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, the festival features over 50 events, including hands-on workshops, cooking sessions and nature walks to expert panels, storytelling sessions, and site visits – there is something for everyone, from experienced growers to hone their horticultural know-how, to the eco-curious wanting to explore the fascinating world of plants.

"Urban food growing and greening initiatives have never been more vital or popular than they are today.” says Rachel Dring, Capital Growth Coordinator. “As people increasingly recognize the importance of food security, environmental sustainability, 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 - from grassroots growers and artists to educators, architects, herbalists, and youth advocates - reflecting the diverse ecosystem shaping the future of urban life.

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.

 

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.

 

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

11 June | 18:00 – 20:30 | Dark Horizons: working with London Clay in Lewisham

Love it or hate it, we can all do more to harness the benefits of clay soils and work around it's limitations. Join expert grower, Richard Chocksey in getting to grips with clay, how to improve it, and how to learn to love this nutrient powerhouse. Use code GU25 for special discount on full price tickets.

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