This July, Richmond town centre will transform into something extraordinary. For three whole days, Centre Stage 2026: Richmond Myths reimagines familiar streets as a vibrant playground of creativity, culture and community, inviting residents and visitors alike to experience Richmond in an entirely new way. At the heart of this year’s event is Richmond Myths - a playful and imaginative theme delivered by Orange Tree Theatre, bringing together storytelling, music, making and movement in a celebration designed for all ages.
From the moment the festival begins, Richmond becomes more than a high street. It becomes a stage, a canvas and an open invitation to explore from Friday 17 through to Sunday 19 July.
Music, Heritage and New Talent
A highlight of the Saturday programme is the return of Back to The Belvedere, hosted on the Whittaker Square stage. Inspired by the legendary Gilles Peterson sessions at the Belvedere Arms in the 1980s, this contemporary reimagining connects Richmond’s rich musical past with the global sounds shaping London today.
The line-up promises a dynamic mix of genres and influences. Expect genre-spanning selections from Mr Bongo DJs, and sets from Patrick Forge and Andrew Ashong, all bringing their own distinctive styles to the stage. Together, they create a soundtrack that feels both nostalgic and forward-looking.
Opening the music programme is the Youth Music Showcase, presented by Basement Door and Richmond Music Trust. This is Richmond’s next generation stepping into the spotlight – with performances from rising artists and young bands emerging from the acclaimed BandIt programme. It’s a powerful reminder that the borough’s creative future is already taking shape.
Myths in the Making
Across the town centre, the Richmond Myths programme from Orange Tree Theatre takes inspiration from Greek Myth, breathing life into stories, legends and fantastical characters. Expect the unexpected: pop-up performances appearing in surprising places, immersive storytelling moments, and theatrical encounters that turn everyday spaces into scenes of wonder as ancient tales are reimagined for today.
This storytelling thread runs throughout the weekend, weaving together the different areas of the festival and encouraging audiences to see Richmond through a more imaginative lens.
On Friday evening, in an explosion of music, dance and spectacle, twelve Olympian gods launch a weekend of celebration and creativity, where the ordinary is made extraordinary on Richmond Riverside.
Through Saturday and Sunday twelve performances from local community groups, collaborating with exciting contemporary writers, will take over some of Richmond’s most beloved spaces, from the Lending Library to the Old Town Hall, St Mary Magdalene to the Poppy Factory, Richmond Theatre to Grove Gardens Chapel.
On Sunday, Hill Rise will be a hub of cafe culture and live music. In the afternoon it becomes the home of The Muses, who will be composing personalised poems and inviting people to contribute their own Odes to Richmond. Finally, one of Britain’s best-loved actors will round off the weekend, celebrate the community, and look forward to the future of Richmond.
Get Involved: Creativity Without Limits
Centre Stage, co-curated by HemingwayDesign and Richmond Council, is not just something to watch, it’s something to take part in. The Saturday programme which is centred on George Street offers a huge range of hands-on workshops designed especially for children, young people and families.
Get creative with Clayground Collective’s Urban Undergrowth, where clay becomes a way to imagine greener urban spaces. At Starting With Art, families can build and play together in a large-scale making environment inspired by mythology and collective imagination. Or join the Orchestra of Chaos, where everyday materials are transformed into instruments, leading to a joyful, one-off performance.
There’s also the chance to construct a shared street installation in the U-Build Workshop, design future heirlooms with The National Archives, or create puppets, prints and wearable pieces across a range of sessions led by artists and community organisations.
Every activity invites participants to explore what creativity looks like in public space and how a town centre can become something more inclusive, expressive and collaborative.
Carnival Energy and Collective Celebration
Adding rhythm to Saturday are the Kinetika Bloco AllStars, who bring their signature blend of drumming, brass and movement to Richmond. Throughout the day, they’ll run interactive workshops, inviting everyone to get involved, before leading a vibrant carnival-style procession through the streets.
It’s a moment of shared celebration - loud, colourful and impossible to ignore - capturing the spirit of Centre Stage at its best.
Nature, Sustainability and the Future High Street
This year’s programme also looks forward, asking how creativity can shape a more sustainable future. The Eco & Nature Zone explores the relationship between people, nature and the built environment through installations, workshops and hands-on activities.
Visitors can engage with live environmental data at the Urban Nature Observatory, or take part in practical making sessions - creating seed bombs, bird feeders and planters while learning how small actions can contribute to greener, healthier urban spaces.
Skate, Style and Street Culture
Skate Street transforms part of the town centre into a temporary skate plaza. Designed in collaboration with local young people, it features custom ramps, free lessons, open sessions and live demonstrations.
Alongside the action, creative workshops explore the aesthetics of skate culture, with opportunities to design and customise clothing through screen-printing and upcycling. It’s a celebration of creativity, confidence and self-expression rooted in youth culture and community spirit.
Food, Artisans and Local Crafts
Throughout the day, visitors can browse the Independent Richmond Market, with a curated selection of designer-makers, artists and sustainable brands. From handcrafted goods to unique gifts, it’s a chance to support local creativity and discover something new.
And, of course, no festival is complete without great food – of which Richmond is not short of options. A diverse street food offering brings together local producers, global flavours, speciality coffee, cocktails and sweet treats adding another layer of enjoyment to the day. Local restaurants and bars will also be open for business with a range of special offers across the three-day festival, so do pop in to check them out.
A Town Transformed
Whether you’re dancing in the square, creating with neighbours, skating with friends or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Centre Stage 2026: Richmond Myths invites you to experience Richmond differently.
For three days, everyday spaces become places of imagination. Streets become stages. And the town centre becomes a shared space for creativity, connection and celebration. This July, step into the story and be part of Richmond Myths.
See the full programme of events, performances and exhibitors by visiting https://www.centrestagerichmond.co.uk/
