Our Docks: Behind the scenes of Royal Docks Originals

Contribute to Royal Docks Originals by sharing your own photos of the festival! Simply scan the QR codes placed on our zines to upload your pictures (or simply click on the following link: ACCESS THE RDO PHOTO ALBUM).
Your moments could be featured in the final digital version of the diary, which will live online long after the festival ends

Discover the making process behind the festival and be part of its legacy!

Our Docks is a visual timeline celebrating the people, processes and places that bring the Royal Docks Originals Festival to life. This living diary captures the moments created by our team, partners and communities—all working together to build a vibrant festival experience and a lasting legacy for Newham.

At the festival hub (Pump House), you’ll be able to witness a life-size frieze showcasing moments from the festival’s making process in vivid detail (please see top of the page for image of the banner).

Pick up a pre-made zine at the Festival Hub to learn more about the festival and the Cultural Producers behind it, and try folding the zine into origami for a special Royal Docks keepsake.

Zine-Making Workshop with Artist Ioana Simion

On Saturday 27 September, we have welcomed participants and audiences to join a zine-making workshop led by artist Ioana Simion of Artizine UK, at the Royal Docks Originals Festival Hub (Pump House).

During this hands-on session, they have been guided in crafting their own unique zine—an artistic reflection of their relationship to the theme of metamorphosis. Whether they were new to zine-making or have done it before, Ioana’s expert guidance has helped them bring their story to life. See images of the session below!

This project has been brought to life by Carlton and Sofia, our trainee Cultural Producers who joined the Royal Docks team through Creative Newham’s Cultural Producers programme. Their passion and creativity have been essential in capturing and sharing the festival’s evolving story.

Join us, share your story, and be part of the vibrant community making the Royal Docks Originals Festival truly special through Our Docks.

Browse Full Royal Docks Originals programme

Download Royal Docks Originals 2025 brochure