Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF), London’s leading free festival of outdoor performance, returns from 22 August to 6 September 2025 with a spectacular programme marking its 30th anniversary.
This year’s theme, Above and Beyond, will see 30 companies from around the world present new work across the Royal Borough of Greenwich, Newham, and Thamesmead.
Opening the festival is French company Lézards Bleus with the world premiere of Above and Beyond, a breathtaking parkour performance across Woolwich’s landmark buildings and public spaces. This specially commissioned piece features formation climbing, choreography, and music inspired by Woolwich’s history, and includes a collaboration with the Citizens of the World Choir.
On 5–6 September, Dutch company Panama Pictures brings The Weight of Water to Thamesmead. This visually arresting production uses a floating structure to explore the climate crisis through physical theatre and daring choreography.
From 30–31 August, Turning Worlds transforms the Greenwich Peninsula’s Rooftop Basketball Court into a hub of innovation. Audiences can expect circus fused with robotics, vertical wall performances, and a rotating metal spiral used as a stage for dance and physical theatre.
A major highlight is the world premiere of Fragments of Us on 4 September in Woolwich. This new dance-theatre piece, exploring Black masculinity, is a collaboration between Talawa and Fubunation, directed by award-winning artist Sonia Hughes.
The much-loved Dancing City returns with a new partnership with New York’s Fire Island Dance Festival. International LGBTQIA+ dance artists will perform alongside three London premieres from disabled artists and companies. Full details will be announced soon.
Greenwich Fair also returns to its historic home in Greenwich Park with a packed programme of street theatre, games, and family fun. Highlights include Eshu at the Crossroads by Theatre-Rites and Miguel Altunaga, Lady Garden by Miss High Leg Kick, and the UK premiere of Epiphytes, a high-wire performance by Belgian company Des Chaussons Rouges.
Bradley Hemmings MBE, GDIF’s Artistic Director, said:
“This year’s theme Above and Beyond grows out of 30 years of delivering GDIF across Greenwich, East London and the City of London. In that time we’ve learned that there are no edges or boundaries in outdoor theatre and the usual distinctions between art and the everyday are often miraculously blurred. This year our ‘stage’ stretches out in all directions – across parks, town centres, basketball courts, roofs and a water space, whilst we also invite audiences to look up, both physically and imaginatively. In the difficult, often fractious times we’re living through, the festival offers a moment in the midst of life’s challenges, to take a breath and experience something uplifting, free and accessible which everyone can enjoy.”
A spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich added:
“We’re thrilled to be working with Greenwich+Docklands International Festival for Royal Greenwich Festivals 2025! Together, we’re working with more organisations and artists than ever before to bring you the biggest and best programme yet. All events are free. Just come along, relax and enjoy surprising and spectacular culture on your doorstep!”
Coinciding with the festival, Unicorn will publish Above and Beyond: 30 Years of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, a limited-edition hardback book by Fiona Hughes. Featuring never-before-seen photography, the book celebrates GDIF’s most iconic moments and is available to preorder now.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
