As Riverside Studios celebrates its 50th anniversary, the iconic arts centre today announces the full programme for Bitesize Festival VII, its annual festival championing the next generation of artists. Running from 27 July – 30 August 2026, this special edition marks five years of Bitesize Festival with its biggest programme to date: five weeks of theatre, comedy, cabaret, dance, spoken word, live music, visual art and short film, featuring more than 50 performances, events and screenings across the venue
Since launching in 2022, Bitesize Festival has established itself as one of London’s most exciting platforms for emerging and independent artists, showcasing bold new work alongside established talent. This year’s festival celebrates both Riverside Studios’ rich artistic legacy and the creative voices shaping its future, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of innovation, experimentation and storytelling.
Rhys Williamson, Head of Programming at Riverside Studios, said, “Bitesize is about giving artists space, audiences discovery, and bold ideas the chance to meet the people they were made for. This year’s programme is our biggest yet, and reflects the extraordinary range of voices, forms and stories shaping new performance right now. From intimate solo work to hip-hop theatre, puppetry, stand-up, physical theatre, cabaret and urgent new drama, Bitesize Festival 50 is a celebration of creativity in all its forms.”
Alongside an extensive programme of live performance in Studio 3 and the River Room, audiences can experience the Bitesize Festival Art Exhibition, the return of the Bitesize Short Film Festival, a Music One Day Festival featuring nine live acts, and the annual Bitesize Awards, which celebrate the standout artists and productions of the festival.
On Saturday 15 August, a Music One Day Festival will bring together nine live acts for a day of music across the venue. The festival continues with the Bitesize Short Film Festival from 21 – 23 August, showcasing bold new filmmaking talent, before culminating in Awards Night on Sunday 30 August, celebrating the outstanding artists and productions from across this year’s festival.
Bitesize Festival 2026 is proudly supported by Lost and Grounded Brewers and The Developing Room. For further details of everything on the menu at the Bitesize Festival, please go to the Riverside Studios website.
