A town fete with music, theatre, tours and a lantern procession is coming to Thamesmead this weekend, September 15-17.

The Thamesmead Festival launches at 6.30pm this Friday (September 15) with a party of international music, theatre, poetry lantern making and art exhibitions at The Link in Thamesmead.

Next day the festival truly kicks off with the Town Fete at Southmere Park from 2pm to 7pm, followed by a light spectacle and lanterns will be released into the water.

The Thamesmead 5k and Family One Mile run starts the next day with a 10am start at Crossway Park, next to the sporting Club Thamesmead, with all proceeds going to the Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice.

Other highlights include the relaunch of the nature reserve Tump 53 at 11am on Sunday at a free event.