Integral to the festival are the local resident design showrooms, who partner with Clerkenwell Design Week every year, providing the festival with a stimulating programme of topic-led events including talks, workshops and product launches.

CDW 2018 has eight different exhibition venues across the area, all showcasing different styles - covering leading furniture, lighting, textile, surface, accessory and product design from around the world.

Every year CDW presents new design projects and street spectacles, commissioned specially for the festival and featured prominently around Clerkenwell. Inviting some of the leading pioneers in the creative industry, these projects aim to push the boundaries of design, in terms of concepts, process and material capabilities.

Clerkenwell is home to a variety of creative practices including architects, branding agencies and craft studios. In celebration of the event, many of these local practices throw open their doors to the festival's visitors and host workshops, displays and installations.