Royal Dock Originals
Family friendly activities at Royal Docks Originals
Looking for a fun family day out this autumn?
Royal Docks Originals Festival 2025 is bringing the docks to life with creativity, culture, and street art, neon tigers, giant flowers and much more. And best of all, its free.
Expect a mix of hands-on workshops, live performances, and plenty of family-friendly activities designed to spark imaginations of all ages with something new around every corner.
Here are our top picks.
WEEK ONE: 15 - 21 September
Docks Open Art Commissions: Bioluminescent Garden
Friday 19 Sept: Drop-in 11am - 4pm
Make your own flower and as night falls watch it light up in this interactive installation celebrating transformation at the Royal Docks.
Get Moving!
Saturday 20 Sept: 11am - 3pm
An afternoon of free family fun, performance, interactive exhibits and workshops to celebrate the opening of the Royal Docks Corridor.
WEEK TWO 22 - 28 September
Rekindling
Thurs 25 Sept and Fri 26 Sept, 6:30 –10pm
A mesmerising fire installation featuring Compagnie Carabosse with Royal Docks communities
Blue Sky Making, Let your Creativity Soar!
Sat 27 Sept, 10am - 5pm
Jump on board the IFS Cloud Cable Car and ride with a composer, a poet, or an artist to co-create instant pieces of art while riding high across the Thames.
Docks Open Art Commissions: Docks Photobooth of Futures
Sat 27 Sept, 11am - 4pm
Take part in an interactive photo installation by local artist Kevin Audience designed to spark imagination and local pride through creative visual storytelling.
Royal Docks Market – Originals Edition
Sat 27 Sept 2025, 10am - 5pm
Royal Docks Market will come alive with a vibrant celebration of local creativity and culture.
WEEK THREE 29 September - 4 October
Compressor House Warming: River of Hope
Mon 29 Sept - Sat 4 Oct
A showcase of film and art inspired by reflections of the river
The Docks Factor
Fri 3 Oct, 6:30 - 8:30pm
Experience Newham’s talent in The Docks Factor, a live showcase bringing together local performers and special guests including music, dance and poetry.
Royal Albert Wharf Creative Open Day
Sat 4 Oct, 10am - 7pm
Join us for a day of art, fashion, performance and community celebration. Open to all!
THROUGHOUT THE FESTIVAL
Relax in the Festival Hub, take a tour of Open Art and uncover a Spectrum of Stories
Docks Open Art Series: Blue Sunset
Graphic Rewilding’s nature inspired mural is an ode to the energy, diversity and stories of the Royal Docks.
PolliNation
Taking inspiration from Blue Sunset, local schools have created their own flower inspired artworks which will be on display at the Festival Hub in the Pump House.
Spectrum of Stories
Art exhibition of mixed media works blend storytelling with environmental consciousness by local artist Margo Holder
The Festival Hub at the Pump House
The Pump House, a landmark creative workspace in Royal Victoria Dock, will be transformed into a vibrant festival hub during Royal Docks Originals.
Docks Open Art Series: Royal Reflections & Sweet Hope
Chila Burman's iconic life size neon tiger sculpture forms the centrepiece of this vibrant neon installation.
The Royal Docks: A People and Past in Pictures
An installation charting the maritime history and the heritage of the Royal Docks.
On the Waterfront: Tours and Trails
Discover themed trails and walking routes to suit every interest
