The Aldgate in Winter will take place for the fourth consecutive year building on the momentum, energy and sense of community which it has fuelled since its launch in 2017.

Aldgate in Winter will be a celebration of the essence of community, exploring themes including ‘light, hope, nature’.

The festival will take place from 7 – 20 December.

This year it will be a lantern festival in a different form, as well as an online events and activity programme. It will include local exhibition, taking place in three key sites across Aldgate:

• Aldgate Square’s Kahaila Café and the neighbouring St Botolph’s church steps and gardens;
• Toynbee Hall’s Community Centre;
• 33 Creechurch Lane
• Dorsett City Hotel, Aldgate High Street

All displays will be visible from the outside. An online events programme will be held which will include a talk from Tower Bridge, virtual walks from City of London Guides, wellbeing sessions from Toynbee Hall’s When We Speak youth activism programme, performances and festive sing-alongs, and conversations with Leyden Gallery, as well as creative workshops which people can take part in from their own homes.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Community and Children Services Committee, Randall Anderson, said:

“Aldgate in Winter has become a local tradition. Community support, social connection and a sense of being part of something is, arguably, needed now more than ever. 

“The restrictions on gatherings has meant that this year’s festival will be different, but we hope as many people as possible will take part to make this another successful event.”

“Many people have experienced the great sense of camaraderie which has emerged from the Covid-19 crisis and this is something which the festival harnesses, reinforces and celebrates.” 

Online workshops will also be held in the lead up to 7th December, and as part of the online events programme from 7^th – 20^th December.

To take part people should contact: Community.Engagement@cityoflondon.gov.uk or visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aldgate-in-winter-31875206417

Notes to Editors

The main public exhibition will be held in Spring 2021, restrictions permitting. This will allow the community engagement to extend over the winter, and for a larger, more impressive, exhibition to be installed next year. Dates and details are to be confirmed.

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK – www.cityoflondon.gov.uk