At the Docks
At the Docks 2023
What are you doing this summer?
Why not join us down At the Docks for a spectacular season of world-class arts, culture, and events at London’s newest and coolest waterside destination.
We have a bumper line-up which includes contemporary art installations, the UK’s first zero-waste theatre venue, cutting-edge performances, international sporting events, music festivals, watersports, and a whole host more.
All in the fabulous dockside setting of the Royal Docks, which offers some of the capital’s best views and experiences.
Events to look out for include:
- Innovative international street arts, dance and performances from Greenwich+Docklands International Festival and Ensemble Festival
- An immersive light and sound exhibition from Broadwick Live at Thin Air
- Wheel-to-wheel racing action with a net zero carbon footprint at the 2023 Hankook London E-Prix
- Some of the most influential names in electronic music at Dockyards Summer Series
- Fascinating stories of the Royal Docks made by its people in Newham Heritage Month
- Free, fun and safe dock swimming and sandpits at Royal Docks Summer Splash
- The UK’s best multi-sport event courtesy of the London Triathlon 2023
- Wakeboarding, paddleboarding, open water swimming and a variety of other watersports
At the Docks will be headlined by Sea Change, commissioned and produced by the Royal Docks Team in collaboration with University College London and curated by Invisible Dust, which has invited leading researchers and academics to collaborate with global contemporary artists to create four new artworks that respond to this year’s theme of sustainability and climate action.
The full programme of events will be announced in the coming weeks so make sure to sign up to our newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
At the Docks is a celebration of our past, present and future as London’s Cultural Engine. Once the UK’s gateway to world trade, today the area is undergoing a bold transformation. It is home to a growing community of artists and creatives (local and international); some of the capital’s newest cultural venues and visitor attractions; and an exciting programme of arts, culture and creativity inspired by the area’s extraordinary landscape, heritage and character. For more on the area’s cultural ambitions and plans.
Featuring
Sea Change
11-29 May
Commissioned and produced by the Royal Docks Team in collaboration with University College London (UCL) – one of the world's leading universities – and curated by Invisible Dust, Sea Change brings together UCL researchers and academics with global contemporary artists to present entertaining and engaging creative responses to the impacts of the climate crisis.
Forecast 2023
19 May
An international hybrid symposium featuring writers, artists, scientists and cultural commentators to explore the nature of the stories we tell and how they help shape our planet’s future.
The Greenhouse Theatre
11 May – 04 June
The UK’s first zero-waste theatre venue, The Greenhouse Theatre, will be welcoming visitors to Thames Barrier Park for a pop-up residency hosting Sea Change commissions, talks and workshops, activity packs, and a picnic area with snacks and a bar.
At the Docks Summer Commissions
Throughout summer
Featuring 11 Royal Docks Team funded projects, that respond to the climate emergency, presented in Thames Barrier Park and across the Royal Docks.
Royal Docks Summer Splash
31 July – 20 August
Dive into family fun this summer as Royal Docks Summer Splash returns to bring you delightful dock swimming, deckchair chilling, super sandpits and much more!
Thin Air
17 March – 04 June
Explores the hidden complexities that shape the world we live in through this exhibition of light, atmospherics, sound, large-scale installation and experimental new media by seven global contemporary artists.
Dockyards Summer Series
01 – 09 July
A series of one day music festivals taking place at Broadwick Live's newest open-air venue Dockyards London, featuring some of the hottest names in dance music including Armin van Buren, Chase and Status, and plenty more.
London Festival of Architecture 2023
01 – 30 June
A month-long celebration of architecture and city-making, with a series of installations, exhibitions, workshops, talks and special events focussed on the Royal Docks.
Newham Heritage Month
01 – 30 June
An exciting line-up of creative community projects bringing the borough’s extraordinary creative heritage to life through live events, workshops and installations.
Ensemble Festival 2023
21 – 23 July
A free festival of circus, dance and street performance presented by Certain Blacks.
Greenwich + Docklands International Festival 2023
London's free, annual outdoor theatre and performing arts festival returns with another exciting programme, yet to be revealed. Stay tuned for more!
2023 Hankook London E-Prix
29 & 30 July
The ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to ExCeL London with two final races to decide the Season 9 champion, as the grid gets set for wheel-to-wheel action around the historical heartland of the Royal Docks at motorsport’s only indoor and outdoor circuit.
London Triathlon 2023
06 August
Join or simply spectate as thousands of people swim, bike, and run their way around one of the most iconic capital cities, including the Royal Docks, at the world’s biggest city centre triathlon.
The Line
Throughout
Go on a journey through a dynamic urban landscape where you can explore art, nature and heritage for free as part of this cutting edge public art trail.
Social Convention
Various
The Royal Docks’ newest event space promises something for everyone this summer, from drag cabaret and East African music to pop-up performances and drink offers.
For your visit
Food & Drink
Al Masar
Hot and cold Lebanese mezze dishes on are on the menu here, alongside grilled meat. BYO, no cover charge.
Community
North Woolwich Library
This is more than a library; here you'll find a homework club, model railway society, and more.
New Arrival
Business
Expressway London
Expressway is a community of almost 200 thriving businesses facing onto Royal Victoria Dock. Recognised as a place where creative enterprises, SMEs and start ups can flourish, no two of their businesses are alike but all are like minded.
