Woolwich Works to host four diverse food festivals in summer and autumn 2025

The arts and cultural venue in South East London, Woolwich Works, has announced a series of four food festivals to take place between May and September 2025. The events, which will be held at the Royal Arsenal-based complex, aim to attract both food enthusiasts and culture seekers by celebrating diverse culinary traditions and community through a range of themed weekends.

The first event on the calendar is the Free From Festival, scheduled for the 24^th and 25^th of May. This initiative, dedicated to gluten, dairy, and refined sugar-free food and drink, will showcase a variety of brands catering to those with dietary restrictions as well as those interested in alternative eating habits. Attendees can expect to sample gourmet bakes, artisan cheeses, and craft spirits, all free from common allergens. The programme will also feature expert talks and demonstrations centred on gut health, wellness, and allergen-aware cooking.

Following closely is the FUME Festival – Summer Edition, running from the 30^th of May to the 1^st of June. This event will focus on barbecue culture, with pitmasters from across the UK preparing slow-smoked ribs, brisket, wings, and other grilled dishes in the venue’s courtyard. This weekend, open exclusively to adults, will also include live DJ sets and a selection of craft drinks.

In July, The Original Jerk Cook Out will bring Jamaican cuisine and culture to Woolwich Works on the 26^th and 27^th of July. This family-friendly event will offer jerk barbecue, live music, dance performances, and activities for children. Vegan and vegetarian options will be available alongside traditional dishes. Tony Fairweather, a writer and curator of the Windrush Front Room exhibition, is behind the production. 

The final dates in the series, FUME Festival – Autumn Edition, will take place from the 26^th to the 28^th of September. Similar in format to the summer edition, this event will feature international pitmasters and a curated selection of barbecue dishes. The festival will be divided into five sessions, allowing attendees to explore a range of global barbecue techniques and flavours.

Liat Rosenthal, Head of Creative Programming at Woolwich Works, commented: “These festivals celebrate what food is really about — flavour, community, and cultural storytelling. In all cultures, recipes tend to be passed down from generation to generation, and they are a way of preserving our heritage. Whether you’re here for the fire and smoke, allergen-free innovation, or the taste of home, this season at Woolwich Works is about bringing people together through great food in unforgettable ways.”

Woolwich Works, which opened in September 2021, is located within a collection of Grade I and II listed buildings in the Royal Arsenal. The venue is accessible via the Elizabeth Line, National Rail, DLR, and Thames Clipper, and is part of Greenwich Council’s broader plans for the area. 

Food Desk
Photo Credit: Paul Saunders

For further information, visit Woolwich Works website here.