Labyrinth on the Thames, an outdoor contemporary dance music series held within the historic grounds of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, achieved a record-breaking debut this summer in 2025. Organised by Labyrinth Festivals Limited, the event featured six sold-out nights across two weekends, with world-renowned artists such as Black Coffee, Empire of the Sun, Solomun, FISHER, and Anjunadeep performing on a riverside stage set against the backdrop of the 17th-century Sir Christopher Wren-designed UNESCO World Heritage Site. The series sold 57,000 tickets in total, marking it as the largest outdoor dance music event ever held in Greenwich and a successful blend of contemporary music culture with historic heritage.

Encouraged by the overwhelming response, organisers have applied to Greenwich Council to expand the event significantly in 2026. Their proposal includes increasing the number of concerts from six to nine and almost doubling the daily attendance cap from 4,999 to 9,999 people. Additionally, the application introduces plans for family-friendly events that would allow entry for under 18s, as well as permitting glassware within specific artist, hospitality, and premium table areas to enhance the event experience. The expansion request will be reviewed by Greenwich Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee C on November 12.

Despite the council officers not raising objections to the licence application, they have recommended additional measures, including the formalisation of a comprehensive Noise Management Plan aimed at mitigating potential disturbances caused by the event’s growth. However, the proposals have met resistance from local residents and community groups. At least four nearby residents have strongly opposed the expansion, citing concerns over low-frequency bass noise carrying through Greenwich Park during this year’s events, as well as disruptive behaviours linked to crowd dispersal, anti-social conduct, and littering, notably nitrous oxide canisters. The East Greenwich Residents Association, while not opposing the event outright, has requested the council to limit the concerts to a maximum of six nights to minimise neighbourhood impact.

Complications over planning permissions have also surfaced. Earlier this year, a Greenwich Council officer claimed that the Old Royal Naval College had not sought planning permission prior to staging the 2025 concerts. The Greenwich Foundation, responsible for the historic site, contested this assertion, stating they had maintained continuous dialogue with local planners. The council later clarified that a planning application was received but not processed in time before the event, and no enforcement action would be taken. They confirmed ongoing discussions with the venue on securing proper permissions for future events.

The success and ambition of Labyrinth on the Thames reflect a growing trend to celebrate London’s music scene by integrating it with the city’s rich heritage locations. The series, which concluded its nights by 11 pm, has been praised for creating a unique cultural highlight that combines world-class performances with the enchanting setting of the River Thames and historic architecture. With plans to nearly double capacity and extend the festival’s run in 2026, the organisers aim to further establish Labyrinth on the Thames as a standout element of London’s summer music calendar, amidst navigating community concerns and regulatory challenges.

📌 Reference Map:

  • [1] (MyLondon) - Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
  • [2] (ORNC) - Paragraph 1
  • [3] (Labyrinth Events) - Paragraph 1, 6
  • [4] (The Festivals UK) - Paragraph 1
  • [5] (Contact Music) - Paragraph 1
  • [6] (Time Out) - Paragraph 2
  • [7] (Dance Rebels) - Paragraph 1, 6

Source: Noah Wire Services