Posters have started to appear around south-east London advertising the return of the Lewisham Live festival, now in its sixth year.

The event, which will take place from 4-29 March, is designed to showcase the wide array of talents from over 2,000 children and young adults across 8 different venues within the borough of Lewisham.

Performances such as live dance, world music and singing will be performed at various venues including Catford’s Broadway Theatre and Sydenham’s £3.5m TNG youth centre during the month and will be funded by the National Lottery, Lewisham Council, as well as being supported by the Arts Council England.

One particular act which is already garnering some excitement before its premiere on 17th March is Live at Trinity Laban – a specially choreographed event which combines the aptitudes of aspiring young dancers and musicians. This performance in addition to Live Winds, which will be performed at Goldsmiths University on 10th March, was inspired by a new scheme initiated by the BBC entitled the ’10 Piece Project’, which hopes to reach out and introduce the world of classical music to young people nationwide.

However, not just musical or dancing abilities will be represented throughout the three week festival. Budding presenters will also be given the opportunity to compere the events. With the help of funding from the Greenwich and Lewisham Young People’s Theatre, a selection of young people have received training to build their confidence as festival hosts.

Lewisham Live promises to be an unmissable event, providing an opportunity for the young generation of Lewisham who are interested in the performing arts and a platform for the community’s partnership to work, grow and learn together towards a positive atmosphere in the borough, which will hopefully see more events of this kind emerge. 

Sophie Allen, Sydenham High School