Dance, music, culture, meerkats and arts will all be part of the summer of festivals on in Greenwich.

The multitude of festivals, being put on by Greenwich council, kicks off this spring bank holiday weekend on May 26.

Among classic returning festivals includes the new Meerkats Menagerie in which people dressed in giant meerkat costumes join families in specific meerkat games, crafts and den making.

Parks and public spaces will become theatrical safari sites, with safari staff roaming the area encouraging people to play with the giant meerkats.

Greenwich dance and music festivals will be returning this summer, as well as the popular Greenwich + Docklands International Festival.

The Greenwich + Docklands festival saw giant colour wheels parading through Woolwich and other activities crop up across the borough.

The summer of festivals will open on May 26 with the return of the Greenwich Book Festival for its second year at the building and grounds of the Old Royal Naval College.

Councillor Denise Scott-McDonald said: “The Royal Greenwich Festivals are a highlight of the capital’s summer calendar and many of the events are free, opening up the arts for all to enjoy.

“The variety of entertainment attracts a large number of local residents as well as visitors from much further afield. Tourism and culture make important contributions to our local economy and help reinforce Royal Greenwich as a must-see destination.”

The full Greenwich council festival calendar is:

• Greenwich Book Festival, Friday May 26 to Saturday May 27

Words and ideas come to life for adults and families in two days of world-class author events, discussions, debates and creative workshops in the historic buildings and grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, on the banks of the River Thames.

• Greenwich Family Arts Festival, Saturday May 27 to Sunday June 4

A week of fun for all the family with the very best in children's theatre, pop up musical events, family friendly performances and a programme of free workshops across the Royal Borough.

• Greenwich Dances, Friday June 16 to Saturday July 1

Free free outdoor events and family performances, with inspirational artists performing in the stunning surroundings of Greenwich Dance's Grade II listed home, The Borough Hall.

• Greenwich + Docklands International Festival (GDIF), Friday June 23 to Saturday July 8

GDIF brings unexpected and amazing art pieces to Greenwich, including a giant colour wheels parading through Woolwich, a bus journey in reverse in Eltham, a dance adventure in Thamesmead and a giant illuminated moon in Greenwich.

• Greenwich Music Festival, Saturday June 3 to Saturday July 15

The music festival brings vibrant one-day music events to Woolwich, Eltham and Greenwich town centres. Enjoy a range of music including classical, world, folk and popular music performed by local, amateur and professional musicians.

• Greenwich World Cultural Festival, Sunday July 16

The Greenwich World Cultural Festival returns to Eltham Palace & Gardens for its ninth year, with a stunning afternoon of free dance, theatre, music and circus from around the world.

• Meerkats Menagerie, Sunday June 4 to Sunday July 23

Parks and public spaces will become theatrical safari sites giving audiences a front row seat to zoological research. Discover Family Safari Sites where eminent zoologists will be on hand to share alternative facts about these fascinating creatures.

• Parksfest, weekends between Sunday June 4 and Sunday July 30

A festival of open air entertainment in Greenwich's parks and commons. Parksfest encourages residents to watch live music dance and theatre performances by local artists and groups.