Our Docks: Behind the scenes of Royal Docks Originals

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.

We invite you to contribute to this movement by sharing your own photos of the festival! Simply scan the QR codes placed around the festival sites to upload your pictures. Your moments could be featured in the final digital version of the diary, which will live online long after the festival ends.

You can also join the zine-making workshop, where you’ll create your own personal festival zine that reflects your experience or Royal Docks Originals.

Alternatively, 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

We warmly invite you to join a zine-making workshop led by artist Ioana Simion of Artizine UK on Saturday 27th September, 1 - 3pm at the Royal Docks Originals Festival Hub (Pump House).

During this hands-on session, you’ll be guided in crafting your own unique zine—an artistic reflection of your relationship to the theme of metamorphosis. Whether you’re new to zine-making or have done it before, Ioana’s expert guidance will help you bring your story to life.

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