Meet the Team

We’re all volunteers who are passionate about our local community and dedicated to making the Bermondsey Street Festival a celebration that brings everyone together.From long-time residents to local business owners, each team member has been part of the street for a long time and contributes their skills, time and energy to create something special for our neighbourhood.

Behind every successful festival day are months of planning, coordination and hard work – all done in our spare time because we believe in the magic that happens when a community comes together to celebrate what makes this place so unique.

Gena Johns

Festival Organiser

Gena has been part of the Bermondsey Street community for 9 years as Gallery Director of London Glassblowing, where she’s developed a deep love for the street’s unique character and the connections she’s made along the way. Gena stepped in to take over the festival last year when she discovered it was in jeopardy of not continuing. Her vision is to make the Bermondsey Street Festival truly community-focused, celebrating the relationships and spirit that make this neighbourhood so special. Drawing on her event management expertise and genuine passion for bringing people together, Gena is dedicated to ensuring the festival continues to thrive as a highlight of the local calendar.

Leanne Durham

Finance & Festival Organiser

Leanne Durham is our volunteer Finance Manager and deputy event organiser. Managing grant and sponsorship applications and all financial/tax reporting obligations that come with being a CIC. She also manages our 150+ stall, site and supplier bookings and the logistics on the day. A local resident for 25+ years, she is passionate about the neighbourhood and is contributing to bringing everyone together to celebrate our amazing, vibrant and cohesive community.

Organising Committee

Christine Hall

Leather Market Gardens

Christine has lived on Bermondsey Street for nearly 20 years and was already embedded in the community before opening Giddy Grocer in 2017. Chris is a great advocate of supporting local food producers, hiring local staff and supporting many local charities. “Bermondsey Street Festival is a highlight of the year and a wonderful way to bring the entire community together.

Natasha Scarlet

Leather Market Gardens

Natasha has lived in Bermondsey for over 13 years and co-founded Bermondsey SE1 as an extension of her Bermondsey-based social media agency, Really Exciting Digital, which has supported countless local businesses with creative marketing, content and community building/ She’s been attending Bermondsey Street Festival since moving to the area, from capturing it for the Bermondsey SE1 Instagram, to enjoying it with friends, to now experiencing it through her child’s eyes.

Simon Lyons

It’s an honour to be part of the festival and committee. I’ve been part of the festival from its roots, having been selling my wares for over 21 years. It’s a joy to be part of the celebrations.

Charlotte Ricci | Jason Ricci

Marketing & Leathermarket Gardens | Street Logistics

Charlotte & Jason are a local couple who have lived in the area for over 10 years. Both huge fans of the festival so wanted to help save the festival when volunteers took it over in 2024

Bianca Julio

Marketing & Event Setup

Bianca moved to London and has been living in Bermondsey for only 2 years. After attending the last editions of the festival and being passionate about the neighborhood, Bermondsey St. and the festival, she decided to volunteer and help with marketing and the event set up.