,000 visitors filling the streets, the atmosphere sparkles with energy.

For me, the best part is meeting people — sharing stories about art and local history, and hearing their memories in return. Of course, selling artwork is part of the day too, but it’s those conversations with visitors and fans that make it all the more special.

The Festival is just one day a year, and when it’s over there’s always that little anticlimax. But the memories linger long after, even if the day itself is exhausting — starting at 8am and running through until 6pm. Tired or not, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.

As a stallholder, I only ever see a small slice of the Festival from my pitch. Still, with performers and entertainers weaving through the crowds, there’s always something magical happening in front of me. We managed to capture a few photos from the day — though not nearly enough of all the wonderful entertainment! Next year is already in my diary, and I’d recommend you mark yours too. It’s always such a joy.

Uncovering London’s Best-Kept Secrets

You may have already seen the posters and heard about Hidden London. The name is a play on words: I’m always drawn to scenes that carry hidden stories — histories tucked away in the fabric of London’s streets. I love listening to people share their own memories, but I also have a habit of researching each location, uncovering little details, and weaving them into my work.

This upcoming exhibition will be a solo showcase of my paintings, featuring new pieces inspired by Primrose Hill, Highgate Hill, Chelsea, St Paul’s, and many more locations across the city. Each artwork will be available for sale as an original piece, a limited-edition print, or a signed print.

Too often, people buy a painting without ever meeting the artist. This exhibition is your chance not only to view the artwork but also to meet me in person, learn the stories behind the scenes, and maybe even discover ideas and inspiration for your own home.

Just this week, I was interviewed by the Bermondsey Biscuit, our local paper. They asked if I take on commissions — I admitted I usually don’t. Instead, I prefer to focus on places that capture my imagination. I’ve always seen London not as one vast city, but as a collection of villages, each with its own character, linked together by winding roads and shared histories.

Many of us rarely step outside our own communities once the working day is done. With this exhibition, I hope to bring people together — crossing that invisible divide of north and south London — and invite you to share in the creative spirit that connects us all.

The doors open at Surrey Quays Shopping Centre on the 8th October 2025. Can’t wait to see you…