Art & Culture
In photos: highlights from At the Docks 2024
Sandpits and saunas, deckchairs and DJs, acrobatics and adrenaline-fuelled racing, this year’s At the Docks summer programme had it all. From paddleboarding and new café openings, to dazzling performances from Ensemble Festival, the arrival of Immerse LDN, and the highly anticipated return of the British Science Festival, all added to the excitement. The summer was a true celebration of all the Royal Docks has to offer and as the season draws to a close, we look back at some of our favourite moments.
Royal Docks Summer Splash 2024
Back by popular demand, Summer Splash returned with an expanded programme of exciting events and activities for all ages. More than 12,000 visitors over 23 days enjoyed relaxing in deckchairs, playing in the giant sandpit, and swimming in the purpose-built urban lido.
In addition, Swim Safe, an initiative by Swim England and the RNLI, and supported by Port of London Authority (PLA) and RoDMA, engaged more than a hundred young people in fun, structured swimming sessions on how to stay safe in open water.
This year Summer Splash featured a range of family-friendly community events programmed by the Dock Local Panel, including performances, workshops, arts and crafts, and storytelling sessions alongside evening entertainment with live DJs at the Disco Shed.
Ensemble Festival
Presented in partnership with Certain Blacks and Without Walls, Ensemble Festival returned for a fifth edition bringing playful and innovative outdoor performances from UK and international emerging artists. This year’s festival included aerial stunts from NoFit State Circus who built and performed on top of towering structures made entirely from bamboo and a dazzling performance by Gorilla Circus of their new show RPM which combined acrobatics, street dance and roller skating performed on a giant moving treadmill!
In addition to wowing audiences, the festival supported the development of the local Cultural and Creative workforce, providing traineeships, Producer roles, and micro-commissions for new work.
Hankook E-Prix
The ABB Formula E World Championship came down to the two final races at ExCeL London to decide the Season 10 champions. Featuring a unique indoor and outdoor track that weaves its way around the historical heartland of the Royal Docks, it was the perfect setting for a thrilling finale. Despite British driver Oliver Rowland securing a win at home, it was Pascal Wehrlein who was crowned World Champion and picked up his first title for Porsche while Jaguar won the Teams’ Championship and Manufacturers’ Trophy.
The arrival of Immerse LDN
London’s newest entertainment district arrived in the Royal Docks this summer, with ExCeL launching the first phases of Immerse LDN. Opening its doors in August, Immerse LDN debuted with the UK flagship of THE FRIENDS™ Experience: The One in London, where fans can step into nostalgia-packed recreated sets, iconic backdrops, costumes, and props from the beloved show. Alongside this, the newly-opened Formula 1® Exhibition offers an adrenaline-fueled, interactive journey through the history and excitement of motorsport’s greatest spectacle.
Cable Car Circus
This summer IFS Cable Car sprinkled some big top magic over both terminals with circus fun for all the family. Before taking to the skies, visitors were treated to free performances including some incredible contortionist acrobatics, balloon modelling, stilt walking and jugglers.
A new café for Thames Barrier Park
The Royal Docks Team was delighted to announce the opening of With Milk in August, the much-anticipated café in Thames Barrier Park. The family run business, headed up by sister duo Hana and Lela Mamma currently serves exceptional coffee and pastries with a full menu - including pizzas from the brand new stone-baked pizza oven – set to launch soon. More than just a café, this female-led business is dedicated to creating a warm and inclusive hub, offering events, collaborations and more to bring people together.
Sweheat Sauna
From Mythic Saunas to quintessential German Sauna Experiences and everything in between, Sweheat Sauna’s wood fired outdoor sauna in the Royal Docks provided a unique experience to residents and visitors alike.
Featuring a Finnish design stove and the chance to take a dip in their refreshing cold plunge pool, it was the perfect way to relax no matter how unpredictable the summer weather. Sweheat Sauna continues to host curated events throughout the year, so make sure to check them out!
London’s destination for watersports
From yoga on a paddleboard to wakeboarding and open water swimming, WakeUp Docklands and Love Open Water Swimming, once again proved that the Royal Docks is London’s destination for watersports. Events included the sell-out Pride Swim, as well as the iconic Dock2Dock, offering open water novices and seasoned distanced swimmers alike the opportunity to swim in the heart of the Royal Docks.
Creative Industries Festival
The inaugural Creative Industries Festival hosted by UEL kicked off with a packed programme including workshops, inspiring industry talks, dynamic panel discussions, captivating performances, and eye-catching installations. Attendees explored exhibitions, hackathons, showcases, and a buzzing careers and talent fair, featuring creative industry recruiters and live job opportunities. With partners including Canva, Bow Arts, Foundation for Future London, London Higher, creativeLDN, Cine Circle, the Greater London Authority and Stratford Original - to name a few - the festival brought together the best of the UK’s creative and business communities to inspire and connect current and future talent within the sector.
British Science Festival
The British Science Festival came to the University of East London (UEL), returning to the capital for the first time in 20 years. Celebrating the people, stories and ideas at the heart of science, the exciting programme was headlined by social media sensation (and UEL alumnus) Big Manny, and featured Olympic athletes, a live recording of the BBC’s Sky at Night, a genetics-themed Bingo night, and so much more.
