Royal Dock Originals
Make the most of the final few days of Royal Docks Originals
As Royal Docks Originals draws to a close on Saturday 4 October, the final few days still offer a jam-packed line-up of free cultural events, performances, family fun, creative workshops, and exhibitions celebrating the transformation and journeys of the Royal Docks.
Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the festival’s exciting finale – all completely free!
Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability: Discovery Day
Friday 3 October, 10am – 6pm, free
Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability, University of East London, Docklands campus, 4-6 University Way, London, E16 2RD
Royal Docks Centre for Sustainability: Discovery Day offers a full programme of free, hands-on experiences in sustainable innovation for schools, businesses, families, and the community. Highlights include guided tours, interactive workshops, VR experiences, and climate-positive crafts, plus opportunities to meet researchers and connect with local changemakers. The free event is open to all.
The Docks Factor
Friday 3 October 2025
Doors open from 5.30pm and the show starts 6.30pm - 8.30pm, free
City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, London E16 1ZE
See some of Newham’s top local talent in The Docks Factor, a live showcase featuring music, dance, poetry and more. Performers will compete on stage before judges and the audience vote! Don’t miss this inspiring night celebrating Newham’s creativity.
Compressor House, Dockside Rd, Royal Docks, London E16 2QU (next to Royal Albert Wharf DLR). Free, drop in and no booking required.
Compressor House has reopened as a vibrant new cultural and community hub, and everyone is invited to the House Warming! Enjoy free art and cultural events, exhibitions, talks, film screenings and family fun taking place at various times and dates until Saturday 4 October.
Opening times:
- Thursday & Friday: 11am - 7pm
- Saturday: 11am - 5pm
Here’s what’s on at Compressor House:
Arrivals + Departures (ongoing)
Experience an interactive artwork by YARA + DAVINA that explores birth, death and the journey in between.
Charabancs and Cadillacs (until 4 October)
Delve into an extraordinary travel trunk to explore fascinating artefacts, memorabilia and historic photographs capturing everyday life and significant moments across the past seven decades.
River of Hope (until 4 October)
See a showcase of art and poetry created by young people from five Newham secondary schools, alongside a film inspired by their reflections on the river.
The Newham Plays (screening Thursday 2 October at 6pm and Friday 3 October at 6pm)
Watch series of powerful plays on film by writer and lecturer, James Kenworth celebrating the stories, spaces, and people of the borough.
Royal Docks Reimagined (Thursday 2 October 11am – 7pm, Friday 3 October 3 – 7pm and Saturday 4 October 11am -3pm)
Get creative and join the fun building a vibrant cardboard city, reimagining the Royal Docks’ neighbourhoods, green spaces, waterways, and community hubs. An inspiring hands-on experience for all ages!
Model Talk Series (Thursday 2 October at 6.15pm, Friday 3 October at 12.30pm and 6.15pm, Saturday 4 October 11am and 12.30pm)
Join us at Compressor House for free talks by the community and Royal Docks Team exploring the past, present, and future of the Royal Docks. These engaging sessions take place beside a detailed 3D model of the area. The talks are free but booking recommended.
Upcoming talks:
The Royal Docks 1980s Revival
Friday 3 October, 6.15 - 6.45pm, free
Compressor House, Dockside Rd, London E16 2QU
Artist, educator and local resident Matt Ponting explores the lost buildings and regeneration of the Royal Docks after the 1980s dock closures, using illustrations, archive photos, and videos.
Development Plans & Ambitions for the Royal Docks
Saturday 4 October, 11-11:30am
Compressor House, Dockside Rd, London E16 2QU
Did you know the Royal Docks spans 1,200 acres, with 250 acres of water and nearly 12 miles of waterfront? Join Paul Creed, Head of Development and Placemaking from the Royal Docks team to learn about eight major projects, new public spaces, and future plans shaping this dynamic London destination.
My Digital Time Capsule: Memories of the Royal Docks
Saturday 4 October, 12:30-1pm
Compressor House, Dockside Rd, London E16 2QU
Join Natasha Cox, local resident, Olivier Award-winning performer and founder of Actively SeeK.I.N.G CIC, as she unlocks a digital time capsule of Newham life, blending personal stories, archival voices, Cockney East End songs, and the legacy of Black dancer Josie Woods to bring the Royal Docks’ rich history to life.
Royal Albert Wharf: Creative Day
Saturday 4 October, 10am - 6pm, free
Upper Dock Walk & Lock Side Way, London, E16 2GU
Join the creative community at Royal Albert Wharf for a free, fun-filled day of art, fashion, and performance, ending with a vibrant parade. Enjoy unique drop-in workshops like Sketching and Salsa, chalk head carving, UV cyanotype printing and tote bag making from 10am - 4pm, plus a puppet show, live music, and a parade. Celebrate creativity for all ages in this exciting community event! Free, no booking required.
Step Back in Time: Elephants at the Royal Docks
Until Saturday 4 October, free
Peek into the Royal Docks' past with this experience that brings elephants back to the Docks with Augmented Reality. a striking reminder of the area's unique history.
