Brockley Max Festival at S. Hilda’s Crofton Park
Saturday 30th May to Saturday 6th June 2026
We are thrilled to be part of the festival this year to celebrate their 25th Anniversary!
See here some promotional flyers and links to book a seat to the performances!!!
Friday 29th May to Sunday 7th June 2026, open 11am – 5pm
‘Heart of Brockley in Dialogue’: The Return of Carry Hornby
S. Hilda’s Crofton Park is delighted to welcome back acclaimed local artist Carry Hornby for her 2026 solo exhibition, Heart of Brockley in Dialogue. Following her successful 2024 showcase, Carry returns to the community with a reflective evolution of her work, continuing her exploration of the intersection between deep personal spirituality and the disciplined beauty of Chinese calligraphy.
This year’s collection features twelve seminal pieces that Hornby describes as “paintings of the heart.” Her work transcends simple transcription, using the rhythmic and expressive power of ancient oracle scripts to give visual form to internal spiritual journeys. Each brushstroke acts as a bridge, translating biblical reflections into a sophisticated, visual language that resonates with both the eye and the spirit.
Building upon the foundation of her 2024 exhibition, Carry’s latest work continue the study of ancient oracle scripts, the earliest known form of Chinese writing. The result is a series of works that are both historically grounded and intensely personal.
“These Twelve pieces of calligraphy art are the paintings of the heart. Each artwork carries a reflection on biblical messages through the brushstrokes in ancient oracle scripts.” — Carry Hornby
We invite our community and art lovers across South London to experience this meditative dialogue between ink and faith.
- Dates: Friday 29th May – Sunday 7th June 2026
- Gallery Hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Daily
- Location: S. Hilda’s Crofton Park, London
- Connect with the Artist: Follow Carry’s process on Instagram @artcarryhornby and stay updated with the local art scene via @artsouthlondon
Meet the artist on 30th May, 4.30 – 5.30pm
Carry Hornby is a Chinese Brush Artist, born into a respectable family of Huang, receiving tradition education & calligraphy training in Taiwan. She now lives in South London with my family. Her art is centred with a mindful process of using the ‘Four Treasures’ – brush. Ink, Stone and Xuan Paper to create art. Her work transmits ancient wisdom both techniques and knowledge of calligraphy art in tradition, heritage and mindfulness practice. She has held classes at Libraries including Mayfair Library, Dulwich Library, Forest Hill Library, Sydenham Library & Crofton Park Library & Canada Water Library. She also regular exhibits with art groups including South London Women Artists & SMAG Art, taking part at Dulwich Festival & Brockley Max festival. She held talks at Horniman Museum, Lambeth Archives, Jeannie Avon Gallery, Sprout Arts gallery, Canvas & Cream Gallery, Art Space St Marylebone Church, St Hilda Church Crofton Park. Her corporate eves at British Airway Heathrow and Subsea 7. All were well received.
Read the lastest Carry’s articles on Substack
‘The Mindfulness of Chinese Calligraphy Art’ published in May 2025
‘Scripts of the Heart’ published in May 2025
She becomes the fellowship of Royal Society of Arts in 2025. Her future work seeks to collaborate with organisations to preserve calligraphy art and promote its mindful practice.
Free entry – donations welcome
Saturday 30th May 2026, 5.30-6.30pm
UK-based Italian photographer Daniele Marzeddu will hold a launch event for his international project Films of Sicily and Sardinia at the Festival.
The 4th of January marks the anniversary of D.H. To mark Lawrence’s legendary journey across Sicily and Sardinia, Daniele will be hosted at the Festival for a recital taken from his own Films of Sicily and Sardinia (Edizioni Low, 2024, ITA/ENG), which includes an original soundtrack composed by Venetian artist Michele Bertoni.
Films of Sicily and Sardinia is an invitation to wander across islands that remain as fascinating and mysterious today as it was when the English writer first explored them in 1921.
The project has toured across Italy (Rome, Florence, Bologna, Cremona, Piacenza, Venice, Cagliari & Sardinia), UK (Southend-on-Sea, Exeter, Sheffield, Barnet, Nottingham, Milton Keynes, Northampton) Portugal (Madeira), Malta (Gozo), France (Paris) and Albania (Tirana).
Free entry – donations welcome
Book your seat via the link here
Saturday 30th May 2026, 7-8pm
Spanish guitar like you’ve never heard it before!
Multi-award-winning guitarist Luke Tyrrell combines the sounds of Spain with spoken word poetry in a truly one-of-a-kind performance. Expect music from masters of their craft including Tarrega and Sainz de la Maza – each piece paired with a thought-provoking poetic accompaniment from some of the most loved names in poetry, Leonard Cohen, Federico Garcia Lorca, Robert Frost, to name a few.
Luke Tyrrell is a multi-award-winning classical guitarist known for his efforts in reimagining the classical guitar recital as we know it. In his current set, ‘My Improved Binoculars’, Luke presents diverse, dynamic and exciting music from 20th century Spain, interspersed with recitations of poetry by masters of their craft: Leonard Cohen, Federico Garcia Lorca, Robert Frost, to name but a few.
After winning the Allison Stephens prize as an undergraduate, playing on the International Guitar Foundation’s Young Artist Platform, and winning the Festival Homenaje scholarship prize in Padova, Italy, Luke continues to explore the boundaries of the recital medium.
Luke has studied with many leading guitar talents, including Graham Devine at Trinity Laban Conservatoire, Steve Goss, Ian Watt, and played in masterclasses with Craig Ogden, David Russell and Jan Depreter. This September he will be continuing his journey as a student by studying for an Artist Diploma at the Royal College of Music.
His unique combination of guitar and spoken word poetry has earned him invitations not only to various music festivals, including the Greenwich Guitar Festival, The Proms at St. Jude’s and The London Guitar Festival, but also to a variety of literature festivals such as Petworth Literary Festival.
Entry £5.00 donations
Book your seat via the link here
Sunday 31st May 2026, 1-6.30pm
Of the many musical events happening this year at S. Hilda’s Church Crofton Park, the church will be hosting the first ever ‘Sangerstevne’ as part of the Brockley Max Festival 2026. This exciting smorgasbord of vocal music has a wow factor, if only for the fact all of the vocal ensembles participating are all local to the area:
Honor Oak Theatre Choir, Lewisham Choral Society, Nunhead Community Choir, One Tree Hill, Quaggy Community Choir, Spirit of Ladywell, Telegraph Hill Community Choir, Trade Winds
As part of the Sangerstevne, there will be a flashmob performance of the Hallelujah Chorus from Handel’s Messiah (rehearsal 2.30pm) to which anyone who can sing will be welcome (please bring your own music).
The Sangerstevne will end with Choral Evensong at 5.30pm sung by Amiche Cantanti.
You may be asking at this point, what is a Sangerstevne?
Come along and find out on Sunday 31 May starting at 1pm at S. Hilda’s Church.
There will be plenty of cake and wine served throughout the afternoon to accompany your ‘Sangertsevne’ experience.
A huge thank to our own Andrew Tait who has made a wonderful job as Creative Director for this amazing and unmmisible event.
Entry free – donations welcome
Saturday 6th June 2026, 11am – 1.30pm
Brockley and Beyond: David Jones Artist and Poet
David Jones (1895-1974) was an internationally renowned poet and artist. He was born in Brockley and it was his family home while he was a soldier in the First World War, and for some time afterwards. His poetry and paintings were praised by leading artists and writers including Walter Sickert and T S Eliot. Brockley, as seen from his studio in the family home, features in much of his early work.
In this one hour talk, Carol Harris of Crofton Park History will look at Jones’ early life in our lovely, leafy suburb, and how it shaped him as an internationally-renowned artist, poet and philosopher. Probably the only time the back gardens of Brockley have played a vital role in building an artist’s reputation.
Accompanying exhibition highlights Jones’ local work.
Read more about Crofton Park History in their webpage
Free entry – donations welcome
Saturday 6th June 2026, 7-7.45pm
Heron Brass is a brass quintet based in London, formed in 2021 by students at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. The ensemble brings together musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to chamber music and collaborative performance.
Since forming, they’ve enjoyed performing a variety of repertoire, from well-known works to new arrangements and original compositions. While at Guildhall, they took part in the school’s Chamber Festival and have since given recitals at venues across London including Regent’s Hall and St Giles Cripplegate, where they premiered a piece by trombonist and founding member Benjamin Newman.
They have regularly supported local events and community projects, including providing music for the Islington Remembrance Service and performing at the annual Carols on Columbia Road with St Peter’s Bethnal Green — an event that draws large crowds and has featured in BBC London, Time Out, and The Guardian. They’ve also contributed to education and outreach work through projects with St Paul’s Cathedral.
In 2023, Heron Brass were finalists in the Philip Jones International Brass Ensemble Competition and reached the semifinal round of the Royal Over-Seas League competition in 2025. These experiences have encouraged the group to keep exploring new and interesting repertoire, while continuing to build their work together as a chamber ensemble.
Members of the group have also played with leading UK orchestras including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and the Philharmonia Orchestra, bringing that experience into their collaborative approach to brass chamber music.
Heron Brass continues to explore new repertoire and collaborations, with a particular interest in contemporary works, thoughtful arrangements, and music that engages audiences in both concert and community settings.
HB members:
Trumpets: Tom Leighton-Jones, Tom Watts
French Horn: Josh Pizzoferro covering for Sarah Pennington
Trombone: Ben Pritchard
Tuba: Ramon Branch Biescas
Entry – £5.00 donation
Book your seat via the link here
Saturday 6th June 2026, 8.15-10.30pm
Join us on Saturday 6th June for a fun-filled folk-dance night!
Make a date with Brockley Max and The Box of Delights Ceilidh Band for a memorable night of Celtic folk dancing in the beautiful St Hilda’s Church Crofton Park, Courtrai Road London, Crofton Park, SE23 1Pl
following the success of Valentine’s Day we are excited to have another wonderful fundraiser night supporting Brockley Max community arts festival as well as much needed equipment for St Hilda’s and the ceilidh band. If you’ve never been to a ceilidh, you’re in for a treat. You’re encouraged to take your partner by the arm and strip the willow, march the Gay Gordons and generally make merry while trying to remember the steps.
Guests are encouraged to arrive at 8pm for a 8.15pm first dance (10.30pm finish). Please wear something you can dance in! There will be half hour interval to give everyone a chance to catch their breath and enjoy some refreshments.
Tickets for this very special evening cost just £10 per person (plus booking fee), but space constraints mean we are limited to just 80 dancers.
Advance booking is essential!
Book your dancing place via the link here
Over 16s only and proof of ID will be required before any alcohol is purchased.
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Brockley Max Festival is so grand this year with thousand of events with a wonderful line up of talented local artists and community groups.
Support their work with donations at the events or on their support page
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For more information about events at S. Hilda’s or to organise an event in our spaces, please email the office at admin@sainthildas.org