Every year, the Bermondsey Street Festival transforms one of South London’s most creative neighbourhoods into a lively celebration of community, independent businesses, food, music and art. For me personally, it has also become an important part of my journey as a London artist.
I first exhibited at the festival in 2015 after being offered a shared stall with another local artist. At the time, I had never actually attended the Bermondsey Street Festival before, so I had no idea quite how special the event was.
“What I discovered was a street full of energy, creativity and pride in the local community.”
From family entertainment and live music to independent food traders and artists, the whole of Bermondsey Street came alive. Thousands of visitors passed through the festival during the day, and what immediately struck me was how welcoming and passionate people were about the area they lived in.
Over the years, my original shared stall gradually evolved into a full stall of my own, showcasing my collection of London artwork, limited edition prints and pencil drawings inspired by Bermondsey and the surrounding areas.
Bermondsey Festival 2025
The fire brigade got called…. but who are these guys.
Bermondsey Festival 2025 Photos
Work in progress
Marylebone High Street Original Painting by M.Rodwell
Painting Memories of London
I began painting London scenes in 2011 while searching for work between jobs. What initially started as a hobby quickly became a passion.
Today, under the name London Artist Magnus Rodwell, I create impressionist illustrations and pencil drawings inspired by the streets, architecture and atmosphere of London.
Unlike many modern artists who work digitally, all of my artwork begins with visiting the location itself. I walk the streets, take photographs, study the light and return multiple times to capture the atmosphere correctly before creating the final painting or drawing back in my studio. That process is incredibly important to me because these are not simply pictures of London — they are memories of London.
Many of the scenes featured at the Bermondsey Street Festival are available as signed limited edition London prints on archival 100% cotton paper, designed to last for generations.
Past Bermondsey Festival Photos…
Bermondsey at the Heart of My Artwork
Although my artwork now includes areas such as Chelsea, Marylebone, Highgate Village, Camberwell and Rotherhithe, Bermondsey remains at the heart of my work because I have lived in the area since arriving in London in 1997.
For the Bermondsey Street Festival, I usually showcase artwork inspired by:
Bermondsey Street
Tower Bridge
Shad Thames
Rotherhithe
Wapping
Elephant and Castle
South London street scenes
One of the most popular pieces over the years has been my painting of The Fckoffee Coffee shop looking towards the church on Bermondsey Street. The scene resonates with many people because both the café and church are instantly recognisable local landmarks connected to everyday life in the area.
Pencil Drawings of Shad Thames on Display in a Showroom Apartment
Why Bermondsey Inspires Creativity
What makes Bermondsey unique to me is its balance between history, creativity and community spirit. There are layers of London history hidden throughout the area. Former warehouses, leather markets, tanneries and industrial buildings now sit alongside independent restaurants, galleries and creative businesses.
Places such as Shad Thames, Butler’s Wharf and St Saviour’s Dock continue to inspire my work because they still carry echoes of London’s past. I often think about writers such as Charles Dickens walking through these same streets centuries ago. Knowing that great creatives once found inspiration here makes the area feel even more meaningful to paint today.
The Atmosphere of Bermondsey Street Festival
The atmosphere during the Bermondsey Street Festival is unlike anything else in London.
There is a real mixture of people:
local residents
office workers
collectors
tourists
families
returning customers
Londoners
Some visitors stop because they already own my artwork and want to add to their collection. Others discover my work for the very first time while exploring the festival.
One of the most rewarding parts of the event is hearing the stories people connect with through the artwork. Sometimes it is about growing up locally. Sometimes it is memories of working nearby or meeting a partner in London. Other times it is simply a desire to hold onto a meaningful moment spent in the city.
I have even had customers travel from Australia and America to attend the festival and visit my stall, which is both surreal and incredibly humbling.
Bermondsey Street Limited Edition Print by M.Rodwell
Festival Goers Seeking out Memories of Local Landmarks in Art.
Popular Limited Edition Bermondsey Prints
Why Independent Artists Matter
One of the reasons the Bermondsey Street Festival feels so authentic is because it is built around independent businesses, artists and makers. Visitors are not simply buying products online — they are meeting the people who actually create them. Whether it is chefs, fashion designers, designers, illustrators, glass blowers, or local craftspeople, everyone involved brings personality and passion to the event. That human connection is what gives the festival its identity and warmth.
For me personally, being part of the festival means being part of a wider creative community of talented people who genuinely care about what they make.
Exploring Bermondsey Beyond the Festival
The Bermondsey Street Festival is also a great opportunity to explore one of London’s most characterful neighbourhoods.
Nearby locations such as:
Borough Market
Tower Bridge
Shad Thames
Maltby Street Market
are all within easy reach and help showcase the unique atmosphere of South London.
Bermondsey Street itself is filled with independent cafés, restaurants and bars, making it easy to spend the entire day enjoying the area.
More Than Just a Festival
For me, Bermondsey represents community, creativity and belonging. It is a place full of talented people, hidden history and independent spirit. Exhibiting at the Bermondsey Street Festival each year feels like being part of something bigger than simply selling artwork. It feels like contributing to the story of modern London itself.
To explore more London artwork, limited edition prints and Bermondsey-inspired scenes click on the following link
Save the Date
19th September 2026 Bermondsey Festival
Save the Date: Bermondsey Street Festival 2026
The next Bermondsey Street Festival will take place on 19th September 2026, a date well worth adding to your diary if you love discovering independent London businesses, local artists, great food and the creative spirit of South London. Whether you are visiting Bermondsey Street for the first time or returning as part of an annual tradition, the festival continues to be one of London’s most exciting community events. I’ll once again be exhibiting a collection of London artwork, limited edition prints and pencil drawings inspired by Bermondsey and surrounding neighbourhoods, so do stop by and say hello if you’re attending. I’m usually located outside the White Cube and between the Fuckoffee Cafe on Bermondsey Street. Do come and say hello.