Gabriel's Wharf Arts Festival

A collection of six photographs showing people dancing, eating & drinking, shopping and musicians performing

The Gabriel's Wharf Arts Festival, our free creative event on the South Bank, is back for 2026!  

Join us on Saturday 5th and Saturday 19th September for two free days of music, creativity and community, as we celebrate the Wharf’s contribution to the South Bank’s vibrant cultural story since the 1956 Festival of Britain. 

Enjoy a packed programme of live music, swing dance, family-friendly activities, shopping, plus food and drink, with something for all ages to discover and enjoy. 

Step back in time with the sounds of the 1920s through to the 1960s, from live jazz and swing dance performances, to interactive workshops and feel-good retro classics guaranteed to get you moving. 

Families can get creative together with free drop-in art and craft workshops plus an all-ages painting session, with plenty of opportunities to make and take home something special. 

Explore the Wharf’s unique independent shops, meet the makers behind them, and browse everything from handcrafted treasures to one-of-a-kind keepsakes. Along the way, enjoy delicious food and drink from around the world. 

 

Saturday 5th September 

Live Music & Dance Workshops 

12-1pm | Double Agent 7 
Start the afternoon with DJ duo Double Agent 7, spinning the best of 50s blues, 60s R&B and soul floor fillers – all on original vinyl 45s. 

1-2pm | Doolally Tap 
Experience the lively sounds of Doolally Tap, bringing the energy and spirit of New Orleans jazz to the festival. 

1.45-2.30pm | SwingdanceUK 
Enjoy a performance from Swingdance UK, then join a 30-minute swing dance workshop led by renowned instructor Simon Selmon. 

2.30-3pm | Double Agent 7 

3-4pm | Doolally Tap 

3.45-4.30pm | SwingdanceUK 

4.30-5pm | Double Agent 7 

Creative Activities 

2-4pm | Painting with Smita Sonthalia, Skylark Galleries 

1-4pm | Family workshop with Laura X Carlé 

 

Saturday 19th September 

Live Music & Dance Workshops

12-1.10pm | Tony Kofi & Alina Bzhezhinska 
Award-winning harpist Alina Bzhezhinska and acclaimed saxophonist Tony Kofi unite for a captivating performance of innovative, contemporary jazz. 

1.15-2pm | Swing Patrol 
Feel the energy of London’s swing scene as Swing Patrol perform live before inviting you to join a fun, 30-minute dance workshop. 

2-3pm | The Cable Street Rag Band
Internationally-recognised musician Ewan Bleach brings his Cable Street Rag Band to the Wharf, with a spirited set of jazz, ragtime, blues and swing. 

3.15-4pm | Swing Patrol 

4-5pm | The Cable Street Rag Band

Creative Activities 

2-4pm | Painting with Smita Sonthalia, Skylark Galleries 

1-4pm | Family workshop with Laura X Carlé 

 

Performers & Artists

A man and a woman stand smiling in front of some turntables

Double Agent 7

Double Agent 7 are a DJ duo who play 50s blues & 60s r’n’b/soul floorfillers, all exclusively on vinyl 45s. They have DJ’d all over the world, as well as performed at many festivals including Glastonbury and Secret Garden Party. 

A group of musicians in the midst of playing brass and wind instruments

Doolally Tap

Doolally Tap’s uniquely energetic brand of hot New Orleans jazz is like a breath of fresh air. Led by exuberant trombonist and vocalist David Lalljee, their barnstorming live performances fizz with all the spirit and energy of the prohibition era.

A man and a woman dressed in black, yellow and white hold hands and point at eachother, smiling

SwingdanceUK

SwingdanceUK is one of the world's longest-running dance schools, bringing the joy of swing dancing to London for over 40 years. Founded by Simon Selmon, one of the pioneers of the UK Swing revival, the award-winning dance school teaches absolute beginners, to professional dancers with Ballet Rambert.

A woman sits at a harp whilst a man stands playing the sxophone

Alina Bzhezhinska & Tony Kofi

One of the world's leading harpists, Alina Bzhezhinska is the first harpist to be awarded the prestigious Parliamentary Jazz Award. Multi award-winning artist Tony Kofi is widely recognised as one of the UK's leading jazz saxophonists, regularly lending his skills to legendary group Cymande for their live performances. 

A photo of a group of people captured dancing.

Swing Patrol

Swing Patrol is a unique community of over 1,500 swing dancers featuring a first class teaching team and a passionate group of social dancers, led by Scott Cupit. They run weekly classes and workshops teaching Lindy Hop and Blues all over London, as well as socials and events. 

A group of musicians are photographed including a guitarist and clarinetist

The Cable Street Rag Band

Led by Ewan Bleach, The Cable Street Rag Band are a group of players that formed at the Cable Street studios in Limehouse. They play old-style jazz, rags, blues, song-book foxtrots and swing numbers, along with other dance music from around the world.

A photograph of a woman with dark brown hair, wearing a white top

Smita Sonthalia, Skylark Galleries

Smita Sonthalia is a London-based artist whose creative practice is inspired by her Indian heritage. She explores both spiritualism and nature in her figurative and abstract works, using texture, layering and pattern. Sonthalia is a member of Skylark Galleries and the founder of Samarpan Art School.

A woman with dark brown hair smiles at the camera. In the background are hanging threads of red string

Laura X Carlé

Laura X Carlé works as a freelance artist educator, running workshops for families, schools, and community groups. She has collaborated with major art galleries and museums across the UK including Tate and the Southbank Centre. Working primarily with sculpture she has exhibited in the UK and internationally.

Festival Special Offers 

A pink purse decorated with stitched hot air balloons

Vendula

Join Vendula for drinks and nibbles in store on the 5th and 19th September, plus enjoy these exclusive offers: 

  • Enjoy £5 off purchases of £50 & over 
  • Receive a free gift when you spend over £100 

How to get here

Gabriel's Wharf is approximately an 8 minute walk from both Waterloo and Southwark stations. 

The closest bus stops to Gabriel's Wharf are the Oxo Tower (Stop SH) and Coin Street (Stop SJ), both located on Upper Ground and Stamford Street just 65–100 meters away. Several key routes service these stops, including the 139, 176, 188, 381, and 40 buses.

There is no on-site parking, but the Cornwall Road Public Car Park is approximately 250 metres away. There is some on-street Blue Badge parking in Upper Ground opposite the access point to Gabriel's Wharf.

Accessibility

Gabriel's Wharf is fully accessible with ramped access at all three entrances. Please note some of the shops have steps up to their entrances, but most are accessible from ground level.

There is an accessible toilet on site, accessed with a National Key Scheme (RADAR) key. Other nearby facilities include the Southbank Centre and the National Theatre.

Useful information

  • This event is completely free, no tickets are required 
  • Line-up may be subject to change 
  • There will be limited shade or rain cover so please dress appropriately for the weather on the day
  • You are not permitted to bring alcoholic drinks with you, any found will be confiscated. Food and drinks can be purchased from the many vendors at the Wharf
  • Filming and photography will be taking place at this event
Follow Gabriel's Wharf on Instagram
Sign up to the Gabriel's Wharf newsletter