Bitesize Festival 2026
Bitesize Festival is an annual celebration of short-form theatre, film and visual art at Riverside Studios. Designed to spotlight new voices and bold creative ideas, the festival brings together artists from across the UK and beyond for a dynamic programme of performances, screenings and exhibitions.
Due to popular demand, Bitesize Festival has been extended by an extra week this year. The festival runs 27 July - 31 August, giving artists the opportunity to present new work, connect with audiences and be part of one of West London’s most exciting platforms for new voices.
Key Dates
- Shows on sale: Beginning of June
- Festival dates: 27 July - 31 August
- Short Film Festival: 21 - 23 August
- Art Exhibition: 6 July - 31 August
Live Performance
We welcome applications from artists and companies working in:
Theatre, Comedy, Cabaret, Dance, Physical Theatre, Spoken Word, Gig Theatre and Pre / post Edinburgh shows.
All productions must have a maximum running time of 60 minutes, making Bitesize the perfect environment for bold, punchy storytelling and experimentation.
Short Film
Alongside live performance, Bitesize Festival VII will feature the second edition of the Bitesize Short Film Festival, expanding the celebration of storytelling across multiple art forms.
The Short Film Festival will take place 21 - 23 August, presenting a curated programme of original short films from emerging and established filmmakers.
Across three days of screenings, audiences will experience a diverse range of cinematic voices and storytelling styles, with opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to connect and share ideas.
Artwork
The Bitesize Art Exhibition will run 6 July - 31 August, transforming Riverside Studios into a vibrant gallery space throughout the festival.
The exhibition showcases work from emerging and established artists, inviting audiences to explore a wide range of styles and mediums.
Selected artworks will be exhibited and available for sale.
Applications for all strands of the festival are now closed. Successful applicants will be informed in due course.