An update from Southwark Council.
As spring slowly but surely brings longer days and a hint of warmth back to Nunhead Cemetery, work at East Lodge is continuing to move forward
In this edition of our quarterly newsletter, you’ll find exciting updates on the restoration including some sneak peaks inside the scaffolding, information on upcoming activities, and new ways to get involved with the project.
Amongst all the exciting happenings, make sure not to miss the annual Nunhead Cemetery Open Day on Saturday 16 May, 11am – 5pm, and a chance to speak to the East Lodge restoration project team. We look forward to seeing you there!
For more Nunhead Cemetery updates, make sure to follow Southwark Council (@southwarkcouncil) and Friends of Nunhead Cemetery (@nunheadcemetery) on social media.
An especially wet start to the year brought its fair share of muddy conditions and slowed things down a little on site. Alongside the soggy weather, the team also uncovered more about the building as work progressed, which meant taking the time to make some thoughtful design refinements.
As a result, the Shell and Core phase is now expected to complete in mid‑June, with landscaping works following soon after. Our ambition remains the same: to complete the fit‑out by autumn 2027 and, subject to operator plans, welcome the public to the East Lodge by the end of that year.
Recent progress highlights include new gauged arches to openings on the north, south and north elevations, installation of roof steelwork, completion of a new east chimney with repairs to the west chimney, and the ongoing reconstruction of the front rooms and portico, seen in photos above to give you a sneak peak of what to expect.
Alongside the restoration works, it’s been lovely to meet so many of you at the new activities we’ve been running onsite. We’ve welcomed students from local primary and secondary schools, as well as nearby universities, for a lively mix of learning sessions, from archival deep dives to hands‑on stonemasonry workshops.
Ardu Wellbeing’s winter wellbeing walks brought some much‑needed calm to the changing landscape, and Secret Adventurers’ Club’s recent Wild Woodland Adventurers session brought children together to make bird feeders and nests. Now, alongside the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery’s engaging tours and activities, we’ve put together an exciting spring programme with lots of new ways to enjoy, and get involved with, the cemetery. All activities are free to attend, though some may need to be booked in advance.
>> Nunhead Cemetery Late 2026 | Friday 15 May, 6 – 9pm | Entrance via Linden Grove only | More information available on Eventbrite
As dusk falls on Nunhead Cemetery, join us for Nunhead Cemetery Late – a new evening event created with Goldsmiths, Southwark Council, and the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery.
The cemetery will come alive with art, performance, and quiet moments of discovery. Masked performers will appear to honour the “future dead”, live music will drift between the gravestones, and large‑scale puppets will move along the paths. You’ll be invited to pause and listen like a tree, weave spring flowers, watch a living sculpture emerge from the ruined chapel, and hear voices from London’s past sharing the histories buried beneath our feet.
Food and drinks will be available onsite from Dinner for One Hundred and Pure Cane.
We are looking for Volunteer Event Stewards to help make sure the evening goes smoothly. No stewarding experience required. More information on how to apply and what the role entails is available below.
Please note: the cemetery will close early at 5pm on the day to allow for event setup. Notices will be displayed on site in advance.
>> Nunhead Cemetery Open Day | Saturday 16 May, 11am – 5pm
A highlight of the cemetery calendar, the FONC Open Day is a relaxed and welcoming celebration of Nunhead Cemetery and the many communities connected to it. Visitors can browse stalls from community groups and charities, join guided tours of the cemetery, and enjoy rare access to the chapel and crypt. This year, for the first time, you can also step inside the East Lodge restoration site for a sneak peek at the work underway. Booking for tours is required on the day.
>> Queerly Departed with Dan Glass | Saturday 6 June | Tour: 1 – 2:30pm | Workshop: 2:30 – 4:30pm | South East London Queer Choir: 4:30 – 5pm
Join us on 6 June for Queerly Departed, a powerful celebration of LGBTQIA+ history led by author and activist Dan Glass. Through a brand-new curated walking tour and oral histories workshop the event will uncover untold and personal queer stories connected to Nunhead Cemetery and south east London. We’ll round off the afternoon with an open-air performance by the iconic South East London Queer Choir and informal drinks at Old Nun’s Head. More details and booking information is available on Outsavvy.
>> Wild Woodland Adventurers with Secret Adventurers’ Club | Midsummer special: Saturday 20 June, 10 – 12pm and 1 – 3pm
We’re thrilled to welcome Secret Adventurers’ Club back for a midsummer edition of Wild Woodland Adventurers. This session will celebrate the longest days of the year with seasonal crafts, nature exploration and storytelling, encouraging young adventurers to connect with the cemetery’s rich wildlife and landscapes. Booking details will be shared soon!
Volunteering Opportunities
Ever wanted to get involved at Nunhead Cemetery? We’re excited to introduce three brand‑new volunteering roles designed to complement our activities and support the wonderful work already carried out by the Friends of Nunhead Cemetery. Volunteers play an essential role in everything we do, and all roles will be supported by the Outreach and Development Manager.
- Volunteer Event Steward – Nunhead Lates: A great way to support your local community by welcoming visitors and helping the event run smoothly after dark. No stewarding experience required, but a can-do attitude is compulsory!
- Workshop Assistant Facilitator – Secret Adventurers’ Club: Help deliver creative outdoor sessions for children and families; ideal if you enjoy hands‑on activities and don’t mind getting a little muddy.
- Research and Event Support Volunteer – Queerly Departed with Dan Glass: Perfect for anyone looking to gain practical archival experience while helping uncover and share LGBTQ+ histories linked to the cemetery and local area.
For more information on roles and how to apply, click here or email .
We’ll also be taking part in The Big Help Out – more information will be available soon on the FONC website.
Please note: some roles may require permission to undertake a DBS check.
This project is being delivered in partnership with Southwark Council and Friends of Nunhead Cemetery (FONC), and made possible by generous funding from the Heritage Fund.
Last Updated on 8th May 2026
