Dates: Saturday 20 - Sunday 28 September
Times: 11.00am - 7:30pm
Place: Outside Peckham Levels & Peckhamplex
Come join us at the Rye Lane Fruit Palace, a pop-up playground in front of Peckhamplex, launching for Peckham Festival and running Saturday 20th - Sunday 28th September.
Inspired by the myriad of fruits in Rye Lane’s markets, co-designed with local school children from Angel Oak Primary, and brought to life by local artists Mallika Joy and Maia Magoga, this is a free, pop-up playground installation packed with colour and imagination.
Discover a fantastical play area featuring a Dragonfruit Slide, a make-believe fruit stall, a seating and climb area made from re-claimed pallets & market bags, and giant soft-play replicas of the children’s invented fruits. Play, climb, and explore the installation while enjoying poster displays of the children’s original drawings and words.
About the Project
What is the Rye Lane Fruit Palace?
The Fruit Palace is a free, pop-up playground and art installation in Peckham, co-created with local schools, artists, and community partners. It celebrates play, creativity, and Peckham’s rich history as London’s fruit basket.
Who is behind the project?
The installation is a collaboration between Brainchild Arts CIC (creative producers), Peckham Festival and Peckham Levels (delivery partners), led by artists Mallika Joy and Maia Magoga, with support from local schools, consultants, and volunteers.
Visiting
Where is the playground located?
The Fruit Palace will be on Moncrieff Place, just between Rye Lane and Peckhamplex..
When is it open?
The playground will have all its components out for play daily from 11am on Saturday 20th September to 7.30pm on Sunday 28th September. It is technically possible to visit outside of these hours, but not all the parts will be usable.
Is it free to attend?
Yes – the playground and events are completely free.
Do I need to book?
No booking is needed. Just turn up and play!
What ages is the playground for?
The equipment is designed for children aged [e.g. 4–12], but everyone is welcome to explore. All children need to be closely supervised by parents or legal guardians.
Safety & Accessibility
Is it safe?
Yes. All structures have been professionally installed and inspected to playground safety standards (EN 1176/1177). Daily safety checks are carried out by our team.
Is the play space supervised?
Staff and stewards will only be present some of the time, so it is essential that parents and legal guardians supervise their own children's play.
Is the playground accessible?
The site is step-free and wheelchair accessible. Some play elements are designed for climbing and sliding, but there are also interactive sculptures and sensory features open to all.
Community & Involvement
Who built the playground?
Local artists worked with children from Angel Oak Primary to co-design and imagine the playground.
Can I volunteer?
Yes! We welcome local volunteers to help steward the playground and support events. Email marina@brainchildfestival.co.uk.
Can we take photos?
Yes, but please be mindful of other children and families. For safeguarding reasons, staff may sometimes restrict photography in certain areas.
Practical Information
Are toilets available?
There are no dedicated toilets for this project, however there are toilets at any number of local businesses -
e.g. Peckham Levels, Frank's, Copeland Park.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email us at marina@brainchildfestival.co.uk or ask one of our team on site.