There’s lots on this summer in Southwark! Check out some highlights below:

What’s on

Free: listen to jazz performances in Bermondsey Square 

Bermondsey Square Jazz supports aspiring and seasoned creative music talent. The line up of musicians changes at every event and the events are hosted by vocalist Stephen Pierre. From 2pm to 5pm on 1 and 15 August.

See …cake at Peckham Theatre

Book now for a psychological drama which unapologetically queers the existing complexities of family, roots and belonging; where power and duty dance in equal measure. Shows until Saturday 31 July and tickets from £10.

Enjoy food, drink and rides at the Rotherhithe festival

The Rotherhithe Festival will return to King George’s Fields, SE16 on Saturday 7 August. It’s a great day of free music with food, drink and rides and attractions for children, starting at 11.30am and finishing at 8.30pm.

Join a local archaeology walk

Join a guided walk around the historic borough of Southwark, exploring Borough and Bankside’s archaeology on 29 or 31 July. Free, but booking required.

*Please enjoy events safely and remember hands, face and space.*

>> See all listings

What’s on for children, young people and families

There’s a host of events and activities for children and families this summer as part of our Summer of Play programme. Check out a few up-coming highlights below.

Shakespeare for younger audiences at the Globe

The Shakespeare’s Globe annual storytelling festival, Telling Tales, is back on stage this summer until 22 August. These storytelling performances will take you on a sensory, interactive adventure, giving younger audiences the chance to get into Shakespeare’s stories. Tickets: £12

Visit Elephant Springs: a new natural play area in SE1

Elephant springs is a new urban oasis in Elephant and Castle with rocks, streams, sand and water fountains. If you’re local, pop along for a unique experience.

Book now: holiday gymnastics club in Camberwell

Southwark Gymnastics Club is offering gymnastics sessions for children aged between 4 and 15 over the summer holidays, based in Brunswick Park School in Camberwell. Prices are £7.50 per session, but discounts are available.

Try Ellen Brown adventure playground

8 to 15-year-olds can head to Ellen Brown adventure playground in SE1 on any day until 27 August for open access, free and fun outdoor activities.

Join a Teddy Bears’ picnic in Canada Water

Let’s have lots of fun singing your favourite teddy bear rhymes and listening to wonderful stories. Bring your favourite teddy or soft toy and a little snack. 4 August 2021 11am to 11.45am. Free, booking essential.

*Please enjoy events safely, and remember hands, face and space.*

>> Check out all our summer listings for children and young people

COVID-19 updates

Vaccination walk-in sites in south east London

There are lots of opportunities to still get your vaccine, including walk-in clinics at Guys and St Thomas’ hospitals every day (Pfizer, Moderna and Astrazeneca vaccines all available) and other places across Southwark and southeast London. You do not need proof of address, immigration status, ID or an NHS number.

You can also book your appointment via the NHS website.

Want to know more before you get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Do you need your questions answered before you get your COVID-19 jab? Get the facts on vaccines from medical professionals and hear from south Londoners on why they got theirs.

Get an NHS COVID Pass to show you’ve been vaccinated, or results of a COVID-19 test

You may be asked to show a COVID pass to get into some venues or to travel abroad. Find out how you can get an NHS COVID Pass to show your vaccination status or COVID-19 test results.

Get tested for COVID-19 twice a week

It’s important we continue to get tested regularly, even if we’ve been vaccinated. If you don’t have symptoms there are different ways to get tested in Southwark:

• Visit a testing site at London Bridge or Bournemouth Road in Peckham
• Order tests to be delivered to your home
• Pick up a test from your local library
• Get a test at a pharmacy

Stay safe this summer

If you’re out and about this summer please keep getting testing regularly and remember the vaccine is the best protection against COVID-19. Book your vaccine if you haven’t had yours yet.

Other updates…

Join celebrations at Bermondsey town centre this Saturday

Enjoy delicious food from local traders and a family-friendly line-up of free entertainment and workshops at The Blue in Bermondsey to celebrate the new and improved Market Place being back open for business and now featuring a striking new clock tower. From 12 noon to 4pm

Peveril Garden Studios opens

A new arts space and public roof garden launched this week at Peveril Garden, Bricklayers Arms. Commissioned by the council, the studios have been created by converting and refurbishing a 1960s building previously used for garages. Peveril Garden Studios will be operated by Forma Arts Media.

The Elephant Magazine Summer issue out now

Keep up to date with everything that’s happening in Elephant and Castle. The Elephant Magazine summer issue is out now and includes features on the new Southwark Heritage Centre and Walworth Library; local artist and musician, Natty Bo; and Elephant Springs, the new water feature at Elephant Park. Pick up your copy in Elephant and Castle or read online.

Come and talk to us about life after COVID-19

Come and talk to a member of the team at our Blue Market stall on Wednesday 4 August between 10am to 4pm or you can complete our Life after Covid survey online. You can host an event yourself with your neighbours, faith group, community group or Tenant and Residents Association and we can offer support and some funding for you to do this.

Closure of the Burgess Park car park

The car park in Albany Road is closed for parking for the foreseeable future. The current COVID-19 testing facilities in the car park are temporarily closed whilst work is done to expand the facility. If you have COVID-19 symptoms you can book an appointment at a testing site in the borough.

Share your ideas on how we can redevelop the old PC World + B&M sites on Old Kent Road.

We’ll be hosting workshops and group discussions at 682 Old Kent Road from Thursday 22 to Saturday 31 July. Find out more here: https://pcworldbm.commonplace.is/proposals/ideas-week

Not registered with a GP practice?

Anyone in England can register and receive care from a GP practice. You don’t need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS number. Find a local GP and how you can register with them.