Chrisp Street Celebrates the Festival of Britain
About this Event
About the Festival of Britain and Chrisp Street
The Festival of Britain took place in 1951, celebrating Britain’s post-war recovery through architecture, design and culture.
Chrisp Street Market was created during this same period as part of the Lansbury Estate — a pioneering post-war development and one of the UK’s first purpose-built pedestrian shopping streets. Today, its architecture, market and community spirit continue to reflect that legacy.
Chrisp Street Celebrates the Festival of Britain
Saturday 27the June, 11am - 5pm
Part of the , this FREE community event allows you to explore Chrisp Street's Past, Present and Future.
Come and join us!
1951 PAST ZONE - East India Square
- Take a seat in a deckchair and enjoy entertainment including music, dance and a good sing along to some traditional favourites with a programme of performances from Velvet Riot, Variety Bunker and Swing Patrol.
- Visit the Retro Glam Station, to get your 1950's make-over.
- Test your skills with a selection of traditional games from tin pan alley, to cornhole and quoits.
- Opportunity to meet Pearly Kings and Queens!
PRESENT DAY ZONE - Market Square
Market Square Stage
- will be opening the stage with their blend of Bengali/Western fusion music.
- East London Arts Organisation, will be taking over the stage for two hours.
- A dynamic, large-scale dance performance from .
- The stage closes with The Chrisp Street Band, who will have everyone on their feet as they play a set of high energy, tunes from, Uptown Funk to Hey Ya and Happy.
Activities
- leading our community graffiti pop-up.
- FREE Facepainting
- open day. An opportunity to meet the artists and see their work up close.
FUTURE ZONE
Visit the Community Space in Market Square and drop by the 'Cardboard City Workshop' where you can produce your own unique urban landscape. You will draw from the environment around you, and be shown techniques, including collage and cardboard to create something unique.
WALKING TOURS
Check the programme for all walking tour timings.
- invite you to slow down, look closely, and join them for a sketching walk around Chrisp Street. Please bring your own sketch pad and drawing materials. Walks take place 1pm - 2pm, 3pm - 4pm. Sign up at the Market Square Info Point or
- Sign up at East India Square Info Point to one of the History Walks with Stuart Holdsworth, as he talks about how Chrisp Streets heritage and culture has developed over the years. Expect to see Grade II listed architecture, to street art and of course the market. Walks take place at 11.15am and 2.15pm.
BITE SIZED TALKS
We have some facinating talks that will be taking part in Proposition Studios. Check the programme for timings.
- 'Neighbourhood Number 9 - what does it mean to belong to this place?' with Blossom Young, 12pm - 12.30pm
- 'The History of Chrisp Street' with Stuart Holdsworth, 1pm - 1.30pm
- 'The Origins of The Pearly Kings & Queens' with , 3pm - 3.30pm
DON'T FORGET TO.....
- Pick up a Chrisp Street Discovery map from any of the two Info Points. Open up to read about the heritage and culture of the area. about the origins of the Chrisp Street Market, points out unique architecture and street art.
- Unleash your creativity at the Ideas Store Art Club.
- Browse and purchase food and drinks available from your favourite Chrisp Street businesses while taking in the entertainment and activities in the performance area
Please RSVP to the event to receive updates and reminders. You do not need a ticket in order to attend the event
If you have any questions then please email our Events Team - [email protected]
We can't wait to see you for the event!
Rich Mix Youth Takeover - Market Square Stage 1pm - 3pm
From powerful rap bars and live music to high-energy DJ sets, this is a celebration of young voices, creativity, and community spirit. Expect fresh talent, big vibes, and sounds that bring everyone together.
Come through to support the next generation as they turn up the energy, share their stories, and show what community culture is all about. Whether you’re dancing, vibing, or cheering from the crowd, this is your invitation to celebrate young people, music, and connection together.
Community Graffiti Artwork - Market Way
We are transforming some blank hoardings on site. Celebrating the community with the theme of 'belonging', why not drop by to learn some simple techniques and add your mark!
East London Dance Performance & Workshop - Market Square Stage
East London Dance bring together two of their dance classes; Leap of Faith (Aged 50+ dancers), and the East London Youth Dance Company.
They have been especially commissioned to perform a peice that explores the theme of 'belonging', with Chrisp Street's past, present and future.
This Cardboard City Workshop with Frank Reed invites you to create your own urban landscape using a range of materials and techniques, including collage and cardboard.
Meet the Pearly Kings & Queens - East India Dock Road Square
Don't forget to explore the incredible shops, restuarants and businesses on Chrisp Street!
Brooches & Buttons workshop
Step back into the stylish optimism of 1951 with a sustainable twist. We’re channeling the Festival of Britain’s flair by upcycling textile scraps into dapper 50s-inspired brooches and buttonholes. It’s "slow fashion" meets "vintage glam", perfect for adding a pop of mid-century charm to your outfit.
About Chrisp Street events
Taking place on Saturday 27th July, and Saturday 29th August, our Summer series of events celebrate Poplar’s culture, creative heritage, amazing community and brilliant local businesses who will be serving up your favourite food, drinks and treats for you to purchase.
These free to attend events celebrate Chrisp Street and East London's culture, creative heritage, amazing community and brilliant local businesses. The events are brought to you by Telford Living, and include music, dance, entertainment, workshops and creative activities for all to enjoy.
Make sure you follow and subscribe to our Chrisp Street events page here, and receive updates on peformers and activities, and event reminders.
1951 Zone: East India Sq
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Velvet Riot
Info: 1951 Zone Specialising in Andrews Sisters-style close harmonies, this trio will bring timeless classics to life with elegance and charm. Expect classic favourites including, The Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy and Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Swing Patrol
Info: 1951 Zone
Watch the Swing Patrol dancers Lindy hop, and then join them for a boogie!
🕑: 02:15 PM - 02:45 PM
Variety Bunker Singalong
Info: Nothing brings people together like a singalong around the piano. Enter Variety Bunker Singalong!
Singalong with Mister Meredith on the piano and Miss Em leading everyone in song to some classics such as , “Consider Yourself” and “Don’t Dilly Dally”.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:45 PM
Velvet Riot
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
Variety Bunker Singalong
Info: Your last chance of the day to experience this shared sense of belonging and joy as our event comes to a close.
MS Stage: Present Zone
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Khyio
Info: Khiyo brings together the rich traditions of Bengali music with contemporary London influences, creating a vibrant and distinctive sound that blends folk, classical and modern musical styles. Led by acclaimed vocalist Sohini Alam, this captivating performance celebrates cultural heritage through powerful storytelling, exceptional musicianship and innovative arrangements
🕑: 01:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Rich Mix Youth Takeover
Info: From powerful rap bars and live music to high-energy DJ sets, this is a celebration of young voices, creativity, and community spirit. Expect fresh talent, big vibes, and sounds that bring everyone together.
Come through to support the next generation as they turn up the energy, share their stories, and show what community culture is all about. Whether you’re dancing, vibing, or cheering from the crowd, this is your invitation to celebrate young people, music, and connection together.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
East London Dance
Info: East London Dance bring together two of their dance classes; Leap of Faith (Aged 50+ dancers), and the East London Youth Dance Company.
They have been especially commissioned to perform a peice that explores the theme of 'belonging', with Chrisp Street's past, present and future.
🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
The Chrisp Street Band
Info: This upbeat band will have everyone on their feet as they play a set of high energy, tunes from, Uptown Funk to Hey Ya and Happy.
Proposition Studios
🕑: 11:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Proposition Studios Open House
🕑: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM
Talk: Neighbourhood Number 9 - what does it mean to belong to this place?
Info: Exploring how the Lansbury Estate and the Festival of Britain's post-war housing ambition can offer lessons for Chrisp Street's regeneration, and how genuine belonging to a place can guide renewal with Blossom Young, Head of Policy, Research & Advocacy at Poplar HARCA and Councillor for Beckton Ward, London Borough of Newham.
🕑: 01:00 PM - 01:30 PM
Talk: The History of Chrisp Street
Info: An overview of Chrisp Street's history over the centuries, into the modern day, with historian Stuart Holdsworth.
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Talk: The History of the Pearly Kings and Queens
Info: Join Ashleigh Rose Harman for a fascinating journey into one of London’s most distinctive traditions. Discover the origins of the Pearly Kings and Queens, their deep roots in East End market culture, and the remarkable legacy that continues to this day.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
