Clerkenwell Design Week 2026 will return to EC1 from 19–21 May 2026, marking its 15th anniversary with a new programme of large-scale public installations and an expanded awards initiative celebrating innovation across the design industry.

The London-based festival, organised by Media 10, will introduce Design Interventions – a curated series of site-specific installations positioned across Clerkenwell. Developed through an open call to designers and architects, the selected proposals aim to activate public space while exploring materials, sustainability and the future of the built environment.

City-wide installations to activate EC1

Installed throughout streets, green spaces and key venues, the Design Interventions will function as both sculptural landmarks and social spaces. Many are designed to encourage interaction, offering moments for pause within the busy festival programme.

Highlights include Fountain of Technicolour Beads by One Bite Design, located on Clerkenwell Green. The terrazzo installation explores colour perception and accessibility, drawing attention to colour vision deficiency through an immersive spatial concept.

Nearby, StudioFolk will present The Crinkle-Crankle Bench at St James’ Church Clerkenwell. Constructed from natural stone bricks, the curved seating references traditional crinkle-crankle walls while providing a functional gathering point.

At Haberdashers’ Hall, The Pulse of Becoming introduces a living installation that evolves over the three-day event. Created by emerging designers based in Portsmouth, the piece incorporates germinating seeds within sculptural forms, symbolising growth and renewal.

Expanded awards spotlight design innovation

A key addition for 2026 is the enhanced CDW Awards, delivered in partnership with Design Milk. The awards ceremony will take place at Haberdashers’ Hall and will recognise standout products alongside the individuals and studios shaping contemporary design culture.

New categories aim to highlight emerging talent as well as established names, with a focus on creativity, disruption and forward-thinking ideas.

New and returning venues across Clerkenwell

The festival continues to expand its footprint with new venues including the Museum of the Order of St John, which will host a contemporary Spanish design showcase curated by Disegno.

Other additions include Material Source Studio and Workplace on the Square near The Zetter Hotel, both focusing on materials, workplace design and specification.

Returning venues include St Bartholomew the Great, which once again becomes the Church of Design. Installations and exhibitions here will feature international brands such as Roche Bobois, DEDON and MAGIS.

The Conversations at Clerkenwell talks programme will also return, supported by Dulux, bringing together designers and industry leaders to discuss key themes shaping the sector.

Lighting, brands and digital-first experience

Lighting exhibitions will once again take over the House of Detention, while installations and brand showcases will be spread across venues including Old Sessions House and The Charterhouse.

International exhibitors confirmed for 2026 include String Furniture, Moroso, Dornbracht and Vincent Sheppard, alongside national design showcases from across Europe.

A new digital app will replace the traditional printed guide, allowing visitors to plan routes, discover exhibitors and navigate the festival in real time.

Clerkenwell Design Week 2026 takes place across London’s EC1 district from 19–21 May, with installations, exhibitions and talks programmes positioned throughout Clerkenwell.