Summer 2023 sees the launch of ‘In a Field by a Bridge’, a weekend festival with a unique backdrop. In a community park, beside an international landmark, this is an event to inspire sustainable living and to celebrate community action.

From when the sun sits high over Tower Bridge until the last pink rays disappear behind London Bridge, on grassy fields next to the Thames; this free festival showcases the juxtaposition of incredible London landmarks alongside cityscape, nature and one of the world’s great rivers.

Celebrating everything that Potters Fields Park and the London Bridge neighbourhood have to offer; merging green spaces, evocative history, wonderful architecture, a diverse resident community, thriving businesses, – this is one of the most culturally innovative, sustainable and exciting districts in London. In a Field by a Bridge is the first opportunity to showcase London Bridge as a leading environmentally-focused business district, highlighting the transition to a carbon neutral economy, low impact living and healthy lifestyles. The impact of this festival on the local community is aimed to create positive social and economic longevity far beyond this launch weekend.

“Great festivals have meaning and a purpose and a team that means it and if you can add an amazing location then BINGO!, In a Field by a Bridge has the aim to be an exemplar sustainable festival and in Team London Bridge, a festival funder that “means it”.
The location is nothing short of spectacular. Potters Fields is a beautifully maintained public green space overlooking the Thames and with views to the adjacent Tower Bridge, to London Bridge and across to The Tower of London. Across Tooley Street, the festival’s second green space St. John’s Churchyard is a wonderful community park that will play host to the Beyond Food-led “Feast in a Field” initiative where local “legends in their own kitchen” will allow Londoners and visitors from all around the UK and the world to get a taste of delicacies that thus far only their families have been able to enjoy .
We are aiming to make In a Field by a Bridge, a must-attend annual event. I would make sure you can say you were there at that first one in July 2023 !”
Wayne Hemingway, HemingwayDesign

This free festival aims to enable and encourage education and action on greener living through creative programming. It’s jam-packed with an incredible showcase of live performances, interactive workshops, film screenings, architectural tours, activities for all the family and so much more.

Full programme coming soon but here’s a sneak peak for now….

Keith Brymer Jones and Clayground mass participatory clay workshop celebrating the history of pottery-making in the area
Social enterprise Beyond Food community Feast in a Field
Programme of workshops, talks & walks curated by London National Park City and its network of park rangers
Topical talks programme with headline panellists
Local businesses & resident involvement
Film screenings
Suitcase Sale
Designers and makers market
Street food & drink
Workshops
Music & entertainment on a pedal-powered stage.

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For a number of years, the London Bridge community has been addressing global problems with local commitments. Matching the ambition of Southwark Council and the Mayor of London, local businesses have committed to a first of its kind routemap with the aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2030 and dramatically decreasing the 130,000 tonnes of CO2e they produce annually – an output equivalent to powering 25,295 homes a year. In a Field by a Bridge will highlight different ways we can collectively and individually decarbonise and instil new ideas for low carbon living into our daily routines.

“In a Field by a Bridge will mark the start of the summer for many of us. Alongside HemingwayDesign, we have curated two days of riverside festivities for the curious, creative and conscientious who also just like to have a really good time! Everything has been planned with sustainability in mind. Come along and discover Feast in a Field – our community cookout, experience making ceramics with Keith Brymer Jones of BBC2’s The Great Pottery Throw Down, and find a pre-loved bargain at the massive suitcase sale along the Thames. We hope to see In a Field By a Bridge become a regular fixture on London’s cultural calendar for many years to come.”
Ellie Beedham, Director of Arts, Team London Bridge

“Access to green space and nature has never been more important to our busy urban lives. With our award-winning parks, commitment to sustainability, passion for our area and pride in our community, we’re excited to host the first In a Field by a Bridge festival. We can’t wait to share two days of fun and inspiring activities with visitors from around the world and around the corner.”
Sheila Benjamin, Chief Executive of Potters Fields Park Management Trust

“I am really pleased and excited to be involved in this community event ‘In a Field by a Bridge’. It brings together the history of Potters Field on the banks of the Thames in the heart of London, whilst creating an event that is accessible to the local community and beyond. Bringing historical places back to life through creativity is arguably the best way to highlight our past and recognise its significance for future generations.”
Keith Brymer Jones, ceramics and homeware designer.

In a Field by a Bridge is just a short walk from London Bridge Station and the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers river bus service, and is set amid the attractions of the London Bridge area with its cafes, restaurants and theatres.

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd July 2023 11am – 7pm
Potters Fields Park, Tooley St, London, SE1 2QX
& St. John’s Churchyard, Fair Street, London SE1 2LD