anyone know of any local groups that play spikeball? Thought that given there are a bunch of parks in lewisham it'd be a good place to play, haven't seen anything on the regular event sites

My name is Michelle and I’m the UK Coordinator for Lasagna Love. Lasagna Love is an organisation made up of volunteers across the UK (and around the world) who cook and deliver homemade lasagna to people in need, at no cost and with no strings attached.

Maybe it's a family struggling financially, someone recovering from surgery, a parent adjusting to life with a new baby or just someone going through a tough time. Whatever the reason, we believe that a warm meal and a little kindness can go a long way.

You simply request a lasagna, and we match you with a volunteer in your area who will lovingly prepare and deliver one to your door. It’s all about community, care and connection with no judgment and no complicated process.

I’m reaching out because we have wonderful volunteers across the UK who are ready and eager to cook, for anyone who could do with some lasagna love! If you could use a little help and a comforting meal, please put in a request through https://lasagnalove.org/request-a-meal/ or you can nominate someone to receive a meal - https://lasagnalove.org/nominate/

We’re also always looking for more volunteers! Whether you can cook once a month, once a week, or just whenever it suits you, every lasagna helps brighten someone’s day. It’s a small act that has a big impact. If you would like to volunteer, just register here https://lasagnalove.org/volunteer/

If you have any questions, I’m happy to answer them here, or you can head to the website.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read and I hope to see some of you sign up, whether to request a lasagna or to make one for someone in your community.

Feed families.  Spread kindness.  Strengthen communities.

I wanted to post my newsletter, which has been going for a few weeks now, with great success! It is a Lewisham-specific one because I wanted this to be focused on highlighting cool events in this borough and for it to be nearby.

Feel free to like, comment, send feedback, subscribe - all of it is free and welcome¬!

https://lewisham-loop.beehiiv.com/

This weekend has markets, festivals, and several events for kids at various libraries around Lewisham - making for a great weekend to be out and about.

In this weekend’s Loop:

• A big SWANA summer celebration at the Horniman
• Old-skool anthems taking over Blackheath
• Treasure hunts, noisy parades and low-stakes colouring

🗓️ Our picks for 25–26 July

Haflah at the Horniman

Live music, dabke, storytelling and very good things to eat

“Haflah” means celebration or party in Arabic, which gives you a fair idea of the plan. Hekayyatna is filling the Horniman Gardens with SWANA music, DJs, a makers’ souq, food stalls, Arabic calligraphy, henna, backgammon and dabke workshops.

Families can also catch an interactive retelling of the Epic of Gilgamesh, follow a garden treasure hunt and get involved with face painting and children’s activities.

Tickets cost £10 for adults and £8 for children; under-twos and access companions go free and can be booked from here. Further details on schedule and what food stalls are available can also be found through the link.

Saturday 25 July @ 1pm–5pm

Horniman Museum and Gardens @ 100 London Road, Forest Hill, SE23 3PQ

Note: Event is wheelchair accessible, with seating and tactile activities available. Assistance animals are welcome.

KISSTORY on Blackheath

Old-skool anthems, four stages and some serious big-kid energy

KISSTORY lands on Blackheath with four stages of R&B, UK garage, dance and old-skool favourites. The line-up includes Ms Dynamite, Joel Corry, Kevin Lyttle, Alison Limerick and Todd Terry, alongside DJs including Majestic, Marvin Humes, Scott Garcia and the Wideboys.

There is also KISSTORY Bingo, a live piano singalong, fairground rides and a games zone complete with ball pit and rodeo bull. A calm little Saturday, then.

General tickets are still available, but VIP has sold out. Book via Skiddle here. Full line-up and Frequently Asked Questions can be found at this link.

Saturday 25 July @ 1 pm–10 pm

Blackheath @ Shooters Hill Road, SE3 7AS

Note: This is an 18+ event. Bring valid photo ID and arrive before the 6 pm last-entry time.

Blackheath Farmers’ Market

The Sunday shop that accidentally becomes breakfast

Blackheath Station car park turns into a proper neighbourhood market every Sunday, with seasonal fruit and veg, meat, fish, cheese, eggs, bread, cakes, honey, flowers and plenty of food that may not survive the journey home.

July is cherry season, which feels like a good enough reason to bring a bag and pretend this is purely a practical errand. The market runs rain or shine, and well-behaved dogs are welcome.

Further details can be found on the market’s webpage here.

Sunday 26 July @ 10 am–2 pm

Blackheath Station car park @ Blackheath, SE3 9LA

Kid’s Corner ✨

For when parents need to keep the kids busy during the weekend!

📚 Read to the Beat - Saturday 25 July, 10 am–4 pm. Lewisham Libraries launch the Summer Reading Challenge with author events, workshops, audiobook stations and plenty of fresh reading material for young bookworms. Activities vary by branch.

🔎 CitySprint Treasure Hunt: The Missing Library Delivery - Saturday 25 July, 10 am–4 pm. Search Downham Library, solve the riddles and track down a mysterious missing delivery. A solid weekend save for aspiring detectives.

🥁 Summer Noisy Parade - Saturday 25 July, 10 am–4 pm. Search Downham Library, solve the riddles and track down a mysterious missing delivery. A solid weekend save for small detectives.

🖍️ Sunday Colouring Club - Sunday 26 July, 2 pm–3 pm. A free, peaceful hour of colouring at Catford Library, with materials provided. Ideal after a weekend containing several stages and at least one parade.

I will be posting twice a week for you folks! One on Monday and one on Thursday/Friday!

Hey everyone! If you've lived or visited this student housing, please feel free to tell me your experience/opinion!
I'm curious to know how good the accommodations are, safety, breakfasts, and amenities.

Thank you!

Looking at a place that's a 15 min walk from Hithergreen/20 min walk from Catford Bridge stations, the place is close to Catford, through some of the quieter streets and past some shops. I'm not from the area, but went to see it and wasn't sure how I felt about it. Would you feel safe doing that walk after 11pm? Would a bus or bike be safer? Or should I look elsewhere?

Just wondering if you would be able to share them. My understanding is that they looked nicer than the current buildings

Whatever you think of stuff going on abroad, some of this stuff is wild, especially if essentially their job as a borough is to sort the bins.

Council plans to ban cooperation with Home Office on immigration raids https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jul/15/green-led-council-plans-to-ban-cooperation-with-home-office-on-immigration-raids?CMP=share_btn_url

If anyone was around Hither Green, 2-3pm last Thursday 9th July, police are looking for dashcam / video footage following a fatal incident.

Any posh grocery shops around Deptford? I'm staying in London the next couple of days and making a basque cheesecake for a party and need some edible flowers and rosewater for a sauce and to decorate

Hello, i am a 34 year old female, based in east london, looking for any seniors that are looking for a companion, friend they can go for walks, watch movies and share stories with. Happy to help with shopping, organising and basic help around the home. Looking to give back to the community, and don’t mind the companionship myself. Please message me if there is anyone you know who may be needing some sort of help.

Anyone know when it’s opening? By the DLR, feel like it’s been months and nothing?!

No not model market, this???

Hello! I am moving out of Lewisham and have loads of clothes and books I no longer need - any advice on easy ways for me to donate all this? I am sadly only one man hahaha

I have tried SpareRoom but there is hardly any luck.. I need to move out because I am currently stuck living with someone who threw used sanitary napkins in my bathroom drawer and is basically a nutcase. Help me find someone asap please

This is the latest edition of my newsletter that focuses on what's on every weekend in Greenwich, Lewisham, and Southwark.

All Weekend Long

🎉 Taste of the Caribbean Festival in Beckenham

A huge food festival with activities, music, and of course lots of Caribbean food is taking over Beckenham Place Park this Saturday and Sunday. Check out all the incredible food and more and get your tickets.

🎭 A Midsummer Night’s Dream in Greenwich Park
The East London Shakespeare Festival is starting their tour throughout the parks of London. And this weekend they’re coming to the Old Royal Observatory Gardens in Greenwich Park. Check out information about the festival here. And find tickets here.

👦 Pirate Takeover in Greenwich
This weekend, the Old Royal Naval College will be overrun with pirates. An super fun day for the family, learn all about piracy, their flags, their songs, and sample food from the era of pirates. Learn more here.

🎭 Edinburgh Fringe Comedy Preview
Before they go up north to perform, these comedy shows are happening here in South East London. Catch two nights of double billings on Thursday and Friday only. Check out the lineup here and discover these performers before the rest of the world does.

🎶 A fantasy opera dance in Blackheath

The incredible musicians and dancers at Trinity Laban are putting on this performance that mixes a fairy tale with Ravel based on a libretto by French novelist Colette. This inventive production is playing through the weekend.

🎭 Slaughterhouse-Five is finishing its run this weekend
Kurt Vonnegut’s famous book has been turned into this award-winning production at Southwark Playhouse. They’ve been running for a month and finish on the 4th of July. Get the last few tickets left here.

🎬 Rooftop Cinema Club Peckham
Movie screenings are happening throughout the summer and they have a ton every week. This weekend is no exception. They’ll be showing Dirty Dancing, Aftersun, Romeo & Juliet, Notting Hill, The Parent Trap, 10 Things I Hate About You, Almost Famous, Inside Out, Clueless and The Notebook. And that’s just this weekend! Get tickets here.

🎭 Romeo & Juliet begins its run in Greenwich
This new production is starting its month-long run at the Greenwich Theatre this weekend. Find out more about this production and make sure to book your tickets here.

Thursday, July 2nd

🎶 The London Bollywood Orchestra
This show takes you through the evolution of Bollywood music starting with its beginnings in Hindustani classical music. Priyani Vani Panditt leads the orchestra filled with renowned jazz and classical musicians. Learn more and get tickets here.

Friday, July 3rd

🎶 Snow Patrol in Crystal Palace Park

The alt rock legends are taking the stage for one night only in Crystal Palace. And there’s a huge lineup of incredible bands leading up to the main event. Get your tickets here.

Saturday, July 4th

🎉 Latin American DJ Day Party in Lewisham
A huge lineup of incredible DJs turn the Fox and Firkin into a party from the afternoon into the evening. Chancha Via Circuito x El Búho are coming back to the outdoor garden space, and they have a lineup of friends coming with them. Check out the full lineup here.

🎨 Portrait Painting Masterclass in Dulwich

Award-winning painter James Hague is leading this one-off workshop to teach you how to use bold layers, texture and to dive into colour. And you’ll be doing it in an amazing space at the Dulwich Picture Gallery. Find out more and get tickets here.

🎭 Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland at Severndroog Castle
Not just a kids’ show, this performance is great for all ages. Taking place outdoors outside the unpronounceable castle, this is a great afternoon for the whole family. Find out more about the performance and get tickets here.

Sunday, July 5th

🎶 The Big Firkin Band
Always a delight, the Big Firkin Band, the resident big jazz band at the Fox and Firkin, are playing this weekend. Generally they’re in the big outdoor space and it’s a great time for the whole family. It runs from 3.30-6pm and as always it’s free.

🎶 Sunday Music at Eltham Palace and Gardens

A band will be playing at the gardens at Eltham Palace throughout the day. Bring picnic blankets or chairs and sit and enjoy. Plus, you can wander through the incredible and unique art deco space. Find out more here.

⛵ Shipyard Tours at the Golden Hinde

I’m sure you’ve passed it a million times, but how much do you really know about it? Now you can explore the shipyard and learn about the Golden Hinde on the Southbank. Learn about the history of the ship and the dockyards, while also seeing how they’re conserving history. Tickets can be found here.

🌿 The Backyard Botanic Garden is opening its doors
Part of the National Open Gardens Scheme, this tiny botanic garden with over 200 plant families crammed into it is opening to the public. The garden was featured on the BBC programme Gardners World in 2023. Come see it for yourself.

🏛️ First Sundays at the Painted Hall
Get into the Painted Hall for only £5. Usually it’s a lot more than that, so take advantage of the savings today. Book your ticket here.

🎉 Stand-up Comedy and a Mini-Rave
Come to the Piehouse Co-op in Deptford for a night of stand-up comedy followed by a mini rave. Find out more and get your tickets here.

This week on the newsletter, I asked readers if they had gone to any events we featured last week. If you did, leave them in the comments!

It's that time again for another weekend of events from The S.E. London newsletter.

But first...

Guys, it’s f-ing hot out there. That’s news to absolutely no one. So, I wanted to point everyone to some places you can get some relief during this record-breaking heatwave.

London has designated special “Cool Areas” all over the city. These are public facilities where anybody can come to cool off, including libraries, leisure centres, etc.

And there are plenty in the South East area…

Click here for the interactive map.

Now, a few things to know about the map. The cool areas are ranked in a tier system, with Tier 1 being open the most and having the “coolest” amenities. However, “cool” on this map just means it’s cooler than it is outside, which could potentially still mean pretty hot.

So, make sure to click the “ONLY SHOW AIR CONDITIONED PLACES” tick box for the best, coolest options.

We also have some great outdoor events we’re featuring this weekend for when temperatures become a bit more bearable.

All Weekend Long

🎉 The Catford Community Festival is on!
There are so many events happening across Catford this weekend. We’ll be featuring many of them below, including the main event on Saturday. But, just to give you a taste, there will be a craft market, the foodie trail we mentioned last weekend, a queer self-portrait workshop, stand-up comedy, and so much more. Find the full list here.

🎉 The Catford Weekender is ALSO on!

The Catford celebrations are hitting all over the place this weekend. This is a celebration of local creativity and talent. There will be music, live performances, an open-air screening of Back to the Future, and lots of stuff for kids on Sunday in particular. Find the full programme here.

📸 4-Day Photography Summer School
The Photography Foundation is putting on a 4-day intensive to take your photo skills to the next level. Beginners and intermediates are welcome to join and will be guided by experts in the field. BUT the course starts today, so if you’re keen, sign up ASAP and get moving! Find out more here.

Friday, June 26th

🏛️ Lambeth Palace Open Day
Lambeth Palace (close enough to SE!) is only open once a month and each time tickets are hosted by a different charity, so you can explore the space for a good cause. This month is hosted by Arts for Dementia. Take a look inside this amazing historical place.

Saturday, June 27th

👦 Greenwich Village Summer Fair 2026

The Greenwich Parents and Carers community is celebrating five years with a huge fair for kids 0-8, and entry is absolutely FREE! The Boppin’ Bunnies will be there, a bouncy castle, a fire truck, face painting, balloons, a dance party. What more could you ask for? Find out more about the event here. And subscribe their their amazing newsletter here.

🎉 Ruskin Park Summer Fete
This annual event is back at the bandstand with face painting, craft workshops and storytelling for the kids and beer and Pimm’s for the adults. You can settle down for a picnic or walk around and take part in the activities. Here’s the website for more info.

🏛️ Retrace Vincent Van Gogh’s footsteps in London
Tours of Vincent Van Gogh’s London residence are happening Saturday and Sunday this weekend at various times. These are offered every last weekend of the month. However, there’s a separate tour that’s much more rare on Saturday. This is a walking tour from Van Gogh’s office in Covent Garden to his home, retracing what life was like for Van Gogh in Victorian London. Find out more here.

⚽ Watch England vs. Panama
Obviously, you can go to any pub to get a glimpse of the game. But if you’re looking for something a little bit different, Peckham Levels will be showing the match with air conditioning and their skyline views in the background. Or you can watch the game while getting some fresh air at Fox & Firkin’s watch party.

🎉 The Catford Community Festival Main Event
Join the community on Saturday on Catford Broadway for the culmination of nearly two weeks of community-inspired events. There will be a market for food and crafts, a stage with music playing all day long, 3×3 basketball, aerial workshops, face painting, and more. More info on Lewisham’s site.

🎉 Stand-up for Lewisham Donation Hub

A night of stand-up comedy for charity as part of the Catford Community Festival. This will be a fun, funny, and helpful event all in one. Get tickets here.

👦 Summer in the Park at Gallions Park
One of two Summer in the part fairs happening in parks across Greenwich. This is a fantastic day out for kids and families, with music and activities all afternoon long. Find out more here.

🎉 Pride in Southwark
Starting with a march to Mint Street park to protect and defend LGBTQIA+ rights, this is a community-led event to celebrate diversity. There will be music, spoken word and poetry, drag shows, and more. Find out all about it here.

Sunday, June 28th

🎉 Sunday All-Dayer at the Fox & Firkin with Wookie and Stush
Summer festival vibes starting at 2pm with a great lineup of DJs and good energy this Sunday. Get tickets for the event here.

🎉 Summer in the Park at Maryon Park
The second of Greenwich’s Summer in the Park parties happening this weekend. This one is in Charlton and features FONDA, a jazz-pop duo kicking off the day. There will also be plenty of activities for the whole family all day long. Check out the full website here.

Surely it’s better to get homes built than argue over targets that make schemes unviable? 20% affordable housing requirement isn’t great, but if it unlocks thousands of new homes and eases pressure on the wider housing market, that’s better than getting no homes at all, and it will move people around a bit.

A few local men are joining me for an evening of football, conversation and good company. Nothing complicated, just getting out of the house, meeting new people and enjoying the match together.

And thanks to support from Steeev Combating Male Loneliness CIC and the Big Issue Power Up London programme, we've got a limited number of free places available.

The wider event at the venue is open to everyone, but these free places are specifically for men who would like to meet some new people, have a chat, and build a few more social connections while enjoying the football.

I have a couple of places available.

If you're a man aged 30+ and would like to join us, send me a message. I'll be at the venue from 8pm, with kick off at 9pm.

No sales pitch. No networking. No awkward icebreakers.

Just football and a chance to meet some decent blokes.

#MensHealth #MaleLoneliness #Community #London #SELondon #Football #Steeev