This June, we’re celebrating another exciting chapter for our community. Following the success of our recent Bridges Festival, it’s been wonderful to see our spaces brought to life with creativity and connection of our participants. And there’s even more to look forward to, with our much‑loved Family Festival now on sale, ready to bring even more joy in the months ahead.

Keep reading for a glimpse of what’s coming up next, or head to our website to explore our full Take Part schedule.

Family Festival 2026

We are so excited to announce that our much-loved Family Festival is back for 2026!

Thank you to the incredible generosity of everyone who donated during this year’s Big Give campaign, making this years festival a reality.

After sell-out festivals in 2024 and 2025, join us on Sat 25 & Sun 26 Jul for a day packed full of creativity, imagination, and fun for all ages Join us for a day packed full of creativity, imagination, and fun for all ages. You can look forward to puppetry theatre performances, live music, dance workshops, and musical theatre singing sessions.

There will also be plenty of opportunities to get creative with arts and crafts, alongside lots more surprises throughout the day.

Date: Sat 25 & Sun 26 Jul

Tickets: FREE, booking required.

Time slots: 10am and 1.30pm

Upcoming South Asian Heritage Month Events

Musical Theatre Workshop
Sat 4 & Sat 11 Jul

Come and enjoy a free 2 hour Bhangra themed West End style workshop with Haveen, who starred in our 2024 production of Jungle Book.
Delve into the world of Musical Theatre magic adding vocals and choreography to a popular show number.

Tickets: FREE, booking required.
Age: 18+, unless accompanied by adult. 

The Jeweller's Daughter
Wed 22 Jul, 2pm

Join storyteller Natasha as she tells the true story of a little island in the Indian Ocean called Zanzibar; of a Sri-Lankan girl whose family were forced to leave, and the welcoming community they then found.

Filled with games, music and costumes, The Jeweller's Daughter explores and celebrates South Asian and East African culture

Tickets: FREE, booking required.
Age: 6+

New Term On Sale

Get involved!

Bookings are now open for our much-loved Creative Engagement groups, returning this September!

This is your chance to get involved, meet new people, have plenty of fun, and even perform on the iconic Octagon stage. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience,  we believe everyone has a story to tell, and our theatre workshops are designed to give confidence and skills for everyone to tell theirs!

Spaces fill quickly- book your spot today and be part of something creative, exciting, and unforgettable!

Summer School 2026

Calling 11-16 year olds!

A brand‑new show. Made by young people, performed by you.

Join us at the Octagon for a fun, hands‑on week of theatre‑making and help bring a brand‑new show, Are You Listening?, to life.

Over five days you’ll work as an ensemble, build characters, explore performance and have a real say in shaping the show.

At the end of the week, you’ll take to the stage and premiere the show at the Octagon with a live audience of friends and family.

What we got up to in June

Bridges Festival 2026

"This year we decided to create our most ambitious Bridges Festival to date, having two performances in the main auditorium, two choir performances, and screenings of a documentary made by our Bridges participants. What makes this year so special is that it’s the first time Bridges Youth have ever had a chance to perform in the auditorium, as well as collaborate with our adult Bridges groups. We also had our wonderful participants our Bridges Forwards programme co-produce the festival, designing posters, creating lighting states, sound, and costume for both the shows. The whole team at the Octagon have been hands-on to provide wonderful sessions, a helping hand, or even just a welcoming face, to make this festival happen."

Kyia KB - Community Theatre Director

Archie's Work Experience

Archie got stuck in to tours, costume design, leading drama games, ushering, and attending staff meetings. He left feeling very fulfilled, and excited to continue working with the Octagon.

Archie has been attending our Bridges Youth Theatre sessions for young people with additional needs and learning disabilities for a while now. His family have loved watching his confidence and passion for theatre grow, and encouraged him to apply for a work experience placement with us. We saw how beneficial this has been for him, when he performed in the auditorium at Bridges Festival last week and completely oozed with confidence!