Centre Stage, Richmond
Centre Stage is a free new multi-arts festival that reclaims George Street and Whittaker Square as a platform for creativity, community and contemporary culture.
For one day only, the streets become a stage, canvas and playground, as Richmond town centre comes alive with music, theatre, food, art and joyful public participation.
Music
Live music, spoken word, and DJ sets celebrate Richmond’s rich — and often untold — musical legacy, inspired by Gilles Peterson’s legendary Belvedere Arms parties. Expect genre-spanning sets from Femi Koleoso (Ezra Collective), bringing jazz, Afrobeat, UK Garage and more to Whittaker Avenue; Joe Davis (Far Out Recordings), channelling samba, soul and disco from the iconic Jazz Juice era; and a grassroots Youth Music Showcase curated by Richmond Music Trust and Basement Door, culminating in a homecoming performance from glam-tinged indie band, Gingerella.
Theatre & Procession
Street theatre meets storybook magic as Orange Tree Theatre presents a playful, promenade-style adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, reimagined for George Street with pop-up performances across the town centre. The day begins with a spectacular opening procession — a high-energy burst of music, dance, and costume from youth collective Kinetika Bloco, with the public invited to join in under the direction of Combination Dance.
Hands-On Creative Workshops
Hands-on workshops and playful interventions reimagine George Street, from child-led stage building, puppet making, and banner design, to clay modelling, spoken word, and music-making with instruments built from waste. Artists and collectives invite families and young people to co-create costumes, ceramics, and collaborative installations, transforming Richmond’s town centre into a space for imagination, creativity, and community.
Art & Installations
Community-made banners and skateable sculptures animate George Street, recycled fabric artworks by local youth groups hang above, while Drift Tricks transforms the pavement into a playful landscape for skateboarding, art, and community.
Long Table Dining
Grab a bite and pull up a seat at our communal long table – a shared space for eating, connecting, and celebrating together.
Curated Design Market
Shop from a handpicked selection of independent designers and makers across fashion, art, homewares, and lifestyle.
Charity Super.Mkt
Charity Super.Mkt, providing a carefully curated selection of pre-loved garments, where every penny spent contributes towards people and the planet.
Street Food & Local Produce
A curated mix of street food, local producers, and artisanal food and drink – from savoury to sweet.
Curated and produced by HemingwayDesign, in partnership with Richmond Council. This initiative is partially funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.