Seventy-five years after the Festival of Britain transformed Britain’s post-war identity, one of its most important yet often overlooked locations is inviting the nation back.
On Saturday 8 August 2026, Festival of Britain – Poplar Picnic will celebrate the remarkable legacy of Poplar, the East London community that became a living showcase of Britain’s hopes for the future during the original 1951 Festival of Britain.
While many people associate the Festival of Britain with London’s South Bank, few realise that Poplar was home to the Festival’s “Live Architecture Exhibition”, centred around the groundbreaking Lansbury Estate. Designed as a model neighbourhood, it demonstrated how architecture, community planning and public spaces could improve everyday life after the Second uk/world/">World War. The estate became an international symbol of optimism, innovation and social progress.
Now, 75 years later, Poplar is once again becoming a place where Britain’s story is told-this time through the voices, cultures and creativity of the community that calls it home today.
Festival of Britain – Poplar Picnic is a free, family-friendly celebration that brings together heritage, contemporary arts, music, performance and community storytelling. Rather than recreating history, the festival asks an important question:
What does Britain look like today, through the eyes of Poplar?
Visitors will experience:
- A vibrant community picnic inspired by the spirit of the original Festival of Britain. Street Food and Local Refreshments, Children’s fairground rides and family activities (Tea Cup rides), Arts and Crafts, Water Activities with East London Canal Network.
- A Lansbury Showroom experience exploring how everyday life looked in the 1951b (Curated by Danielle Patten from Museum of Home)
- A reimagined Rosie Lee Tea Tent, inspired by the famous 1951 tea tent that welcomed thousands of visitors to Poplar, where residents will share memories and stories that will be transformed into live poetry.
- An interactive Community Build, inviting families to create imaginative structures inspired by the experimental architecture of the Festival of Britain.
- A youth-led creative zone produced by local young people, celebrating identity, culture and what it means to belong in modern Britain – mentored by the singer songwriter performing artist GreanTea Peng
- Live music, dance and performance throughout the day.
- An urban beach installation, family activities, canoeing, creative workshops, face painting and wellbeing activities.
Festival of Britain – Poplar Picnic celebrates Poplar’s remarkable place in Britain’s history while showcasing the creativity, diversity and community spirit that define it today. As part of the celebrations, the Be Poplar Proud campaign invites residents and visitors to share the places, memories and stories that make them proud of their neighbourhood, creating a living archive of Poplar’s past and present. Open to all ages and backgrounds, the festival offers a chance to come together to celebrate, reflect and shape the future of this historic East London community.
Interview Opportunities
Broadcasters are invited to feature:
- Festival organisers and producers
- Local historians and heritage specialists
- Artists and performers
- Young producers leading the festival programme
- Long-term Poplar residents sharing memories of the Lansbury Estate
- Community participants involved in the storytelling and oral history project
Why this story matters
- Marks 75 years since the Festival of Britain.
- Reveals the little-known national significance of Poplar in British history.
- Explores how communities shape Britain’s identity across generations.
- Celebrates one of London’s most culturally diverse neighbourhoods through art, music and heritage.
- Offers strong visual and audio storytelling opportunities ideal for television, radio and podcasts.
Event Details
Festival of Britain – Poplar Picnic
Date: Saturday 8 August 2026
Time: 11:00am – 5:00pm
Location: Poplar Union & Canal Market, East London
Admission: Free
Media Enquiries
For interviews, filming opportunities, photography requests or additional information, please contact:
Kaltrina Pashtriku
Communications Engagement and Outreach Manager
Poplar Union – Arts & Events Venue in East London
2 Cotall Street
Poplar
London
E14 6TL
T: 0203 039 3333
