The 5 best immersive experiences at Greenwich + Docklands International Festival
London’s festival of outdoor theatre and performing arts is back 26 August to 11 September and as ever is absolutely FREE.
The schedule this year looks as ambitious as it is imaginative and is packed with immersive art and interactive experiences.
We’ve picked out five of the best below but highly recommend you check out the full programme here.
1. SPARK
See the skies lit up with fireflies!
Artist Daan Roosegaarde is bringing Greenwich a different, more sustainable take on firewords and confetti by bringing thousands of biodegradable light sparks into the sky.
These ‘organic fireworks’ are inspired by fireflies and is completely free and open air. Grab a pillow or two, maybe some headphones and Owl City (sorry couldn’t resist) and marvel.
SPARK will be at The Queens House Lawns on 26 - 27 August at 9pm and is free to attend, more info here
2. Island of Foam: Version XVIII
German artist Stephanie Lüning is going to fill the Greenwich Peninsula with mountains of multi-coloured foam.
The artist will create these rainbow mountains ‘live’ for a hour-long performance before the artwork finally disappears.
It sounds mad. But also magical.
Island of Foam: Version XVIII will be on at Greenwich Peninsula 2-3 September and is free to attend. More info here
3. De Relaxerette
Roll up, roll up for the most relaxing fairground ride in the world!
Yes, Arjan Kruidhof, Lân Fan Taal & Explore the North have brought up a giant, revolving complex of hammocks thatyou get to sit on listening to stories (I think) in Rathbone Market.
This is billed as a “reflective and relaxing fairground ride with a difference” and includes local stories, poetry and sound from London.
De Relaxerette is on 9-10 September at 1pm in Rathbone Market. Ages 6+ and minimum height of 1.2m. More info here
4. Final Farewell
Wonder through Isle of Dogs with a handy map, audioguide and your own imagination.
Writer Sudha Bhuchar brings the Isle of Dogs tales from the pandemic, delivered via four audio stories.
Each of the stories is inspired by real loves and losses experiences through the Pandemic and the finale is on Island Gardens, where the audience is invited to reflect on their own memories.
Final Farewell runs 10–11 September at 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm & 4.30pm at Island Gardens. More info here
5. Charon
Get a little taste of legendary Nevada festival Burning Man with Charon, a gigantic 32ft high rotating zoetrope that’s powered by the audience.
Originally created for Burning Man by Peter Hudson, each night of performance sees the massive structure lit up and a teams of volunteer operator (it could be you!) animates the ferryman who in Greek mythology would take dead souls across the Styx.
Charon will be operating 1-10 September at 8pm at Limmo Peninsula. More info here
