Late May is doing that thing where everyone has plans, half-plans, and tabs open. This week we’ve got new music in Blackheath, a creative escape for little ones, thoughtful art in New Cross, and a few library-based ways to stretch, breathe or shimmy.
In this week’s Loop:
New music from Trinity Laban students at Blackheath Halls
A Mayan-inspired art and music workshop for ages 3–5
A major new exhibition at Goldsmiths CCA
Pilates, yoga and dancing for a softer sort of week
🗓️ Our picks for 25th May - 28th May
Next Up Festival x Blackheath Halls
New music, South London talent, and “heard them first” points
Trinity Laban’s Music Performance and Industry students are taking over the Great Hall for the opening nights of Next Up 2026, with bands and solo performers from the first and second years. Doors open at 5pm, tickets are £5, and the running order is coming nearer the time — ideal for anyone who likes discovering local talent before the group chat catches on.
Continues on Friday 29 May too, for the keen and the musically curious.
Make sure to book your tickets here!
Thursday 28 May @ 17:00 - 20:30 (& Friday 29 May 17:00 - 21:20)
Blackheath Halls, Great Hall @ 23 Lee Road, Blackheath, SE3 9RQ
Flare-Up
Big questions, bold art, and a slower kind of looking
Goldsmiths CCA’s new exhibition brings together 17 UK-based and international artists exploring illness, disability, neurodivergence and Deafness through sculpture, installation, painting, film, poetry, music and performance. It is thoughtful, political and deeply human — the sort of show that rewards a quiet hour in New Cross.
Admission is listed as free, with regular opening hours Wednesday to Sunday, 12pm–6pm, so Wednesday or Thursday works neatly for this week’s loop.
Check here for more details and the background behind the exhibition.
Thursday 21 May - Sunday 16 August (open Wednesdays - Sundays 12pm - 6pm)
Goldsmiths CCA @ St James’, New Cross, SE14 6AD
Art and Music Kids Workshop - Come to Central America!
Mayan jade masks and patterns and ponchos, alongside ritualistic songs with wood and percussion.
A creative morning for children aged 3–5, mixing art and music in a small-person-friendly way. Children will explore Mayan culture, make jade-mask-inspired art and fringed ponchos, then try rhythms and songs using wind and percussion instruments. It is also a drop-off class, which may be the most beautiful phrase a parent hears all week.
Book and check details here, tickets are £33 and include all materials needed.
Thursday 28 May @ 10:00 - 12:30
19–21 Lee Road @ Blackheath, SE3 9RQ
Wellness Corner ✨
Stretch it out, shake it off, or simply leave the house in soft trousers
🧘 Core Pilates — Mum & Baby - Tuesday 26 May, 09:30, Corbett Community Library. Postnatal Pilates where babies can potter, play or nap beside you. £10 drop-in / 5 for £40, book by emailing Sadie @ [email protected].
🧘 Hatha Flow Yoga - Tuesday 26 May, 19:00 - 20:00, Corbett Community Library. A gentle breath-led flow with Gabi for stretching out the day. £10 single class, email Gabi @ [email protected] or call 07510 866023.
💃 Dance for Health - Thursday 28 May, 14:00 - 16:00 (weekly), Blackheath Village Community Library. A social movement session with a seniors-friendly feel, free to attend for everyone over the age of 55. To take part or make a referral call 07729 107 520.
See you next week ~