SEEN Lewisham is a vibrant, multi-arts festival dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and showcasing incredible local creative artists. Co-produced by Broadway Theatre, Nouveau Riche, and Lewisham Council, SEEN Lewisham champions bold new work across theatre, dance, music, comedy, visual arts, and more — right in the heart of Lewisham, celebrating cultural diversity.

Returning for its second year from Friday 3rd October – Sunday 12th October, 2025. 

The festival is a joyful and radical platform for cultural expression, community connection, and artistic growth.

On Saturday 11 October, Broadway will come alive with a full programme of free activities for Lewisham families- expect face painting, performances and treasure hunts! As well as our Marketplace in the Main House from 11am-6pm.

Our popular Marketplace Day celebrates local makers, traders, and entrepreneurs with a vibrant mix of fashion, food, crafts, books, art, and wellness products. It's a lively community space with great vibes, live music, and cultural pride.

Whether you are a first time trader or a seasoned maker, we'd love to hear from you! We want the SEEN Marketplace to be full of the best of Lewisham. From handmade crafts, fashion and art, to food, homeware and books.

Saturday 11 October 

11am-6pm 

Main House

Throughout SEEN Lewisham, we will have our Bun N Cheese: Things That Bring Me Joy exhibition in the Broadway Gallery. 

Upstairs Gallery

Free all week 

At the start of 2020, Matt Small was comissioned to create a series of 27 portraits for the Football Association - each representing a member of the England men's football squad and manager Gareth Southgate for UEFA Men's EUROs. Rendered in oil and reclaimed wood, the portraits are textured, layered, and deeply human - reflecting both the diversity of the squad and the complexity of modern British identity and capturing a team that stood for something greater than sport.

Step into history with The Windrush Front Room - an interactive exhibition that recreates a Caribbean Living Room from the 1940s-1960s. Packed with ornaments, furniture, and memories, it tells the story of the Windrush Generation- the young men and women who travelled from the Caribbean to the UK in 1948 to help rebuild the 'Mother Country' 

This exhibition will be open and free to visit throughout SEEN Lewisham Festival. If you would like to book a school group please email nina@broadwaytheatre.org.uk

SEEN isn’t just happening on stage — it's happening all across Lewisham. This year’s programme includes a lively Opening Night celebration, a joyful Children’s Day filled with creativity and family fun, Poetry Nights, community Library Events, school programmes and pop-ups throughout the borough. Expect workshops, conversations, and cultural happenings in unexpected places — all designed to bring people together and make the arts accessible to all.

When: Monday 6 October at 6.45-8.15pm 

Where: Deptford Lounge

Mel Pennant will read from and discuss her novel A Murder for Miss Hortense.

Book your free place in advance to secure your seat.

When: Wednesday 8 October 12-1pm 

Where: Deptford Lounge

Free

Join students, staff and the general public to hear about current and recent research. Presentations, Q&A plus free tea or coffee. 

Researching The Sounds Of Lewisham

Professor Julian Henriques from the School of Media, Communications and Cultural Studies discusses a local research project on sound system culture in the borough and its community value.

Black British Theatre Arts

Sibihan Dara Lawrence explores relationalities between Black British dramatic performance, interculturalism, and community engagement.

Creative Music Training and Youth Mentoring

Mikey Kirkpatrick from Alchemy reveals the pedagogies behind the mentoring project and shares its future plans.

Come see the world premiere of this powerful short film, Statues.

Date: Thursday 9 October

Time: 6pm - 8.30pm 

Where: Council Chambers, Deptford Town Hall 

FREE

Statues is a sight-specific performance film concieved by artist Reece Piccigallo, created in response to the statues that stand on the facade of the Deptford Town Hall building in New Cross, where the film was written and filmed. 

It features original spoken word, rap and music performance by a group of local young artists and filmmakers inspired by collaborative research on the history and impact of statues, their stories, and their presence.

SEEN Lewisham is powered by passionate people. We're currently looking for:

• Front of House Volunteers – Support audiences and help create a welcoming atmosphere.

Join us and help make the festival unforgettable for artists and audiences alike.

We welcome businesses to become official SEEN Lewisham partners. Partnership packages range from Headline to Community level and include branding, visibility, staff engagement, and more. Your support helps fund artists, build platforms, and strengthen creative networks in Lewisham.

“We’re thrilled to bring SEEN Lewisham back for its second year, building on the incredible momentum and community we created in 2024. This year, we’re evolving our mentorship programme, expanding our Marketplace, and presenting a powerful line-up of work that celebrates culture and community. Our partnership with Lewisham Council is central to this – together, we’re investing in artists, creating opportunity, and making sure Lewisham’s creativity is truly seen.”