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10 unforgettable days of performances, competitions, exhibitions, talks and workshops.

We are delighted to welcome the whole St Dunstan's Education Group community to the 2026 Festival, a vibrant celebration of creativity, collaboration, and connection. Spanning every school campus, and our dedicated festival site at the Jubilee Grounds, the Festival once again is going to be a standout highlight of the summer calendar and a much-loved part of school life — evolving, growing, and inspiring year after year!

What began as a small 2-day arts festival at St Dunstan's College has been reimagined into today’s inclusive, diverse programme, spanning 10 days over our whole education group and delighting pupils and families in all of our schools — a true expression of SDEG spirit and our commitment to a renaissance education.

This year's Festival: Tuesday 23 June - Thursday 2 July 2026

We are excitedly preparing for the Festival 2026, which once again has grown and evolved into something even bigger and better than before! Each SDEG school will host a packed programme of events on their own site, including arts, crafts, music, drama and sports, during the school day. In addition, there are evening events and performances for parents and community members to enjoy, some of which are on our dedicated Festival site, the Jubilee Grounds in Catford. 

Key Festival Dates

  • SDEG Festival Launch Event: 'All Roads Lead to London' Tuesday 23 June, 1800, Big Top Tent @ Jubilee Grounds 
  • SDEG Finale Concert, Thursday 02 July, 1900, Big Top Tent @ Jubilee Grounds

The Catford Weekender

The Catford Weekender is the dynamic heart of our Festival celebrations; a weekend event placed right in the middle of the festival calendar, for not only our SDEG community, but also local residents, local businesses, and people of all ages who want to join us for fun, food, music, activities, entertainment and celebrations galore!  The event champions local music, art, sport, craft, and theatre, and takes place Friday - Sunday in and around the Big Top tent on the Jubilee Grounds in Catford.

Entry to the Catford Weekender is free for everyone. 

Catford Weekender: 26 - 28 June 2026

Get ready for.....

  • Our 'Big Top' tent hosting exhibitions and performances 

  • Main stage with full event programme 

  • Delicious Street food and Licensed Bar 

  • A packed schedule of workshops & activities 

  • Live music from local talent and open mic stage

  • Art exhibitions 

  • Summer fair featuring craft stalls and artisan makers

Find out more and see the Catford Weekender programme at our designated website: www.catfordweekender.co.uk

History of the Festival

St Dunstan's Festival originated in the 1990s under the stewardship of Dr Anthony Seldon, who was Deputy Head of the College at that time. It was originally named ‘The Catford Arts Festival’ and ran over two and a half days at the very start of July.

The Festival was quickly dubbed ‘The Edinburgh Festival of South London’, and comprised over twenty main events and ‘a rich and enterprising fringe’. The 1994 College Chronicle describes the Festival as ‘catering for the souls’ and it contained an array of eclectic events including the St Dunstan’s jazz group, lectures given by writers Brian Masters and Gwendoline Butler, and a Shakespeare play with a twist, entitled ‘A Pocket of Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

The Festival was short-lived, only lasting a few years. Mr Nick Hewlett reignited the Festival on his arrival at the College, with its relaunch occurring in the summer of 2015. The now 10-day event is a firmly established highlight at the end of the academic year, enabling pupils to engage with a huge variety of activities and performances, involving not only the College, but also all schools in the St Dunstan's Education Group and even further into the Lewisham community.

"The Festival brings our motto, Albam Exorna, to life, as our community transforms a blank canvas into a rich, shared tapestry of talent and creativity.

We are proud that the Festival not only celebrates who we are as a Group, but also strengthens our place in the wider community of Lewisham and beyond."

Richard Gregg
Festival Director and Director of Drama

The SDEG Festival

and Catford Weekender