Free family storytelling with Laura Sampson at London Bubble Theatre

All ages welcome. Suitable for ages 3-10 and their families.

Storytimes: 11am

This free community event brings together Bermondsey Puppet and Storytelling Festival association, Bermondsey Literary Festival 2026 and London Bubble Theatre for a morning of relaxed family entertainment.

Laura Sampson is a British-Trinidadian storyteller & writer. She loves to tell stories of big emotions, surreal situations, & misunderstood old ladies. She has worked with V&A, Young V&A, Discover Children’s Story Centre, National Trust and many more. She is author of two collections, Enchanted Tales (2023) & Mythical Tales (Sept 2025) published by Templar Books. https://www.laurasampson.com/

Bermondsey & Beyond Literary Festival is a free community-led event that’s all about showcasing local talent and voices through literature. It’s a great chance to come together, celebrate, and support each other! With a variety of activities for everyone, it’s the perfect chance to celebrate literature and the amazing talent in our community.  

Bermondsey & Beyond Literary Festival is supported by Big Local Works https://www.biglocalworks.org.uk/

The finale will showcase community-made puppets alongside headline performances from internationally renowned storytellers including Usifu Jalloh, Emily Hanna, Marrianna Portello and Bernadette Russell.

Find out more:https://bermondsey.london/events/puppet-storytelling-festival-2026-bermondsey/

All events are free and open to all ages.

Supported by Blue Bermondsey BID, Connection With Wonder and Southwark Cultural Celebration Fund, the festival is brought to you by the team behind London Dreamtime Storytelling and Illuminate Bermondsey & Rotherhithe.

Free public workshops and performances will take place across local venues and outdoor spaces, including weekly sessions at The Blue Market from May - July. Led by professional storytellers and puppeteers, these hands-on sessions invite people of all ages to create puppets, share stories and learn the techniques that bring puppetry and storytelling to life. Participants can contribute ideas and creations towards the final community celebration. No experience is needed — just curiosity and imagination. Take home your stories and creations and then bring them along to Bermondsey Spa Gardens on Sunday 12 July 12 - 5pm and join in with our finale show!

3 – 5 Elephant Lane, London, SE16 4JD

Tube: Canada Water or Bermondsey (Jubilee Line)
Overground: Rotherhithe
Buses: 381, C10, 188, 47, P12
Parking: There is a limited amount of unrestricted on-street parking close to the Bubble Office. We have two parking spaces available for people with additional access needs. Please contact us if you would like to reserve a space in advance of your visit.
Bicycles: We have a small foyer space in which a few bicycles can be securely locked.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

London Bubble Theatre Company, 5 Elephant Lane, London, United Kingdom

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