The Greenwich + Docklands International Festival is back for 2022, with a series of exciting free events, theatre, dance and circus happening across the Royal Borough of Greenwich.

This year’s free festival is centred around the theme of ‘Common Ground’ in a bid to remind us of the importance of shared values, rituals and togetherness. ‘As we emerge from the pandemic, with growing economic challenges at home and terrifying events on our doorstep in Europe, I hope that the festival will offer audiences a moment of sanctuary from the anxious times that we’ve been living through,’ says artistic director Bradley Hemmings.

Opening the festival is the UK premiere of SPARK, Daan Roosegaarde’s dazzling large-scale installation inspired by the natural phenomenon of fireflies. Other highlights include Stephanie Lüning’s multi-coloured foam-based artwork that transforms our perception of space and Arjan Kreidhof’s mindful reinvention of a fairground ride. Also worthy of note is Discover Ukraine: Bits Destroyed, which will project images of 56 Ukrainian mosaics onto the facade of the Old Royal Naval College

Thesps should explore the programme of new work and touring productions from Graeae, Tara Theatre, Middle Child Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company, while dance fans should look to performances by the Royal Ballet and Greenwich-based Protein. Dancing City, a two-day dance takeover at Canary Wharf, also comes highly recommended. With family-friendly theatre, dance, installations and games, the Greenwich Fair is the perfect day out for tots and teens.

What better way to kick off the bank holiday weekend?