We sat down for an exclusive interview with Nick Williams, director at Woolwich Works. Across late-May and into early July, South East London’s most-connected venue presents a variety of distinctive events that highlight the breadth and brilliance of LGBTQ+ artists working across disciplines, bringing together established voices and emerging talent in a spirit of celebration, provocation and fun.
Full programme here
How have you approached shaping the Pride 2026 programme at Woolwich Works?
We wanted to put together a programme that was as broad as the LGBTQ+ community. So it features different genres and types of events, celebrates local talent and provides fun and entertainment for the whole of the community.
The programme brings together a range of artists and voices – what excites you most about this particular line-up?
I’m really excited for the Queer Euphoria cabaret show – we’re building a new circus and cabaret programme and this is a great statement moment with a very queer slant. But I’m also pleased we’re hosting Clare Summerskill’s Pride and Joy and the LGBTQ Greenwich’s Summer Social again – a lovely, queer-family friendly afternoon event which we held last year for the first time and which was a joy.
Woolwich Works has a strong connection to its local community – how have local LGBTQ+ voices and audiences shaped Woolwich Works?
We’re very aware of our local community here and try and respond in our programming to ensure that there is something for everyone. We’re an inclusive space and it is really important to me that, as a gay man and the leader of the venue, we ensure that the whole of the community feels welcome. I try and talk to as many people as I can at our events. Last year when we hosted the first LGBTQ Greenwich Summer Social, several people said to me that they would come if we put on more explicitly queer events. The people have spoken and we’ve responded!
How do you create an environment where artists feel able to take risks?
I think that the buildings themselves really provide inspiration – we’re a series of redeveloped, 19th century industrial buildings – the scale and size of the spaces and our location all make a very special impression. From there, it’s a discussion around what the artists want to, how it works in the space and where they want to push the boundaries.
For someone visiting for the first time, what do you hope they feel when they walk through the doors?
I want everyone who comes to feel welcomed, comfortable and confident in our spaces. We have a terrific team of volunteers who welcome guests and help them navigate – we’re a pretty big site! Our on-site teams are always friendly and warm. The place is lively and buzzy seven days a week – with an all-day café as well as events taking place across the venue so it has an infectious energy which I hope feels welcoming and inclusive to everyone.