Residents of Thamesmead are being asked to get involved and celebrate as the area commemorates its 50th birthday.

In 1968, the Gooch family became the first to move into London's 'New Town.'

Fifty years on, Peabody housing association has organised a celebratory year to mark the milestone with several events planned for all seasons.

With funding from the National Lottery Heritage fund, residents around Thamesmead have been given grants to fund their own projects this year.

And this summer

A festival will be brought to the town on July 14, featuring a carnival, live music and community street food to Southmere Lake.

Thamesmead-based music artists are scheduled to take to the Park Stage throughout the day while a Market Place serves up fuel on Southmere Square.

Among the outlets making an appearance are Mitojo Ltd offering West African delights and Bagel Palace London.

According to Peabody, the festival aims to “reminisce on the town through the ages.”

Adriana Marques, head of culture at Peabody, told News Shopper the town has so much to celebrate including its history, architecture and wildlife.

As part of the celebrations, residents are also invited to come to a week-long outdoor performance of Beautiful Thing.

Originally a film set in Thamesmead, the Greenwich and Docklands International Festival is recreating the love story between two teenage boys, Jamie and Ste.

The showings will run between July 3 and 7 in the evening on location in Thamesmead.