With just over four weeks until Richmond’s biggest free cultural weekend of the summer, the full programme for Centre Stage: Richmond Myths has been unveiled.
From Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July, the town centre will come alive with three days of live music, theatre, street performance, workshops, family activities, food, markets, and creative experiences, as part of the return of Centre Stage on Saturday 18 July.
Curated by Orange Tree Theatre and HemingwayDesign, in partnership with Richmond Council and Be Richmond, Centre Stage: Richmond Myths is inspired by the stories, history and character of Richmond, bringing performances and unexpected creative experiences to streets, shops, historic buildings and public spaces across the town centre.
Building on last year’s success, which attracted thousands of visitors and delivered a significant boost to footfall and local trade, this year’s expanded programme will fill Richmond with culture, creativity and community, inviting residents and visitors to discover the town centre in new ways.
Councillor Katie Mansfield, Lead Member for Richmond Town Centre, said: “Last year showed the power of culture to bring people into Richmond, support local businesses, and create a real sense of energy across the town centre.
“We are even more ambitious this year. Centre Stage: Richmond Myths will fill our streets and public spaces with performances, music and activity, creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors, while showcasing everything that makes Richmond such a distinctive destination.
“It’s also part of our wider vision for Richmond town centre – supporting local businesses and increasing footfall while creating a vibrant, welcoming and thriving town centre for people to enjoy.”
Programme highlights
Across the weekend, residents and visitors can experience:
- A spectacular opening ceremony on Richmond Riverside, where 12 Olympian gods launch a weekend of music, dance and celebration inspired by the myths and stories of Richmond.
- Twelve unique community performances across the weekend, created with local groups and contemporary writers, taking place in some of Richmond’s most loved and unexpected locations across the town centre.
- Centre Stage on Saturday 18 July, bringing live music, street entertainment, family activities, participatory workshops and creative experiences to Richmond’s streets and public spaces.
- Back to the Belvedere – a celebration of Richmond’s musical heritage inspired by the legendary parties once hosted at the Belvedere Arms – alongside live music performances from local artists and emerging talent.
- Independent makers and young entrepreneurs showcasing local creativity, talent, and small businesses through a series of markets and pop-up experiences.
- A colourful participatory finale parade where everyone is invited to join, bringing music, movement, and energy through the town centre.
- A vibrant Sunday programme of live music, poetry and performance culminating in a special closing ceremony celebrating Richmond’s community and future.
- And much more.
Tom Littler, Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of Orange Tree Theatre, said: “Centre Stage: Richmond Myths will celebrate and enable many strands of local artistry, from music to dance to drama.
“At the Orange Tree, we’re delighted to be partnering with Richmond Council, HemingwayDesign, and Richmond BID to curate this remarkable weekend of festivities and creativity. It promises to be a weekend packed with exciting and surprising performances and creativity with community at its heart.”
Fay Cannings, Chief Executive of Be Richmond, added: “Be Richmond is pleased to support the festival as the Official Community Partner this year and to work alongside Richmond Council and Orange Tree Theatre to deliver a memorable weekend for residents and visitors once again.
“Centre Stage: Richmond Myths is a fantastic example of how culture and community can bring the town centre to life and events like this encourage people to spend time in Richmond, explore its businesses and enjoy everything the area has to offer,” she said.
Centre Stage: Richmond Myths forms part of Richmond Council’s wider ambitions for Richmond town centre and the Richmond Growth Plan, using culture and creativity to attract visitors, support businesses and create welcoming public spaces that bring people together.
Residents and visitors are encouraged to save the date and join Richmond town centre from 17–19 July for a weekend of creativity, culture and community.
See it for yourself
This year’s programme is now available on the Centre Stage website, where you can also see highlights from Centre Stage 2025.
The festival is a joint venture between Richmond Council, Be Richmond (the Business Improvement District for Richmond), HemingwayDesign & Orange Tree Theatre.
