Royal Docks Originals 2025: full programme

This autumn, from 15 September to 4 October, experience Royal Docks Originals, a free arts festival created by artists, creatives, and communities from across the Royal Docks.

Expect show-stopping art, dazzling installations and world-premieres all made and happening in the Royal Docks. Inspired by the theme of Metamorphosis: a celebration of transformation and journeys, we have some truly spectacular experiences to share with you.

Explore the programme

WEEK ONE: 15 - 21 September
Look a tiger in the eye, get on your bike and uncover iconic Royal Docks landmarks

Pump House Pulse
Thu 18th Sept: 6:30 - 9pm
Certain Blacks will be presenting Pump House Pulse: an evening of live music, featuring the best in Jazz and Blues.

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.

Opening up: Millennium Mills, Tate Institute and The Factory
Saturday 20 Sept, various times
Join a free tour of some of Royal Docks' most iconic historic buildings. Part of Open House Weekend 2025.

WEEK TWO 22 - 28 September

Spectacular fire installation, make music in the cable car and explore our makers market

Creative Careers at the Docks
Thurs 25 Sept 2025, 12 – 5pm
Aged 18 – 30? Kickstart your creative career. Join us for employer-led workshops, near-peer creative discussions and an interactive marketplace with job opportunities.

Pump House Pulse
Thurs 25 Sept, 6:30 – 9pm
Certain Blacks will be presenting Pump House Pulse: an evening of live music, featuring the best in Jazz and Blues.

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
You're all invited to our Compressor House Warming, get inspired at Royal Albert Wharf and decide who has the Docks Factor

Compressor House Warming: Arrivals + Departures
Mon 29 Sept - Sat 4 Oct
An artwork by YARA + DAVINA that explores birth, death and the journey in between.

Compressor House Warming: Charabancs and Cadillacs
Mon 29 Sept - Sat 4 Oct
Open a magic time capsule to discover Newham’s transport history and its impact on people’s lives.

Compressor House Warming: River of Hope
Mon 29 Sept - Sat 4 Oct
A showcase of film and art inspired by reflections of the river

Compressor House Warming: Unearthing Invisible Seafaring Histories of Empire
Mon 29 Sept from 6pm
An art installation and screening to commemorate 19th and 20th sailors at the Docks

Pump House Pulse
Thu 2 Oct: 6:30 - 9pm
Certain Blacks will be presenting Pump House Pulse: an evening of live music, featuring the best in Jazz and Blues.

Compressor House Warming: The Newham Plays
Thurs 2 - Sat 4 Oct 2025
See a series of powerful plays on film by writer and lecturer, James Kenworth.

The Docks Factor
Fri 3 Oct, From 6.30 - 8.30pm
Like its TV namesake, performers will showcase their talents live on stage in front of a judging panel, and you, the audience, get to choose too!

Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability Discovery Day
Fri 3 Oct, 10am - 7:30pm
Open to all and jam packed full of activities including climate positive crafts, VR experiences and a chance to get hands on with the iconic Sugarcrete®.

Browse Full Royal Docks Originals programme