Commonwealth Festival 2025

	Okailey
	February 22, 2025
	1:00 pm
	London, United Kingdom
	Westminster Abbey
	Google Map

As Westminster Abbey prepares to host the annual Commonwealth Day Service, find out more about this family of nations through music, dance and creativity.

Across the day, the Abbey will be filled with activities, and everyone is welcome. Find out more about our varied programme below:

Performances

Join us for a series of dazzling performances from musicians and dancers from around the Commonwealth. We are pleased to welcome the following groups to the Abbey:

Melodians – Steel Pan Band – 10.00am to 10.30am, Poets’ Corner

Ngati Ranana – Maori performance – 11.00am to 11.25am, Nave

One Drum – African Drumming – 12.00pm to 12.25pm, Nave

Arunima Kumar Dance – Kuchipudi Dance – 1.00pm to 1.25pm, Nave

Family Workshops

After each of the three musical performances in the Nave, families are welcome to attend a workshop with the performers in the Undercroft.

Commonwealth Connections

Find out more about the relationship between Britain and the Commonwealth, past and present. Speak to organisations that work across the Commonwealth today and pour over archives and photographs that offer a glimpse at our shared history.

All day, Chapter House

Art and Craft

Everyone can try their hand at our drop-in Commonwealth craft activity, supported by artist Seiwa Cunningham.

10.00am to 2.00pm, North Cloister

Family Storytelling

With a sprinkle of sunshine and a dash of sea breeze, join Wendy Shearer for stories from across the Caribbean Sea. Get ready to meet cheeky tricksters and talking trees.

10.30am to 11.00am in the Undercroft

Abbey Insights – The Commonwealth at War

Discover how the shared wartime history of Britain and the Commonwealth is remembered in Westminster Abbey.

This short talk will take place by the tomb of the Unknown Warrior at the following times: 10.15am, 11.45am, 1.30pm. The talk will last about 10 minutes.

Abbey Insights – The Commonwealth in the Abbey

Join a member of staff as they discuss the role that Westminster Abbey plays in maintaining and celebrating Britain’s relationship with the Commonwealth all year round.

This short talk will take place in the Quire at the following times: 10.45am, 12.45pm, 2.15pm. The talk will last about 10 minutes.

Abbey Insights – Oral Traditions

Wendy Sheerer explores the role of storytelling within the African and Caribbean diaspora, looking at how stories have transformed and migrated with the people.

Wendy will be speaking at 11:30am and 12:30pm in Poets’ Corner. These talks will last up to 15 minutes.