For CDW26, Wagstaff and Umbrella return with the most impactful ‘Umbrella+Friends’ festival and activation takeover to date!

Centered on the vital theme of Neurodiversity in the Workplace, we have transformed our Brewhouse Yard showroom into a sensory-informed journey exploring how design can empower different minds. We present our ‘Umbrella+Friends’ partner brands and the return of our incredibly popular Puppy Therapy sessions, alongside a thought-provoking talks programme, a live ‘sofa-refurbishment’ second-cycle demonstration, and our on-site ‘London Scene’ LEGO® build workshop for grown-ups.

By bridging industry insights with leading world-class brands and the most engaging activations in EC1, the Wagstaff and Umbrella space will once again prove to be the definitive, ‘not to miss’ destination of Clerkenwell.

INTRODUCING OUR 2026 UMBRELLA + FRIENDS PARTNERS!

Don’t miss exploring our immersive brand zones of curated collections from these global design brands – each showcasing their latest designs, and intersecting aesthetic excellence with sensory wellbeing.

Arco | Savo | Midj | NINE | Paged | Piaval | Wendelbo | Woud plus Plantplan

 

Let’s see what’s on…

 

LEGENDARY ‘PUPPY THERAPY’ SESSIONS

19-21 May: Eight daily sessions – 20 minute each session

10:00am, 10;40am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm & 3:30pm

The festival’s favourite wellbeing experience returns!
Our famous Puppy Therapy Sessions offer a daily dose of de-stressing to guarantee a smile. The perfect sensory reset to help you decompress and recharge with a furry friend during the busy CDW schedule.

Strictly ONE booking per person throughout CDW three-day festival, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Multiple day tickets will be CANCELLED.

Click here to BOOK TICKETS via our dedicated Eventbrite page

 

Talks Programme

 

This year’s programme is anchored by two headline talks – don’t miss industry experts discussing the essential neuro-inclusive factors we must all consider across our industry.

 

Wednesday 20 May at 4.00pm

THE SENSES AND SENSIBILITIES OF DESIGNING FOR NEURODIVERGENCY

For the neurodivergent mind, the modern office is a battlefield for our senses. William Knight, Material Matters chairs a provocative panel of experts to explore how sight, sound, and touch dictate neurological comfort and workplace inclusion. We bring together the tactile truth of Ben Ayling, Lundhs Real Stone, the lighting expertise of Lamnaire, the material craftsmanship of Monique Tollgård, Eikund and the lived neurodivergent advocacy of Piers Roberts, Trinary.

Discover how the textures we touch, the light we see, and the materials we touch can either soothe the brain or trigger a fight-or-flight response – and how design can master these elements to transition from high-energy intensity to quiet focus.

 

Thursday 21 May at 4.00pm

THE SENSORY OFFICE: DESIGNING FOR THE 100%

This panel explores how designing for neurodiversity redefines the workplace for every user. Moving beyond the ‘average’ user, the discussion examines how high-energy spaces and low-stimulus sanctuaries can coexist to enhance focus and well-being. Chaired by Vanessa Champion, Editor, Journal of Biophilic Design, the panel brings together Henrietta Valler-Still, Ambitious About Autism charity, alongside global design leaders Luke Ward, Gensler, Oliver Heath, Oliver Heath Design and other leading experts. From the role of natural elements and materiality in regulating the nervous system, to user-controlled choices and the business case for inclusivity, this conversation positions neuro-inclusive design as essential infrastructure shaping the future of work.

Click here to BOOK TICKETS via our dedicated Eventbrite page

 

Daily ‘Drop-in’ Sessions

JOIN THE BUILD: INTERACTIVE LEGO® WORKSHOP

Unleash your creativity at our on-site ‘London Scene’ LEGO® station, led by our Fit-Out Division. Open throughout the three-day festival, visitors can drop in at any time to help shape this evolving installation – reflecting the craft, collaboration and attention to detail that underpin our fit out work.

A playful, tactile sensory reset amidst the busy CDW schedule for grown-up Lego enthusiasts.

FREE ENTRY – NO BOOKING REQUIRED

 

THE ART OF RESTORATION: A LIVE SECOND-CYCLE SOFA INSTALLATION

Visit our showroom Sustainability Zone to experience an illustrative installation that uncovers the realities of circular design. By deconstructing a sofa, the focus shifts to repair, rebuild and reconditioning. Demonstrating how lasting value is created through thoughtful design and responsible use.

FREE ENTRY – NO BOOKING REQUIRED

 

Showroom Hours: 10:00 am – 6.00pm

#CDW2026 #UmbrellaAndFriends