The Greenwich+Docklands International Festival (GDIF) returns this summer with a vibrant programme of free outdoor theatre, dance, and immersive performances across London’s Royal Borough of Greenwich, Newham, Thamesmead, and beyond. I caught up again with Bradley Hemmings MBE, GDIF’s Artistic Director, to hear about this year’s theme, We Move, and the exciting premieres and community celebrations that make the festival a unique and inclusive experience for all.
Q: What excites you most about this year’s GDIF programme? Any standout moments?
A: Our opening night is always special, and this year we’re presenting 360, an extraordinary outdoor dance piece by French choreographer Mehdi Kerkouche. Mehdi is a queer artist with Algerian heritage who breaks down barriers between performers and audience, creating a shared, immersive experience. It’s mesmerising and really captures the spirit of the festival as a free, public event.
Q: The theme this year is “We Move.” How does that reflect London and the festival community?
A: We’re living through tough times, and “We Move” is about resilience—acknowledging the challenges but choosing to move forward together. It especially resonates with young people facing adversity, and it’s about hope and collective strength.
Q: What keeps audiences coming back to GDIF year after year?
A: We present fresh, innovative work staged in public spaces, responding to the moment we’re living through. But at the heart of it, it’s about the audience. People believe in the power of sharing something beautiful outdoors, and that loyalty and hunger for connection is incredible to see.
Q: Can you tell us about some of the world and UK premieres this year? How do you choose the shows?
A: Besides the opening night, we have A Place Between Mass and Echoes by Simone, a Guinness World Record-holding circus artist, celebrating street skate culture and community. Another highlight is Efectos Especiales from Argentina, an immersive live filming event with dancers, live music, and elements like fire, smoke, rain, and even a blizzard, performed at Greenwich Peninsula. We also embrace new locations like Romford Market with Meet Me by the Fountain, a nighttime light and storytelling spectacle that revives a lost local icon through 3D video mapping.
Q: Accessibility is clearly a priority. How do you ensure the festival is inclusive?
A: Since we take place in public spaces, it’s essential that everyone has equal opportunity to access the festival. We have an access producer who coordinates BSL interpretation, audio description, easy read materials, and builds relationships with networks to welcome diverse audiences. Accessibility starts well before the festival opens—it’s about making people feel safe and cared for throughout their journey.
Q: What do you hope visitors take away from their GDIF experience?
A: I hope they feel inspired and awed by something they’ve never seen before. Also, seeing familiar places transformed, like Woolwich Town Centre, Romford, or Thamesmead, makes those spaces feel renewed and special. The festival enriches these communities by creating magical moments in everyday places.
Q: If you could be part of any performance this year, which would it be?
A: I’d love to be on stage with Mehdi Kerkouche in 360, caught up in that ritual energy. Though, in reality, I’m not much of a dancer!
Don’t miss the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, London’s free annual outdoor theatre and performing arts festival, running from 21 August to 6 September 2026. Explore the full programme and book tickets for select events at festival.org/gdif-2026.