Running from 7–15 June 2025 during Great Big Green Week, the Grow Urban Festival will be threading together celebrations of community resilience, urban ecology and food system innovation across London.

Now in its fifth year, Capital Growth is delighted to be contibuting to the programme of over 50 events. There is something here for everyone, from the experienced grower looking to hone their horticultural know-how to the eco-curious wanting to explore the fascinating world of plants.

Rachel Dring, Capital Growth Coordinator said:

"Urban food growing has never been more vital or popular. As people increasingly recognize the importance of food security, climate change and community wellbeing, London stands at the forefront of this movement with an extraordinary network of community gardens, rooftop farms, and innovative food growing projects across all boroughs. Our city is cultivating not just fresh produce, but stronger communities and a more resilient urban future."

Discover a variety of events led by inspiring changemakers, grassroots growers, artists and educators, educators reflecting the diverse ecosystem shaping the future of urban life. Explore the programme to find all sorts of ways to get involved, from hands-on workshops, cooking sessions and nature walks ro expert panels, storytelling sessions and site visits.

See the full programme

 

Highlights from the Capital Growth food growers network

 

Garden parties & open days

Celebrate mid-summer in some of London’s finest community gardens

 

7 June | 11:00 – 17:00 | Story Garden in Kings Cross

Global Generation are throwing a big party to celebrate their inclusion in the British Library Unearthed exhibition. Expect outdoor art exhibition, creative kids activities, clay and weaving workshop, plant sale, woodfired pizza and a jam session in the garden.

7 June | 12:00 – 17:00 | Core Arts Summer Fair in Hackney

Garden tours, acoustic music, bargain plant hunting, children's activities, inspiration for gardeners, cake sale, art show, children's art and gardening activities. Picnics welcome!

8 June | 16:00 – 18:00 | Open Day at Christchurch School Community Garden in Greenwich

This hidden treasure is open to the public for the afternoon with delicious homemade refreshments using their garden produce, a plant sale and family activities.

14 June | 10:00 – 13:00 | Bandstand Beds Summer Garden Party in Clapham Common

See what’s growing in the community garden, connect with nature and relax. Or get involved in gardening activities for adults and children* followed by lunch and refreshments (for a donation). Everyone welcome.

15 Jun 2025 | 13:00- 16:00 | Newham Garden Party at The UP Garden, Eric Close laundry yard, E7 

Enjoy entertainment, nature activities and refreshments to celebrate 60 years of Newham council. Explore The UP Garden, see how they have transformed an abandoned council yard into a community garden, and see lots of edible plant growing, including micro-allotment scheme.

 

Exhibitions & Talks: get inspired & informed

 

7 Jun | 16:30 - 19:30 | Discover Urban Rewilding and Sustainable Gardening in Crouch End

An inspiring afternoon of nature, community, and sustainability with The Muswell Hill Sustainability Group. Guided tour of the Meadow Orchard rewilding site and apiary. Talks from local environmental champions sharing practical tips and stories.

7 June – 3 Aug | Into the Seeds of Time exhibition @ OmVed Gardens in Highgate

An exhibition presenting the work of artist Vivienne Schadinsky and her year-long residency at OmVed Gardens exploring the journey of beans from seed to harvest and their potential for human and planetary health.

9 June | 18:00 - 20:00 | New Energies: growing Beyond The Visible

Discover how to tap into unseen sources of energy and growth and understand what is really happening beneath the surface, both in nature and within ourselves.

10 June | 18:00-19:00 | The Right To Grow London Learning Network gathering

Join us at the Garden Museum to explore how to build a citizen’s Right to Grow on London’s public-sector land. Let’s work together towards a more vibrant and sustainable future. 

11 June | 18:00-19:30 | Building Kinder, Greener Cities

The Conduit gathers a panel of experts to explore creative ideas and real-life solutions for building cities that are not only greener—but also more welcoming, inclusive, and liveable for everyone.

14 & 15 June | 12:00 - 19:00| Community Art at Meadow Orchard, N8

Art exhibition featuring photography, sculpture, painting & ceramics by local artists in the beautiful hand built roundhouse. There are also creative workshops and activities in a unique natural setting.  Free entry.

 

Food growing workshops & training sessions

Learn to grow your own from some of London’s expert urban growers

 

7 June | Introduction to Gardening at Walworth Garden, Elephant & Castle

Learn the essential knowledge that will help you to become a successful gardener. Ideal for those with little or no gardening experience, this course will give you the fundamentals of sustainable and future-facing gardening. Get 15% off with code: GU15

13 June | Take part in ecology survey at Springfield Park, E5

Spend 1 hour watching flowers, bees and other insects in Springfield Park's new wildflower meadows and bee banks and help monitor their impact.

13 June | 13:00 & 14:00 | Mushroom Tours and Demo at R-Urban, E14

Join an EPIC adventure into the magical world of oyster mushrooms! Meet the passionate farmer behind this charmingly low-tech operation and get the inside scoop on how these fantastic fungi go from spore to store.

13 June | 13:00 - 14:00 | Soil Seminar at the Natural History Museum, SW7

Get ready to dig deep into the AMAZING underground universe beneath your feet! Join us for a mind-blowing journey with Michael Kennard where magic meets science in the world of soil regeneration and composting wizardry!

15 Jun | 14:00 – 16:00 | Container Growing at Hackney School of Food

Learn the methods, tips, and tricks for successful container growing – so you can still enjoy the magic of homegrown food, no matter what space you're working with. Perfect for beginners, curious gardeners and anyone looking to reconnect with the rhythms of nature.

15 June | 10:00 – 15:00 | Gardening for Wildlife at Walworth Garden in Elephant & Castle

Gain insight into simple, achievable actions that can help you encourage wildlife in your garden, from habit creation to holistic practices to maintain balance between the human and more-than-human needs in your garden.

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20/05/2025