Storyteller Rez Kabir & Workshop - Bermondsey Puppet & Story Festival 2026

Free family drop-in craft with storytelling. Create your own puppet and find out how to bring it to life!

Our professional artist Sarah Sparkes is ready to help you make a magical marionnett puppet puppet inspired by storyteller Rez Kabir. All materials are provided.

Storytelling is suitable for all ages and lasts 20 minutes. Storytimes: 12.30, 1.30and 2.30

All puppets made at this event can be used at at our grand finale celebration in Bermondsey Spa Gardens on 12th July. Put the date in your diary!

• Storytimes: 12.30pm, 1.30pm and 2.30pm
• Free drop-in puppet workshop 12pm - 3pm
• All ages and abilities welcome
• Disabled accessible
• Seating available
• Market open with places to eat and drink nearby
• Free activities every Saturday 16th May - 11th July
• Finale Event Bermondsey Spa Gardens on Sunday 12 July, 12–5pm

A new family-friendly community festival is coming to Bermondsey in summer 2026. Bermondsey Puppet & Story Fest will feature free puppetry and storytelling workshops across local schools, community venues and public spaces, leading to a lively outdoor celebration in Bermondsey Spa Gardens on Sunday 12 July, 12–5pm.

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.

Rez Kabir is an actor & storyteller based in London. Born in Chittagong, Bangladesh, he came to UK with his parents. He acts, produces, writes and works in theatre, film and TV across the UK and internationally. He has dedicated much of his work to local communities, young people and families to support literacy, language and well being. He is also Artistic Director of Tamarind Theatre Co based in Whitechapel, widening participation in the arts. https://mayaproductions.co.uk/about-maya/rez-kabir/

Sarah Sparkes is a London-based artist whose multidisciplinary practice explores the boundaries between science, folklore, and the supernatural. Sarah works across installation, sculpture, film, and performance as well as curating and teaching. She is the founder of live art project Chutney Preserves where puppets, performers, artist and the public interact in outdoor space, including the Puppet Wars on Camberwell Green. Sarah has run many memorable activities in The Blue Marketplace, including colouring competitions, making christmas decorations and lantern making.

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 creations and then bring them along to Bermondsey Spa Gardens on Sunday 12 July 12 - 5pm and join in with our finale show!

The Blue, Market Place, South Bermondsey SE16 3UQ

By bus 1, 381, P12

By train South Bermondsey, Canada Water

By tube Bermondsey

By car Free Parking on St James Road Car Park (2 hour maximum). Free street parking available at weekends, please check signs carefully for local restrictions.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Blue Market Bermondsey, Market Place, London, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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