Generously funded by Southwark Council the Bermondsey Carnival which has a history dating back over 100 years was restored to its rightful place on the events calendar, back in 1997 when a group of local people got together to bring the this fantastic occasion back to the local community after a absence of many years as a result of the last recession.

Bermondsey Beat became involved the following year with the intention of providing the music side of this FREE all-day community event in the heart of south London. Held in Southwark Park, SE16, visitors to the Carnival experience a wealth of fun and entertainment, including magnificent traditional fun fair rides, hot and cold food stands, displays and interactive events and internationally successful London bands performing live on stage.

The small but passionately dedicated Bermondsey Beat team, together with the generous support and sponsorship of the wider community has developed the Carnival into a hugely successful activity, attracting in excess of 10,000 people on the day and is now well established as a permanent and essential part of local life.

In 2003 Southwark Council recognised the work of Bermondsey Beat with a Civic Award - 'The Liberty of the Borough of Bermondsey'. The Bermondsey Carnival is well on its way to being the largest community music event in London.

Because of Bermondsey Beat's love and passion for Southwark Park they have in the past arranged visits to the Park from such as ex Mayor of London - Ken Livingstone, Jenny Jones (Deputy Mayor of London) and Val Shawcross (GLA member for Southwark and Lambeth) and many others that, as they say, are 'to numerous to mention'.

Simon Hughes (MP for Bermondsey & Southwark) is a great supporter of Bermondsey Beat and has attended every Carnival and special mention to current leader of the council Peter John who has been great supporter of the Bermondsey Carnival since his time in office.

We thank them all for their support.

Russell Dryden & Phil Burkett - Bermondsey Beat