Lewisham’s longest running free outdoor music festival returns after four years with its biggest line-up yet.

The much-loved People’s Day will be back in Mountsfield Park on Saturday, July 16 to celebrate the very best of Lewisham.

The line-up has been curated by Lewisham-raised BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ Shahlaa Tahira who will be showcasing local musicians alongside rappers Koder, Don Strapzy and CassKidd.

News Shopper: Shahlaa Tahira is a Lewisham-raised 1Xtra DJ (photo: Lewisham Council)Shahlaa Tahira is a Lewisham-raised 1Xtra DJ (photo: Lewisham Council)

Shahlaa said: “As a local girl, I know how important People’s Day is to the community, so it was a huge honour to be asked to curate the Blue Borough Stage.

“There’s a massive pool of talent from Lewisham, emerging from the local scene.

“I’m excited to be able to showcase it.”

The festival is returning as part of Lewisham Council’s We Are Lewisham project which began as part of the London Borough of Culture 2022.

Councillor James J Walsh, Cabinet Member for Culture, said: “People’s Day is a Lewisham institution I’m proud to have grown up with and now get to bring to a new generation for 2022.

"Lewisham has always been bursting at the seams with talent.

“Elevated by our year as London Borough of Culture, this year’s free festival will give the greatest platform yet, showcasing the high quality and diverse music, art and culture scene Lewisham has to offer.

“Sadly, during the pandemic this sector was one of the worst hit.

“Through this festival, and our wider Borough of Culture programme, we will not only support hundreds of local artists, creatives but also the industries that support them recover, by bringing the people of Lewisham back together at amazing events like this.”

Grammy-nominated reggae singer Tippa Irie is back to headline the main stage at the festival.

He will be sharing the top billing with music royalty Hollie Cook who will bring her own tropical pop style to Lewisham.

The festival will also feature seven-piece all-female disco band All Day Breakfast Café.

The Blue Borough stage will be headlined by homegrown talents Novelist, grime MC, and Nina Rose, singer-songwriter.

Unit 137 will celebrate their 10th birthday with a Sound System showcase of friends and family, including DEM1NS, Bun Dem Out Records and Lionz Den.

But this isn’t just about music – there will also be family-friendly activities on offer throughout the day.

The Flying Seagull project, known for their work with child refugees around the world, will take over the Kids Stage.

There will also be community and craft stalls, food from around the world, and craft ales.

This is the perfect way to come together and mark Lewisham’s year as London Borough of Culture.

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