Neo-soul legend Omar to headline London’s most unique free festival!
The award-winning Thamesmead Festival returns on Saturday 2 August 2025 to Southmere Park, bringing another unforgettable celebration of music, culture and community spirit.
Internationally acclaimed neo-soul pioneer Omar will be headlining, cementing the festival’s reputation as one of London’s most distinctive cultural events. The legendary singer-songwriter—whose timeless hit There’s Nothing Like This remains a UK soul anthem—will light up the Park Stage on the banks of Southmere Lake. Blending beloved classics with fresh cuts from his acclaimed ninth album, Brighter the Days, Omar promises a performance that’s both nostalgic and new. Regarded by many as the architect of neo-soul, Omar has collaborated with icons such as Stevie Wonder and the late Angie Stone. His headline slot underscores the festival’s commitment to world-class talent while staying true to its roots as a free, family-friendly celebration.
Across four performance stages, festival-goers will be able to experience everything from Afrobeat, R&B, rock and pop to spoken word, comedy, and street dance, plus a market featuring local artists, artisans and food vendors. Visitors to the Park Stage can look forward to acts including Afro Pulse’s explosive afrobeats, Kukunari's dreamy indie-pop soundscapes, Masiba’s haunting melodies and Zion B’s sensational R&B set.
To nurture the next generation of talent, young people will be given a chance to shine on the Wanderlust Hill Stage. The lineup has been entirely programmed by local 13 to 16-year-olds through the social arts agency Three Rivers. .The stage set has been designed by neurodivergent artists through Re-Instate.
For quieter moments, the Thamesmead Unplugged Stage, nestled in a leafy grove, will offer intimate acoustic sets, spoken word razor-sharp comedy. Meanwhile, the Southmere Lake Stage is set to buzz with diversity - from swing dance and double dutch skipping to the Thamesmead Community Choir and the return of the much-loved dog show.
The wildly popular Kids Zone will return this year, as well as an expanded edition of Free To Be. The festival will also see the launch of Eclectic Avenue, full of community group stalls.
Thamesmead Festival is funded by Peabody who are working with local people and partners to improve, grow and look after the town. The Park Stage is sponsored by Lovell, who are building the new homes next to Southmere Lake in partnership with Peabody.