Literary Festival. Bermondsey and beyond.

From March 6th to March 16th, 2025.

Are you going to miss the first Bermondsey and Beyond Literature Festival? Hopefully NO!
From 6th to 16th March, join us for the area’s very first Literature Festival! With a variety of activities for everyone, it’s the perfect chance to celebrate literature and the amazing talent in our community.

This event is completely free and aims to celebrate and showcase the talent of Bermondsey and Beyond. You can participate in indoor activities, perfect for staying cosy during winter, or outdoors if you’re feeling adventurous.

✨ Bring your friends and be part of this first-ever grand literary fair in our area!

This is a community-led event that’s all about showcasing local talent and voices through literature. It’s a great chance to come together, celebrate, and support each other!

Join our mailing list to be updated by clicking here or writing at this email blit2025@hotmail.com

Click below to discover!

Bermondsey and Beyond Poetry Competition Entries for website

Click below to discover!

By: M.H.V Year 4

By: R.S. Year 4

By: A.B-F Year 6

By: A.W-B Year 6

By: A.B Year 6

By: S.O Year 5

By. I.V Year 5

One week festival, full of activities!

Come and Enjoy the Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival 2025 – all events are free to attend!

Live Events

  • Thursday 6 March – celebrate World Book Day with storytelling, chats and making book marks activity at Appleby Blue Almshouses, 94-116, Southwark Park Road, SE16 3RR.
    • Preschool Age from 13.00 – 15.00: Little Me Nursery will arrive at 13.00 to bring a handful of children onsite for animated book reading. The nursery staff will deliver the animated book reading. We will open the space to local parents with children under 5. With some of the favourites: The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar and The Bear Hunt.
      •  13.00 – 14.00: Reading and Storytelling with your Little Me Day Nursery
      • 14.00 – 15.00: Chats, drawing, nursery rhymes
    • Afterschool Activity: 15.30– 17.00: Morayo will deliver an arts and crafts session for 15 primary school children who will register through Eventbrite.
    • 15.30pm – 16.30pm:  Making book marks activity

please register by cliking here 

  • Saturday 8 March – ‘The Bermondsey Murder’ – an illustrated talk about the shocking ‘Manning Murder’ by noted crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley. ‘If you love true crime and love history, this is the perfect choice for you. Very well written with plenty of references to explore, this is a wonderful addition to anyone’s true crime library’ – Net Galley
  • At the Blue Market, you will find fantastic books from Morocco Bound Bookshop.
  • Sunday 9 March – ‘Down The Blue’ – an informal and friendly guided walk looking back in time at Bermondsey’s famous road, led by Debra Gosling, local historian and artist.
  • Monday 10 March – ‘Dear Tommy: ’ – a talk by writer and filmmaker Michael Holland about Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in the Golden Age of Postcards. ‘This beautiful book…allows us a precious and intimate glimpse into the 6×4 inch amber that postcards must surely be…’ – Ed Gray
  • Tuesday 11 March – Toddler Shake & Boogie: The Three Little Pigs. Join Dawn and Ellie for a book-themed session filled with adventure, fun and games. Drop-in with your children under five and read all about The Three Little Pigs plus enjoy some songs, arts and crafts.
  • Wednesday 12 March – an open mic poetry session.
  • Friday 14 March – Rotherhithe Voices – an open mic evening of spoken word, song, and music, centred around this month’s theme ‘The Thames’. Launched in 2015, Rotherhithe Voices is hosted by Alison Clayburn, a local creative writing tutor, and offers an inclusive, welcoming platform for both seasoned and new voices in the community.
  • Saturday 15 March – visit the unique volunteer run Peek Frean Museum for a cup of something and a talk by Gary Magold. ‘Biscuit Box 1925-1975. A glimpse of the Peek Frean staff magazine.’ ‘Peek Freans Museum, is a treasure trove of biscuit heritage. Colourfully decorated tins glitter in cabinets. There are old advertisements, images of employees in flour-caked aprons, special Twiglet-cutting blades — even antique biscuits still in their packaging, decades past their best-before. Holding court in the centre of the room is a replica of a wedding cake gifted by Peek Freans to the then-Princess Elizabeth, when she married in 1947. A towering Haversham-esque thing, it even features iced battleships — a nod to her husband’s naval links.’ Will Noble, The Londonist.
    • Meet at Gate 1, 100, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
    • Time: 13.00
  • Saturday 15 March – Bookmaking workshop! Join us for a bookmaking workshop led by Amanda Boachie, founder of FORTY-FOUR WORDS! Participants will use needles and make knots. We encourage parents to attend with their children.
  • Sunday 16 March – Festival Finale. Presentation of prizes in our 16+ poetry competition and a talk by Sarah Bax Horton on her book ‘Arm of Eve. Investigating the Thames Torso Murders’. Jack the Ripper is often called the world’s most notorious unidentified killer, but he was not the first modern serial killer on the streets of London. Before him was another murderer who hunted from the River Thames – one arguably more sadistic and mercurial. The Thames Torso Killer has always lurked in the Ripper’s shadow, despite the fact he murdered and dismembered at least four people over two years. He started to kill in 1887, over a year before the Ripper, and his last murder was in 1889, almost ten months after the death of Mary Jane Kelly, the Ripper’s last victim. In Arm of Eve, Sarah Bax Horton conducts her own investigation and uses modern criminal profiling to come up with her own suspect – a known criminal who knew the Thames like the back of his hand. There is a Bermondsey connection to this case!

Online

During and after the Festival creative work by children from local primary and secondary schools; 16+ poetry competition entries and an essay by Pat Kingwell ‘Writers and Southwark Park’, will be freely accessible online – insert web details.

Writers and Southwark Park Essay

By Pat Kingwell

>> Writers and Southwark Park

Any more ideas?

Let’s chat! Please leave us an email with your ideas for the festival at

blit2025@hotmail.com

Come and Enjoy the Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival 2025 – all events are free to attend!

Live Events

  • Thursday 6 March – celebrate World Book Day with storytelling, chats and making book marks activity at Appleby Blue Almshouses, 94-116, Southwark Park Road, SE16 3RR.
    • Preschool Age from 13.00 – 15.00: Little Me Nursery will arrive at 13.00 to bring a handful of children onsite for animated book reading. The nursery staff will deliver the animated book reading. We will open the space to local parents with children under 5. With some of the favourites: The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar and The Bear Hunt.
      •  13.00 – 14.00: Reading and Storytelling with your Little Me Day Nursery
      • 14.00 – 15.00: Chats, drawing, nursery rhymes
    • Afterschool Activity: 15.30– 17.00: Morayo will deliver an arts and crafts session for 15 primary school children who will register through Eventbrite.
    • 15.30pm – 16.30pm:  Making book marks activity

please register by cliking here 

  • Saturday 8 March – ‘The Bermondsey Murder’ – an illustrated talk about the shocking ‘Manning Murder’ by noted crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley. ‘If you love true crime and love history, this is the perfect choice for you. Very well written with plenty of references to explore, this is a wonderful addition to anyone’s true crime library’ – Net Galley
  • At the Blue Market, you will find fantastic books from Morocco Bound Bookshop.
  • Sunday 9 March – ‘Down The Blue’ – an informal and friendly guided walk looking back in time at Bermondsey’s famous road, led by Debra Gosling, local historian and artist.
  • Monday 10 March – ‘Dear Tommy: ’ – a talk by writer and filmmaker Michael Holland about Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in the Golden Age of Postcards. ‘This beautiful book…allows us a precious and intimate glimpse into the 6×4 inch amber that postcards must surely be…’ – Ed Gray
  • Tuesday 11 March – Toddler Shake & Boogie: The Three Little Pigs. Join Dawn and Ellie for a book-themed session filled with adventure, fun and games. Drop-in with your children under five and read all about The Three Little Pigs plus enjoy some songs, arts and crafts.
  • Wednesday 12 March – an open mic poetry session.
  • Friday 14 March – Rotherhithe Voices – an open mic evening of spoken word, song, and music, centred around this month’s theme ‘The Thames’. Launched in 2015, Rotherhithe Voices is hosted by Alison Clayburn, a local creative writing tutor, and offers an inclusive, welcoming platform for both seasoned and new voices in the community.
  • Saturday 15 March – visit the unique volunteer run Peek Frean Museum for a cup of something and a talk by Gary Magold. ‘Biscuit Box 1925-1975. A glimpse of the Peek Frean staff magazine.’ ‘Peek Freans Museum, is a treasure trove of biscuit heritage. Colourfully decorated tins glitter in cabinets. There are old advertisements, images of employees in flour-caked aprons, special Twiglet-cutting blades — even antique biscuits still in their packaging, decades past their best-before. Holding court in the centre of the room is a replica of a wedding cake gifted by Peek Freans to the then-Princess Elizabeth, when she married in 1947. A towering Haversham-esque thing, it even features iced battleships — a nod to her husband’s naval links.’ Will Noble, The Londonist.
    • Meet at Gate 1, 100, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
    • Time: 13.00
  • Saturday 15 March – Bookmaking workshop! Join us for a bookmaking workshop led by Amanda Boachie, founder of FORTY-FOUR WORDS! Participants will use needles and make knots. We encourage parents to attend with their children.
  • Sunday 16 March – Festival Finale. Presentation of prizes in our 16+ poetry competition and a talk by Sarah Bax Horton on her book ‘Arm of Eve. Investigating the Thames Torso Murders’. Jack the Ripper is often called the world’s most notorious unidentified killer, but he was not the first modern serial killer on the streets of London. Before him was another murderer who hunted from the River Thames – one arguably more sadistic and mercurial. The Thames Torso Killer has always lurked in the Ripper’s shadow, despite the fact he murdered and dismembered at least four people over two years. He started to kill in 1887, over a year before the Ripper, and his last murder was in 1889, almost ten months after the death of Mary Jane Kelly, the Ripper’s last victim. In Arm of Eve, Sarah Bax Horton conducts her own investigation and uses modern criminal profiling to come up with her own suspect – a known criminal who knew the Thames like the back of his hand. There is a Bermondsey connection to this case!

Online

During and after the Festival creative work by children from local primary and secondary schools; 16+ poetry competition entries and an essay by Pat Kingwell ‘Writers and Southwark Park’, will be freely accessible online – insert web details.

Writers and Southwark Park Essay

By Pat Kingwell

>> Writers and Southwark Park

Any more ideas?

Let’s chat! Please leave us an email with your ideas for the festival at

blit2025@hotmail.com

Come and Enjoy the Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival 2025 – all events are free to attend!

Live Events

  • Thursday 6 March – celebrate World Book Day with storytelling, chats and making book marks activity at Appleby Blue Almshouses, 94-116, Southwark Park Road, SE16 3RR.
    • Preschool Age from 13.00 – 15.00: Little Me Nursery will arrive at 13.00 to bring a handful of children onsite for animated book reading. The nursery staff will deliver the animated book reading. We will open the space to local parents with children under 5. With some of the favourites: The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar and The Bear Hunt.
      •  13.00 – 14.00: Reading and Storytelling with your Little Me Day Nursery
      • 14.00 – 15.00: Chats, drawing, nursery rhymes
    • Afterschool Activity: 15.30– 17.00: Morayo will deliver an arts and crafts session for 15 primary school children who will register through Eventbrite.
    • 15.30pm – 16.30pm:  Making book marks activity

please register by cliking here 

  • Saturday 8 March – ‘The Bermondsey Murder’ – an illustrated talk about the shocking ‘Manning Murder’ by noted crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley. ‘If you love true crime and love history, this is the perfect choice for you. Very well written with plenty of references to explore, this is a wonderful addition to anyone’s true crime library’ – Net Galley
  • At the Blue Market, you will find fantastic books from Morocco Bound Bookshop.
  • Sunday 9 March – ‘Down The Blue’ – an informal and friendly guided walk looking back in time at Bermondsey’s famous road, led by Debra Gosling, local historian and artist.
  • Monday 10 March – ‘Dear Tommy: ’ – a talk by writer and filmmaker Michael Holland about Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in the Golden Age of Postcards. ‘This beautiful book…allows us a precious and intimate glimpse into the 6×4 inch amber that postcards must surely be…’ – Ed Gray
  • Tuesday 11 March – Toddler Shake & Boogie: The Three Little Pigs. Join Dawn and Ellie for a book-themed session filled with adventure, fun and games. Drop-in with your children under five and read all about The Three Little Pigs plus enjoy some songs, arts and crafts.
  • Wednesday 12 March – an open mic poetry session.
  • Friday 14 March – Rotherhithe Voices – an open mic evening of spoken word, song, and music, centred around this month’s theme ‘The Thames’. Launched in 2015, Rotherhithe Voices is hosted by Alison Clayburn, a local creative writing tutor, and offers an inclusive, welcoming platform for both seasoned and new voices in the community.
  • Saturday 15 March – visit the unique volunteer run Peek Frean Museum for a cup of something and a talk by Gary Magold. ‘Biscuit Box 1925-1975. A glimpse of the Peek Frean staff magazine.’ ‘Peek Freans Museum, is a treasure trove of biscuit heritage. Colourfully decorated tins glitter in cabinets. There are old advertisements, images of employees in flour-caked aprons, special Twiglet-cutting blades — even antique biscuits still in their packaging, decades past their best-before. Holding court in the centre of the room is a replica of a wedding cake gifted by Peek Freans to the then-Princess Elizabeth, when she married in 1947. A towering Haversham-esque thing, it even features iced battleships — a nod to her husband’s naval links.’ Will Noble, The Londonist.
    • Meet at Gate 1, 100, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
    • Time: 13.00
  • Saturday 15 March – Bookmaking workshop! Join us for a bookmaking workshop led by Amanda Boachie, founder of FORTY-FOUR WORDS! Participants will use needles and make knots. We encourage parents to attend with their children.
  • Sunday 16 March – Festival Finale. Presentation of prizes in our 16+ poetry competition and a talk by Sarah Bax Horton on her book ‘Arm of Eve. Investigating the Thames Torso Murders’. Jack the Ripper is often called the world’s most notorious unidentified killer, but he was not the first modern serial killer on the streets of London. Before him was another murderer who hunted from the River Thames – one arguably more sadistic and mercurial. The Thames Torso Killer has always lurked in the Ripper’s shadow, despite the fact he murdered and dismembered at least four people over two years. He started to kill in 1887, over a year before the Ripper, and his last murder was in 1889, almost ten months after the death of Mary Jane Kelly, the Ripper’s last victim. In Arm of Eve, Sarah Bax Horton conducts her own investigation and uses modern criminal profiling to come up with her own suspect – a known criminal who knew the Thames like the back of his hand. There is a Bermondsey connection to this case!

Online

During and after the Festival creative work by children from local primary and secondary schools; 16+ poetry competition entries and an essay by Pat Kingwell ‘Writers and Southwark Park’, will be freely accessible online – insert web details.

Writers and Southwark Park Essay

By Pat Kingwell

>> Writers and Southwark Park

Any more ideas?

Let’s chat! Please leave us an email with your ideas for the festival at

blit2025@hotmail.com

Come and Enjoy the Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival 2025 – all events are free to attend!

Live Events

  • Thursday 6 March – celebrate World Book Day with storytelling, chats and making book marks activity at Appleby Blue Almshouses, 94-116, Southwark Park Road, SE16 3RR.
    • Preschool Age from 13.00 – 15.00: Little Me Nursery will arrive at 13.00 to bring a handful of children onsite for animated book reading. The nursery staff will deliver the animated book reading. We will open the space to local parents with children under 5. With some of the favourites: The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar and The Bear Hunt.
      •  13.00 – 14.00: Reading and Storytelling with your Little Me Day Nursery
      • 14.00 – 15.00: Chats, drawing, nursery rhymes
    • Afterschool Activity: 15.30– 17.00: Morayo will deliver an arts and crafts session for 15 primary school children who will register through Eventbrite.
    • 15.30pm – 16.30pm:  Making book marks activity

please register by cliking here 

  • Saturday 8 March – ‘The Bermondsey Murder’ – an illustrated talk about the shocking ‘Manning Murder’ by noted crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley. ‘If you love true crime and love history, this is the perfect choice for you. Very well written with plenty of references to explore, this is a wonderful addition to anyone’s true crime library’ – Net Galley
  • At the Blue Market, you will find fantastic books from Morocco Bound Bookshop.
  • Sunday 9 March – ‘Down The Blue’ – an informal and friendly guided walk looking back in time at Bermondsey’s famous road, led by Debra Gosling, local historian and artist.
  • Monday 10 March – ‘Dear Tommy: ’ – a talk by writer and filmmaker Michael Holland about Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in the Golden Age of Postcards. ‘This beautiful book…allows us a precious and intimate glimpse into the 6×4 inch amber that postcards must surely be…’ – Ed Gray
  • Tuesday 11 March – Toddler Shake & Boogie: The Three Little Pigs. Join Dawn and Ellie for a book-themed session filled with adventure, fun and games. Drop-in with your children under five and read all about The Three Little Pigs plus enjoy some songs, arts and crafts.
  • Wednesday 12 March – an open mic poetry session.
  • Friday 14 March – Rotherhithe Voices – an open mic evening of spoken word, song, and music, centred around this month’s theme ‘The Thames’. Launched in 2015, Rotherhithe Voices is hosted by Alison Clayburn, a local creative writing tutor, and offers an inclusive, welcoming platform for both seasoned and new voices in the community.
  • Saturday 15 March – visit the unique volunteer run Peek Frean Museum for a cup of something and a talk by Gary Magold. ‘Biscuit Box 1925-1975. A glimpse of the Peek Frean staff magazine.’ ‘Peek Freans Museum, is a treasure trove of biscuit heritage. Colourfully decorated tins glitter in cabinets. There are old advertisements, images of employees in flour-caked aprons, special Twiglet-cutting blades — even antique biscuits still in their packaging, decades past their best-before. Holding court in the centre of the room is a replica of a wedding cake gifted by Peek Freans to the then-Princess Elizabeth, when she married in 1947. A towering Haversham-esque thing, it even features iced battleships — a nod to her husband’s naval links.’ Will Noble, The Londonist.
    • Meet at Gate 1, 100, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
    • Time: 13.00
  • Saturday 15 March – Bookmaking workshop! Join us for a bookmaking workshop led by Amanda Boachie, founder of FORTY-FOUR WORDS! Participants will use needles and make knots. We encourage parents to attend with their children.
  • Sunday 16 March – Festival Finale. Presentation of prizes in our 16+ poetry competition and a talk by Sarah Bax Horton on her book ‘Arm of Eve. Investigating the Thames Torso Murders’. Jack the Ripper is often called the world’s most notorious unidentified killer, but he was not the first modern serial killer on the streets of London. Before him was another murderer who hunted from the River Thames – one arguably more sadistic and mercurial. The Thames Torso Killer has always lurked in the Ripper’s shadow, despite the fact he murdered and dismembered at least four people over two years. He started to kill in 1887, over a year before the Ripper, and his last murder was in 1889, almost ten months after the death of Mary Jane Kelly, the Ripper’s last victim. In Arm of Eve, Sarah Bax Horton conducts her own investigation and uses modern criminal profiling to come up with her own suspect – a known criminal who knew the Thames like the back of his hand. There is a Bermondsey connection to this case!

Online

During and after the Festival creative work by children from local primary and secondary schools; 16+ poetry competition entries and an essay by Pat Kingwell ‘Writers and Southwark Park’, will be freely accessible online – insert web details.

Writers and Southwark Park Essay

By Pat Kingwell

>> Writers and Southwark Park

Any more ideas?

Let’s chat! Please leave us an email with your ideas for the festival at

blit2025@hotmail.com

Come and Enjoy the Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival 2025 – all events are free to attend!

Live Events

  • Thursday 6 March – celebrate World Book Day with storytelling, chats and making book marks activity at Appleby Blue Almshouses, 94-116, Southwark Park Road, SE16 3RR.
    • Preschool Age from 13.00 – 15.00: Little Me Nursery will arrive at 13.00 to bring a handful of children onsite for animated book reading. The nursery staff will deliver the animated book reading. We will open the space to local parents with children under 5. With some of the favourites: The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar and The Bear Hunt.
      •  13.00 – 14.00: Reading and Storytelling with your Little Me Day Nursery
      • 14.00 – 15.00: Chats, drawing, nursery rhymes
    • Afterschool Activity: 15.30– 17.00: Morayo will deliver an arts and crafts session for 15 primary school children who will register through Eventbrite.
    • 15.30pm – 16.30pm:  Making book marks activity

please register by cliking here 

  • Saturday 8 March – ‘The Bermondsey Murder’ – an illustrated talk about the shocking ‘Manning Murder’ by noted crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley. ‘If you love true crime and love history, this is the perfect choice for you. Very well written with plenty of references to explore, this is a wonderful addition to anyone’s true crime library’ – Net Galley
  • At the Blue Market, you will find fantastic books from Morocco Bound Bookshop.
  • Sunday 9 March – ‘Down The Blue’ – an informal and friendly guided walk looking back in time at Bermondsey’s famous road, led by Debra Gosling, local historian and artist.
  • Monday 10 March – ‘Dear Tommy: ’ – a talk by writer and filmmaker Michael Holland about Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in the Golden Age of Postcards. ‘This beautiful book…allows us a precious and intimate glimpse into the 6×4 inch amber that postcards must surely be…’ – Ed Gray
  • Tuesday 11 March – Toddler Shake & Boogie: The Three Little Pigs. Join Dawn and Ellie for a book-themed session filled with adventure, fun and games. Drop-in with your children under five and read all about The Three Little Pigs plus enjoy some songs, arts and crafts.
  • Wednesday 12 March – an open mic poetry session.
  • Friday 14 March – Rotherhithe Voices – an open mic evening of spoken word, song, and music, centred around this month’s theme ‘The Thames’. Launched in 2015, Rotherhithe Voices is hosted by Alison Clayburn, a local creative writing tutor, and offers an inclusive, welcoming platform for both seasoned and new voices in the community.
  • Saturday 15 March – visit the unique volunteer run Peek Frean Museum for a cup of something and a talk by Gary Magold. ‘Biscuit Box 1925-1975. A glimpse of the Peek Frean staff magazine.’ ‘Peek Freans Museum, is a treasure trove of biscuit heritage. Colourfully decorated tins glitter in cabinets. There are old advertisements, images of employees in flour-caked aprons, special Twiglet-cutting blades — even antique biscuits still in their packaging, decades past their best-before. Holding court in the centre of the room is a replica of a wedding cake gifted by Peek Freans to the then-Princess Elizabeth, when she married in 1947. A towering Haversham-esque thing, it even features iced battleships — a nod to her husband’s naval links.’ Will Noble, The Londonist.
    • Meet at Gate 1, 100, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
    • Time: 13.00
  • Saturday 15 March – Bookmaking workshop! Join us for a bookmaking workshop led by Amanda Boachie, founder of FORTY-FOUR WORDS! Participants will use needles and make knots. We encourage parents to attend with their children.
  • Sunday 16 March – Festival Finale. Presentation of prizes in our 16+ poetry competition and a talk by Sarah Bax Horton on her book ‘Arm of Eve. Investigating the Thames Torso Murders’. Jack the Ripper is often called the world’s most notorious unidentified killer, but he was not the first modern serial killer on the streets of London. Before him was another murderer who hunted from the River Thames – one arguably more sadistic and mercurial. The Thames Torso Killer has always lurked in the Ripper’s shadow, despite the fact he murdered and dismembered at least four people over two years. He started to kill in 1887, over a year before the Ripper, and his last murder was in 1889, almost ten months after the death of Mary Jane Kelly, the Ripper’s last victim. In Arm of Eve, Sarah Bax Horton conducts her own investigation and uses modern criminal profiling to come up with her own suspect – a known criminal who knew the Thames like the back of his hand. There is a Bermondsey connection to this case!

Online

During and after the Festival creative work by children from local primary and secondary schools; 16+ poetry competition entries and an essay by Pat Kingwell ‘Writers and Southwark Park’, will be freely accessible online – insert web details.

Writers and Southwark Park Essay

By Pat Kingwell

>> Writers and Southwark Park

Any more ideas?

Let’s chat! Please leave us an email with your ideas for the festival at

blit2025@hotmail.com

Come and Enjoy the Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival 2025 – all events are free to attend!

Live Events

  • Thursday 6 March – celebrate World Book Day with storytelling, chats and making book marks activity at Appleby Blue Almshouses, 94-116, Southwark Park Road, SE16 3RR.
    • Preschool Age from 13.00 – 15.00: Little Me Nursery will arrive at 13.00 to bring a handful of children onsite for animated book reading. The nursery staff will deliver the animated book reading. We will open the space to local parents with children under 5. With some of the favourites: The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar and The Bear Hunt.
      •  13.00 – 14.00: Reading and Storytelling with your Little Me Day Nursery
      • 14.00 – 15.00: Chats, drawing, nursery rhymes
    • Afterschool Activity: 15.30– 17.00: Morayo will deliver an arts and crafts session for 15 primary school children who will register through Eventbrite.
    • 15.30pm – 16.30pm:  Making book marks activity

please register by cliking here 

  • Saturday 8 March – ‘The Bermondsey Murder’ – an illustrated talk about the shocking ‘Manning Murder’ by noted crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley. ‘If you love true crime and love history, this is the perfect choice for you. Very well written with plenty of references to explore, this is a wonderful addition to anyone’s true crime library’ – Net Galley
  • At the Blue Market, you will find fantastic books from Morocco Bound Bookshop.
  • Sunday 9 March – ‘Down The Blue’ – an informal and friendly guided walk looking back in time at Bermondsey’s famous road, led by Debra Gosling, local historian and artist.
  • Monday 10 March – ‘Dear Tommy: ’ – a talk by writer and filmmaker Michael Holland about Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in the Golden Age of Postcards. ‘This beautiful book…allows us a precious and intimate glimpse into the 6×4 inch amber that postcards must surely be…’ – Ed Gray
  • Tuesday 11 March – Toddler Shake & Boogie: The Three Little Pigs. Join Dawn and Ellie for a book-themed session filled with adventure, fun and games. Drop-in with your children under five and read all about The Three Little Pigs plus enjoy some songs, arts and crafts.
  • Wednesday 12 March – an open mic poetry session.
  • Friday 14 March – Rotherhithe Voices – an open mic evening of spoken word, song, and music, centred around this month’s theme ‘The Thames’. Launched in 2015, Rotherhithe Voices is hosted by Alison Clayburn, a local creative writing tutor, and offers an inclusive, welcoming platform for both seasoned and new voices in the community.
  • Saturday 15 March – visit the unique volunteer run Peek Frean Museum for a cup of something and a talk by Gary Magold. ‘Biscuit Box 1925-1975. A glimpse of the Peek Frean staff magazine.’ ‘Peek Freans Museum, is a treasure trove of biscuit heritage. Colourfully decorated tins glitter in cabinets. There are old advertisements, images of employees in flour-caked aprons, special Twiglet-cutting blades — even antique biscuits still in their packaging, decades past their best-before. Holding court in the centre of the room is a replica of a wedding cake gifted by Peek Freans to the then-Princess Elizabeth, when she married in 1947. A towering Haversham-esque thing, it even features iced battleships — a nod to her husband’s naval links.’ Will Noble, The Londonist.
    • Meet at Gate 1, 100, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
    • Time: 13.00
  • Saturday 15 March – Bookmaking workshop! Join us for a bookmaking workshop led by Amanda Boachie, founder of FORTY-FOUR WORDS! Participants will use needles and make knots. We encourage parents to attend with their children.
  • Sunday 16 March – Festival Finale. Presentation of prizes in our 16+ poetry competition and a talk by Sarah Bax Horton on her book ‘Arm of Eve. Investigating the Thames Torso Murders’. Jack the Ripper is often called the world’s most notorious unidentified killer, but he was not the first modern serial killer on the streets of London. Before him was another murderer who hunted from the River Thames – one arguably more sadistic and mercurial. The Thames Torso Killer has always lurked in the Ripper’s shadow, despite the fact he murdered and dismembered at least four people over two years. He started to kill in 1887, over a year before the Ripper, and his last murder was in 1889, almost ten months after the death of Mary Jane Kelly, the Ripper’s last victim. In Arm of Eve, Sarah Bax Horton conducts her own investigation and uses modern criminal profiling to come up with her own suspect – a known criminal who knew the Thames like the back of his hand. There is a Bermondsey connection to this case!

Online

During and after the Festival creative work by children from local primary and secondary schools; 16+ poetry competition entries and an essay by Pat Kingwell ‘Writers and Southwark Park’, will be freely accessible online – insert web details.

Writers and Southwark Park Essay

By Pat Kingwell

>> Writers and Southwark Park

Any more ideas?

Let’s chat! Please leave us an email with your ideas for the festival at

blit2025@hotmail.com

Come and Enjoy the Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival 2025 – all events are free to attend!

Live Events

  • Thursday 6 March – celebrate World Book Day with storytelling, chats and making book marks activity at Appleby Blue Almshouses, 94-116, Southwark Park Road, SE16 3RR.
    • Preschool Age from 13.00 – 15.00: Little Me Nursery will arrive at 13.00 to bring a handful of children onsite for animated book reading. The nursery staff will deliver the animated book reading. We will open the space to local parents with children under 5. With some of the favourites: The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar and The Bear Hunt.
      •  13.00 – 14.00: Reading and Storytelling with your Little Me Day Nursery
      • 14.00 – 15.00: Chats, drawing, nursery rhymes
    • Afterschool Activity: 15.30– 17.00: Morayo will deliver an arts and crafts session for 15 primary school children who will register through Eventbrite.
    • 15.30pm – 16.30pm:  Making book marks activity

please register by cliking here 

  • Saturday 8 March – ‘The Bermondsey Murder’ – an illustrated talk about the shocking ‘Manning Murder’ by noted crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley. ‘If you love true crime and love history, this is the perfect choice for you. Very well written with plenty of references to explore, this is a wonderful addition to anyone’s true crime library’ – Net Galley
  • At the Blue Market, you will find fantastic books from Morocco Bound Bookshop.
  • Sunday 9 March – ‘Down The Blue’ – an informal and friendly guided walk looking back in time at Bermondsey’s famous road, led by Debra Gosling, local historian and artist.
  • Monday 10 March – ‘Dear Tommy: ’ – a talk by writer and filmmaker Michael Holland about Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in the Golden Age of Postcards. ‘This beautiful book…allows us a precious and intimate glimpse into the 6×4 inch amber that postcards must surely be…’ – Ed Gray
  • Tuesday 11 March – Toddler Shake & Boogie: The Three Little Pigs. Join Dawn and Ellie for a book-themed session filled with adventure, fun and games. Drop-in with your children under five and read all about The Three Little Pigs plus enjoy some songs, arts and crafts.
  • Wednesday 12 March – an open mic poetry session.
  • Friday 14 March – Rotherhithe Voices – an open mic evening of spoken word, song, and music, centred around this month’s theme ‘The Thames’. Launched in 2015, Rotherhithe Voices is hosted by Alison Clayburn, a local creative writing tutor, and offers an inclusive, welcoming platform for both seasoned and new voices in the community.
  • Saturday 15 March – visit the unique volunteer run Peek Frean Museum for a cup of something and a talk by Gary Magold. ‘Biscuit Box 1925-1975. A glimpse of the Peek Frean staff magazine.’ ‘Peek Freans Museum, is a treasure trove of biscuit heritage. Colourfully decorated tins glitter in cabinets. There are old advertisements, images of employees in flour-caked aprons, special Twiglet-cutting blades — even antique biscuits still in their packaging, decades past their best-before. Holding court in the centre of the room is a replica of a wedding cake gifted by Peek Freans to the then-Princess Elizabeth, when she married in 1947. A towering Haversham-esque thing, it even features iced battleships — a nod to her husband’s naval links.’ Will Noble, The Londonist.
    • Meet at Gate 1, 100, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
    • Time: 13.00
  • Saturday 15 March – Bookmaking workshop! Join us for a bookmaking workshop led by Amanda Boachie, founder of FORTY-FOUR WORDS! Participants will use needles and make knots. We encourage parents to attend with their children.
  • Sunday 16 March – Festival Finale. Presentation of prizes in our 16+ poetry competition and a talk by Sarah Bax Horton on her book ‘Arm of Eve. Investigating the Thames Torso Murders’. Jack the Ripper is often called the world’s most notorious unidentified killer, but he was not the first modern serial killer on the streets of London. Before him was another murderer who hunted from the River Thames – one arguably more sadistic and mercurial. The Thames Torso Killer has always lurked in the Ripper’s shadow, despite the fact he murdered and dismembered at least four people over two years. He started to kill in 1887, over a year before the Ripper, and his last murder was in 1889, almost ten months after the death of Mary Jane Kelly, the Ripper’s last victim. In Arm of Eve, Sarah Bax Horton conducts her own investigation and uses modern criminal profiling to come up with her own suspect – a known criminal who knew the Thames like the back of his hand. There is a Bermondsey connection to this case!

Online

During and after the Festival creative work by children from local primary and secondary schools; 16+ poetry competition entries and an essay by Pat Kingwell ‘Writers and Southwark Park’, will be freely accessible online – insert web details.

Writers and Southwark Park Essay

By Pat Kingwell

>> Writers and Southwark Park

Any more ideas?

Let’s chat! Please leave us an email with your ideas for the festival at

blit2025@hotmail.com

Come and Enjoy the Bermondsey and Beyond Literary Festival 2025 – all events are free to attend!

Live Events

  • Thursday 6 March – celebrate World Book Day with storytelling, chats and making book marks activity at Appleby Blue Almshouses, 94-116, Southwark Park Road, SE16 3RR.
    • Preschool Age from 13.00 – 15.00: Little Me Nursery will arrive at 13.00 to bring a handful of children onsite for animated book reading. The nursery staff will deliver the animated book reading. We will open the space to local parents with children under 5. With some of the favourites: The Gruffalo, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, The Hungry Caterpillar and The Bear Hunt.
      •  13.00 – 14.00: Reading and Storytelling with your Little Me Day Nursery
      • 14.00 – 15.00: Chats, drawing, nursery rhymes
    • Afterschool Activity: 15.30– 17.00: Morayo will deliver an arts and crafts session for 15 primary school children who will register through Eventbrite.
    • 15.30pm – 16.30pm:  Making book marks activity

please register by cliking here 

  • Saturday 8 March – ‘The Bermondsey Murder’ – an illustrated talk about the shocking ‘Manning Murder’ by noted crime historian Dr. Angela Buckley. ‘If you love true crime and love history, this is the perfect choice for you. Very well written with plenty of references to explore, this is a wonderful addition to anyone’s true crime library’ – Net Galley
  • At the Blue Market, you will find fantastic books from Morocco Bound Bookshop.
  • Sunday 9 March – ‘Down The Blue’ – an informal and friendly guided walk looking back in time at Bermondsey’s famous road, led by Debra Gosling, local historian and artist.
  • Monday 10 March – ‘Dear Tommy: ’ – a talk by writer and filmmaker Michael Holland about Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in the Golden Age of Postcards. ‘This beautiful book…allows us a precious and intimate glimpse into the 6×4 inch amber that postcards must surely be…’ – Ed Gray
  • Tuesday 11 March – Toddler Shake & Boogie: The Three Little Pigs. Join Dawn and Ellie for a book-themed session filled with adventure, fun and games. Drop-in with your children under five and read all about The Three Little Pigs plus enjoy some songs, arts and crafts.
  • Wednesday 12 March – an open mic poetry session.
  • Friday 14 March – Rotherhithe Voices – an open mic evening of spoken word, song, and music, centred around this month’s theme ‘The Thames’. Launched in 2015, Rotherhithe Voices is hosted by Alison Clayburn, a local creative writing tutor, and offers an inclusive, welcoming platform for both seasoned and new voices in the community.
  • Saturday 15 March – visit the unique volunteer run Peek Frean Museum for a cup of something and a talk by Gary Magold. ‘Biscuit Box 1925-1975. A glimpse of the Peek Frean staff magazine.’ ‘Peek Freans Museum, is a treasure trove of biscuit heritage. Colourfully decorated tins glitter in cabinets. There are old advertisements, images of employees in flour-caked aprons, special Twiglet-cutting blades — even antique biscuits still in their packaging, decades past their best-before. Holding court in the centre of the room is a replica of a wedding cake gifted by Peek Freans to the then-Princess Elizabeth, when she married in 1947. A towering Haversham-esque thing, it even features iced battleships — a nod to her husband’s naval links.’ Will Noble, The Londonist.
    • Meet at Gate 1, 100, Drummond Road, SE16 4DG.
    • Time: 13.00
  • Saturday 15 March – Bookmaking workshop! Join us for a bookmaking workshop led by Amanda Boachie, founder of FORTY-FOUR WORDS! Participants will use needles and make knots. We encourage parents to attend with their children.
  • Sunday 16 March – Festival Finale. Presentation of prizes in our 16+ poetry competition and a talk by Sarah Bax Horton on her book ‘Arm of Eve. Investigating the Thames Torso Murders’. Jack the Ripper is often called the world’s most notorious unidentified killer, but he was not the first modern serial killer on the streets of London. Before him was another murderer who hunted from the River Thames – one arguably more sadistic and mercurial. The Thames Torso Killer has always lurked in the Ripper’s shadow, despite the fact he murdered and dismembered at least four people over two years. He started to kill in 1887, over a year before the Ripper, and his last murder was in 1889, almost ten months after the death of Mary Jane Kelly, the Ripper’s last victim. In Arm of Eve, Sarah Bax Horton conducts her own investigation and uses modern criminal profiling to come up with her own suspect – a known criminal who knew the Thames like the back of his hand. There is a Bermondsey connection to this case!

Online

During and after the Festival creative work by children from local primary and secondary schools; 16+ poetry competition entries and an essay by Pat Kingwell ‘Writers and Southwark Park’, will be freely accessible online – insert web details.

Writers and Southwark Park Essay

By Pat Kingwell

>> Writers and Southwark Park

Any more ideas?

Let’s chat! Please leave us an email with your ideas for the festival at

blit2025@hotmail.com