July 23-29: Bold ideas, first times, good byes & big vibes
From post-growth futures to rooftop grooves, this week is full of endings, launches, and one-night-only gems.
Hey Peckham!
We’re rethinking the economy with a free screening on degrowth, welcoming a vibrant new cultural night at The Palms, and saying farewell to a beloved drag performance. Plus: harp music among the headstones, the final days of Deptford X, and a powerful Yoruba-language film at Peckhamplex.
Oh — and in case you missed it: the Lionesses beat Italy 2–1 and are heading to the final against France or Spain. Got plans to watch it this Sunday? Let us know your go-to spot! 🏆⚽
In this #4 edition:
🌱 Can degrowth save the planet?
📚 MA BIBLIOTHÈQUE in midsummer at SLG
🎧 Salon Social launches at The Palms
🎭 See Midgitte Bardot’s Personal Spot: last chance
🌳 Nunhead Cemetery: tour + harp performance
📽️ Ireke: Rise of the Maroons at Peckhamplex
🌍 Last chance: Deptford X
1 🌱 Can Degrowth save the world?
What if a smaller economy could mean a bigger future for the planet? Join us tonight at Peckham Levels for Can Degrowth Save the World?, a timely screening and community conversation exploring what a future beyond endless growth might look like.
Filmmaker Alvaro Alvarez will introduce the film and guide a discussion linking global ideas of degrowth to urgent local issues, including the housing crisis. Whether you're new to the topic or already deep in climate justice circles, this is a chance to reflect, connect, and imagine alternatives together.
When: Wednesday 23 July, 7pm–8:30pm
Where: Peckham Levels, Auditorium, Level 5/6
Tickets: Free. Grab your ticket here.
Why: Because there is no planet B, innit.
2 📚 MA BIBLIOTHÈQUE in midsummer
Tonight at the South London Gallery MA BIBLIOTHÈQUE returns with The Constellations: three new titles exploring time, memory, and how we make meaning in a shifting world. This isn’t your average book launch: expect thoughtful readings, fresh ideas, and a room full of literary curiosity.
Writers Bridget Penney, Nick Norton and Sean Ashton will read from their new work, offering reflections that stretch from the cosmic to the intimate. It’s a chance to engage with contemporary literature, meet fellow readers, and pick up something to take home. Drinks and books available, plus time for mingling in the midsummer evening light.
When: Wednesday 23 July, 6:30pm (doors open), 6:45pm-8:45pm
Where: South London Gallery, 65-67 Peckham Rd, SE5 8UH
Tickets: Free or donation. Grab yours here.
3 🎧 New! Salon Social launches at The Palms
A new night lands in Peckham this week: Salon Social, a quarterly gathering of deep conversation, dusty grooves, and vibrant creative energy. This is the latest from the team behind South East Salon, in partnership with Ubiquita Public Art, BASSIStv and Peckham Palms.
The launch edition brings together singer-songwriter Kim Nicky and multi-disciplinary artist Eve Wright for an intimate dialogue on creativity, legacy, and what it means to hold space as Black artists today. Stick around for a live performance by Kim, then join the second line procession down Rye Lane to the afterparty at Mountview. Expect vinyl, vision and vibes all night long.
When: Thursday, 24 July. Doors 6:30pm / Talk 7:30pm / Second Line 9:15pm / Afterparty 9:30pm till late
Where: Talk at Peckham Palms, afterparty at Loading Bar, Mountview
Tickets: Free – just show!
4 🎭 Last Chance: Midgitte Bardot’s Personal Spot
This Friday is your final chance (for now!) to experience Personal Spot, the all-singing, sometimes-dancing, always-chaotic cabaret from Midgitte Bardot, the wild and witty drag persona of performance artist Tamm Reynolds.
Expect drag, live art, radical performance, and underground joy as Midgitte takes over The Gig Space one last time, joined by acts like Porscha Present and Santi Tonauac Castro. If you like your nights unpredictable and unforgettable, you know what to do.
When: Friday 25 July, 7:30pm-11pm
Where: The Gig Space, Level 5, Peckham Levels
Tickets: From £11.50. Grab yours here.
5 🌳 Nunhead Cemetery Tour and harp performance
This Sunday, take a walk through one of Peckham’s most peaceful and fascinating green spaces. The Friends of Nunhead Cemetery are leading a guided tour of the 52-acre site, a chance to discover striking architecture, stories of notable locals, and the cemetery’s surprising role in local ecology.
After the tour, stick around for something special: a live harp performance by Aga Ujma, bringing even more serenity to this already soulful space. A perfect Sunday mix of local history, nature, and music.
When: Sunday 27 July 2025, Tour: 2pm / Performance: 1pm, 3pm, and 6pm
Where: Nunhead Cemetery, meet at Linden Grove entrance for the tour
Tickets: Free, no booking is required, just turn!
6 📽️ At Peckhamplex this week
This Friday, Peckhamplex hosts a powerful one-night-only screening of Ireke: Rise of the Maroons (18) an award-winning Yoruba-language historical drama from Emmy-nominated journalist Gbolahan Peter Macjob. Based on Yoruba oral tradition and historical events, the film is a moving exploration of resistance and legacy, and a rare chance to see a West African story on the big screen, right here in SE15.
The first week of the school holidays also brings plenty for families, plus a few big blockbusters for grown-ups, too. See what else is on:
Big hits this week include The Bad Guys 2 (PG), The Fantastic 4: First Steps (12A), Bring Her Back (18)
Family treats include The Bad Guys 2 (PG), The Fantastic 4: First Steps (12A)
Smurfs (U), Lilo & Stitch (PG), How to Train Your Dragon (PG), Elio (PG), Superman (12A), Jurassic World: Rebirth (12A)
Subtitled for the hard of hearing (HOH): Superman (12A): (Mon 2:30pm), I Know What You Did Last Summer (15): (Wed 8:50pm)
Watch With Baby: There are no screenings this week.
Special event: Ireke: Rise of the Maroons (18). One night only (Fri 8:30pm). Subtitled.
When: check full schedule here.
Where: Peckhamplex, 95a Rye Lane, SE15 4ST
Tickets: just £5.99 every film, every seat, every day.
7 🌍 Beyond Peckham: Last chance for Deptford X!
This weekend is your final chance to catch Deptford X, our neighbour’s long-running contemporary art festival. Over the past 18 days, it’s brought bold exhibitions, pop-up installations, and even a street parade to the heart of Deptford, celebrating the vibrant creativity of local and international artists alike.
Want the inside scoop? Festival director Kwong Lee will lead a special tour tour this Saturday from 12–1:30pm, starting from Studio 101. Come explore unexpected art in unexpected places, and don’t miss this brilliant slice of South East London’s cultural scene before it wraps for the year.
When: until 27 July 2025 (Tues-Fri 12pm–6pm, Sat & Sun 10am-6pm)
Where: various locations across Deptford (check the full programme and map)
Tickets: many events are free, some may require booking.
📢 Local news: South London's Forrest Gump Takes On Jamaica! 🇯🇲
The first episode of Project Run Jamaica has just dropped on YouTube and it’s an inspiring must-watch. The documentary follows Leon ‘Sweets’ Lewis, aka South London’s Forrest Gump, as he takes on an extraordinary challenge: running over 340km across Jamaica in just four days: a feat never attempted before.
Shot with support from PUMA and Footpatrol, the film goes beyond endurance to explore identity, heritage, and the cultural power of movement. At its heart, it’s a story about pushing limits and uplifting the next generation of runners, on the island, here at home and in the rest of the world. Catch episode one here and stay tuned for more.
⁉️ Did you know?
Peckham was historically known for growing melons, figs, and grapes, with its produce even reaching the royal table. “Melon Road” is a reminder of this past. Source: Southwark Heritage Blog.
✨ 5 quick things before you go
🎶 Summer rooftop vibes: Persepolis launches its summer series with live music from “local gigsters” Banana Hill this Saturday, £10 entry BYOB + full menu.
🎶 Nunhead Library Garden Open Day is this Saturday 26 July, 10am-4pm: shape our green space, and catch the Nunhead Community Choir at 11am!
🎨 SET Social Peckham is showcasing beautiful art from their Arts for Dementia. The next 10-week programme is due to start on 28 July with Molly Bonnell.
✊🏾 The next lecture at the Prince of Peckham University is about Zombies and the Demonisation of African Spirituality. Tue July 29. Free tickets here.
🎤 After the lecture at Prince of Peckham, check the new wall by Mr Cenz of UK fap legend GIGGS, an icon whose voice rose from Peckham to the world.
Latest piece in the #localheroesSE15 project at Prince of Peckham features UK Rap legend Rap legend GIGGS’ mural by Mr Cenz
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See you out there, innit!
Cat 🐾
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