Poplar lights up summer with the Festival of Britain

23/04/2026

This summer, Poplar is celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Festival of Britain, shining a light on our past, present and future through a series of community events across E14.

In 1951, Poplar helped shape modern Britain, welcoming thousands of visitors to the pioneering Lansbury Estate as part of the Festival of Britain.

Seventy-five years on, we’re celebrating that remarkable legacy and the people, creativity and community spirit that continue to make Poplar special today.

Festival of Britain: Poplar 2026 is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to bring you 75th anniversary celebrations.

Coming up next...

Lansbury Show Home

Step back into 1951 at Poplar Union, and see a stunning recreation of a typical Lansbury Estate living room that offers a fascinating glimpse into post-war life and design.

To book a visit, email Poplar Union info@poplarunion.com or telephone 020 3039 3333.

Cabinet of Curiosities

Discover local stories through an evolving display of personal objects that shine a light on everyday life on the Lansbury Estate.

Catch it on Wednesday 26 August outside The Hive and at pop-up locations across Poplar. More dates to be announced.

Heritage Walking Tours

Part of the Open City Festival, join us on Saturday 12 and 19 September to explore the history of the Lansbury Estate and discover its unique role in the landmark 1951 festival.

Book online on Open City’s website.

St Matthias Festival of Britain 75 Tea Party

On Wednesday 23 September, come along to a tea party at St Matthias Community Centre between 3 and 6pm for an afternoon of food, friendship and community celebration.

Poplar and the Festival of Britain Exhibition

You can also explore this exhibition at The Hive, in Chrisp Street Market, featuring photographs, archive material and stories that celebrate Poplar’s remarkable contribution to the 1951 Festival of Britain.

Smaller mobile displays will also be appearing in our community centres across August and September.

Festival of Britain Boxes

For those keen to delve deeper, Festival of Britain Boxes are available at our community centres and the George Green Welcome Hub, next to Chrisp Street Market. Packed with maps, photographs, historical materials and creative activities, the boxes will help residents of all ages explore Poplar’s rich heritage.

Event dates to be confirmed

End of Festival Celebration

Join us for the celebration to end all Festival celebrations at The Feldy, where we’ll reflect on everything we’ve created, learned and enjoyed together and share our hopes for the next 75 years.

We’re also preparing to launch a special Festival Poetry Anthology, featuring poems inspired by Poplar, community and the Festival of Britain. If you’d like to contribute a poem, email ana.ramirez@poplarharca.co.uk.

Share your memories and stories

Do you have a story about life on the Lansbury Estate, or in Poplar, that you’d like to share?

Stories can be of events a long time ago, or just yesterday. We’re creating an archive of your stories for Poplar residents of the future to reflect upon and we’d love to hear from you.

Email Ana-Mae at anytime ana.ramirez@poplarharca.co.uk

Call for volunteers

We’re recruiting heritage champions to support our festival celebrations.

Volunteers will welcome visitors, share local heritage stories, collect community memories of Lansbury, and help prepare interviews for Tower Hamlets Local History Archives.

Volunteer

Share your story

For Festival of Britain anniversary community event listings, see below.

Walking Tours: The Lansbury Estate 75 years on

These events have now taken place.

Lansbury Estate, Poplar

Heritage Workshops: Poplar and the Festival of Britain

These events have now taken place.

Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives & Stroudley Walk Cafe

Chrisp Street celebrates the Festival of Britain

This event has now taken place.

Chrisp Street Market, Market Square, E14 0EA

Cabinet of Curiosities: Festival of Britain

This event has now taken place.

Chrisp Street Market, E14 6AQ

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Our Teviot Festival

This event has now taken place.

Teviot Centre, 1 Wyvis Street, E14 6QD

Festival of Britain: Community Arts Project in Poplar
Wednesday 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 July & 5 August 2026
11am – 1pm

A community arts project exploring home and place in Poplar, inspired by the 1951 Festival of Britain. Ending in a public exhibition.

Poplar Union 2 Cotall St, Poplar, London E14 6TL

Book your place

50+ Tea Dance

This event has now taken place.

Feldy, 18 Aberfeldy Square, E14 0XA

Poplar Picnic: Festival of Britain

This event has now taken place.

Bartlett Park, E14 6TL

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Lansbury At 75: Workshops & Exhibition
From 6 August - 27 August 2026
11am – 5pm

FREE to attend and drop ins welcome. A series of creative workshops for adults led by artist Jess Wright, running on various week days in August. Sharing the history of the Lansbury Estate at 75, you'll meet new people and create artwork inspired by the place you call home. All materials provided.

Find out more on Instagram: @LansburyAt75 or email LansburyAt75@gmail.com.

Old Shoe Zone shop, 23-25 Market Square, Chrisp Street Market E14

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