A programme of cultural activity and events is taking place across Bromley throughout June as part of the London Festival of Architecture’s twentieth anniversary celebrations.
The London Festival of Architecture (LFA) has partnered with Bromley Council to develop the exciting range of activities for residents to enjoy spanning the entire month, with this being the second year that the borough has formed a key destination for the festival.
This year will see events taking place across five key areas: Bromley Town Centre, Chislehurst, Orpington, Penge and Biggin Hill, with some further events elsewhere in the borough. This builds on last year’s key destination of Penge and Crystal Palace that saw a range of exciting events taking place.
This year’s wider programme is delivered in key areas with the support of Your Bromley BID, Chislehurst Society, Orpington 1st BID and Penge SE20 BID.
Events have been developed with local community groups and organisations across the borough, reflecting the distinctiveness of each area. Events embrace the festival theme of ‘Reimagine’ exploring the creativity of each area whilst celebrating Bromley’s rich tapestry of communities and culture.
The festival explores conservation, local heritage and access to green spaces in the area, celebrating local history and pride - via workshops, poetry events, exclusive tours and talks, and family events, with a host of free activities to enjoy.
Highlights from the events taking place in Bromley include:
- Architecture in Bromley - From Wren to Art Deco... and beyond?: A talk re-imagining the future of Bromley in the context of how architectural styles changed in the past - from the seventeenth century century to the 1930s with a look at what lies in wait for the future.
- Guided High Street Tour: A guided walk along Chislehurst High Street to see the changes in architecture and use over the years, led by local guides.
- Rebuild and Reimagine: Children’s Lego Activity: Family event to learn about an incredible moving building and reimagine in Lego which buildings and places you would move to Biggin Hill - a theme park, a football stadium, a space centre?
- Community Planting Day - Reimagining Orpington Priory’s Sunken Garden: Join Friends of Orpington Priory & Gardens for a community planting day at the Grade II-listed gardens.
- Penge Poets: Reimagine: Performances from local poets that showcase various ways they have used their imagination in the service of art. How did architects reimagine what was needed in Penge?
- Beckenham Bandstand - a special look at the newly restored Grade II Listed bandstand where David Bowie famously performed.
- Going Underground - Exploring the Crystal Palace Subway: A guided tour to discover the restoration work that has been taking place for the last two years at the Victorian Crystal Palace Subway.
- Parks for the Future: An Evolutionary Approach to Regeneration: A panel discussion exploring the benefits of flexible landscape approaches in enabling long-term adaptability and resilience in response to natural ecosystems, changing climate.
- A host of special events in Bromley libraries taking place across the borough throughout the festival, including a Library Lates event in Bromley Central Library.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said:
“Bromley’s history is on display across the borough this June, with this being our largest involvement to date. Community groups have supported us in bringing this extraordinary programme of events together, with thanks to all and particularly our key destination partners and Business Improvement Districts. There is something for everyone, including tours of spectacular buildings and spaces across the borough. I encourage residents to seize these exciting opportunities and enjoy the festivities!”
Councillor Nicholas Bennett JP, Design and Heritage Champion added:
“It is great to see Bromley’s architecture being highlighted, showing our array of impressive buildings and the rich history they contain. We have many grand structures like the Bishop of Rochester’s Palace, as well as notable examples of modern architecture, with the art deco building in Addington Road currently hosting West Wickham Library. There is much that can be learnt from these buildings, which show the importance of continuing to preserve our heritage.”
Further buildings and spaces hosting events during the festival include the Crofton Roman Villa, Camden Place, Scadbury Moated Manor and several of the borough’s parks and green spaces.
The full Bromley programme is available at lfa.london/bromley, where individuals can plan their festival itineraries and book onto events.
Ends
Notes to editors:
For media enquiries, including images, assets or further information, please contact:
Sophie Goff, Senior Communications Manager, NLA
Email: sophie.goff@nla.london
And
James George, Senior Public Affairs Officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email james.george@bromley.gov.uk.
About London Festival of Architecture:
The London Festival of Architecture is a month-long celebration of architecture and city-making, taking place every June across London. Now in its twentieth year, LFA’s mission is to open discussions around architecture, test new ideas and promote emerging talent. LFA brings together the public and built environment professionals for the whole month of June and seeks to inspire and engage our audience with a programme that showcases London as a global architecture hub.
The 2024 LFA theme is ‘Reimagine’. While the idea of resetting or restarting is impossible, we find ourselves at a point where we need to reflect, rethink, repair and rebuild - and reimagine.
LFA is run by NLA, London’s built environment community.
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