LONDON DESIGN FESTIVAL 2026:
FLEET STREET QUARTER JOINS AS AN OFFICIAL DESIGN DISTRICT
10th-18th September 2026
Fleet Street Quarter is delighted to return as an official Design District for London Design Festival 2026, with a colourful programme of talks, exhibitions, live demonstrations and hands-on workshops celebrating the area’s creativity, character and rich publishing heritage.
Once the heart of Britain’s newspaper industry, Fleet Street has long been a place where stories, ideas and innovation come together. This year’s programme offers a chance to explore that legacy through the people, places and creative practices shaping the district today. Don't miss the Common Ground: Curated Connections exhibition, hosted at Fletcher Priest Architects. Originally launched as part of the London Festival of Architecture in June and extended due to popular demand, the exhibition showcases contemporary works by leading Polish designers and artists, celebrating craftsmanship, materiality and design. Catch it before it closes on 14 September.
From inspiring conversations and behind-the-scenes insights to interactive experiences and family-friendly activities, visitors are invited to discover one of London’s most fascinating neighbourhoods in a new light. Whether you’re a design enthusiast, local to the area or simply curious, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
WHAT'S ON
Wednesday 16 September, 5.30pm-8.30pm
Society of Designer Craftsmen in Conversation: The Craft of Less – Designing for Longevity
📍St Bride Foundation
Join the Society of Designer Craftsmen and Fleet Street Quarter for an inspiring evening exploring how craft, creativity and thoughtful designs can help build a more sustainable future. Hear from leading makers, designers and creative thinkers as they discuss repairing rather than replacing, designing for longevity, reducing waste and rediscovering the value of beautifully made objects. Alongside the discussion, enjoy live demonstrations showcasing traditional craftsmanship and contemporary sustainable making in action.
Chaired by designer and tactile ceramic creator Emma Lacey, hear from weave and textile Artist Ali Holloway, weave and textile artist Sharon Kearley, Bladesmith Sam Gleeson, and Jewellry designer Sarah Drew. The event will also include demonstrations from Clare Pentlow (paper artist), Helena Powell (silk weaver), Jessica Palmer (paper artist), Ksenia Semirova (hand embroidery artist) and Susannah Weiland LSDC (hand embroidery artist).
About The Society of Designer Craftsmen
SDC is a selective membership organisation, run 'by members, for members'. It aims to inspire creativity, demonstrate innovation, and maintain exceptional quality standards in craft design. Established in 1887 by leading figures of the Arts and Crafts movement, the Society holds a distinguished place in the history of British design. Today's members are proud bearers of this legacy, innovating through their exploration of materials and skill.
Friday 18th September, 10am-6pm
Stack Magazine at St Bride Foundation: 300 Years of Magazine Making
📍St Brides Foundation
Take a journey through three centuries of magazine publishing with Stack Magazine. Presented as part of the London Design Festival and the National Year of Reading 2026, this special event explores the evolution of magazine making through interesting talks from leading editors, publishers and independent makers. Celebrating Fleet Street’s publishing heritage, it offers fresh perspectives on storytelling, design and print culture.
Thursday 10th September, 12-2pm
Bella Gomez Printmaking Workshop
📍150 Fleet Street
Join Bella Gomez for a fun, hands-on printmaking workshops inspired by Fleet Street’s extraordinary print heritage. Create your own unique notebook covers using stencils, layering techniques and bold graphic patterns influenced by the City’s architecture and iconic transport design. Come along on your lunchtime break or for a creative afternoon, these short workshops require no experience, simply drop in, get making and leave with your own colourful designs to keep or share!
No booking necessary
Monday 14th September, 9am-5pm
Final day of Common Ground: Curated Connections Exhibition
📍Fletcher Priest Architecture
The fourth edition of the Curated Connections series, this activation presents the work of three Polish studios, Zieta Studio, Pani Jurek and Katarzyna Krej, across Fletcher Priest Atchitecture studio’s interior gallery and public garden. By popular demand the exhibition has been extencded from June until the 14th of September, so make sure not to miss this installation during the London Design Festival.
Common Ground: Curated Connections is presented by On&On Designs in collaboration with Creative Project Foundation, Fleet Street Quarter, Fletcher Priest Architects and the Polish Cultural Institute. The exhibition features work by Zieta Studio, Pani Jurek and Katarzyna Krej, and remains open throughout June.
From thought-provoking conversations and live maker demonstrations to interactive workshops celebrating Fleet Street’s print and publishing legacy, this year’s programme brings together heritage, creativity and innovation. Join us this September to explore one of London’s most fascinating Quarters and discover the makers, ideas and stories transforming the district today.