Generously funded by Southwark Council, Bermondsey Beat was set up in 1998 to establish an annual FREE all-day community event in the heart of south London. Held in Southwark Park, SE16, visitors to The Event experience a wealth of fun and entertainment, including parachute and skydiving displays, a parade by local schools with highly decorative floats, magnificent traditional fun fair rides, hot and cold food stands, and internationally successful London bands performing live on stage. Each year The Event culminates in a spectacular fireworks display.

The small but passionately dedicated volunteer Bermondsey Beat team, together with the generous support and sponsorship of community-minded London business, has developed The Event into a hugely successful activity, attracting in excess of 30,000 people on the day. In 2003 Southwark Council recognised the work of Bermondsey Beat with a Civic Award - 'The Liberty of the Borough of Bermondsey'. The Event 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 been solely responsible for arranging visits to the Park from the Mayor of London - Ken Livingstone, Jenny Jones (Deputy Mayor of London) and Val Shawcross (GLA member for Southwark and Lambeth). Simon Hughes (MP for Bermondsey & Southwark) is a great supporter of Bermondsey Beat and has attended every Event. Nick Stanton (Leader of Southwark Council) wears his Bermondsey Beat T-shirt with pride and we thank them all for their support.

Russell Dryden & Phil Burkett - Bermondsey Beat