An immersive programme of cultural and historical celebrations will sweep through Crystal Palace and Penge this June, as the borough takes a central role in the London-wide festivities.
The Penge and Palace programme will see incredible local history and architecture being celebrated, including from the iconic Crystal Palace of the 1850s like the world-famous dinosaurs and the Grade II* listed subway that is currently being restored. Wider Victorian and post-war architecture that is prominent throughout the area is also being highlighted, such as the Royal Naval Asylum in Penge and the nearby Queen Adelaide Court.
Exclusive tours, workshops, walks and family events will be held throughout the month, meaning there is something for everyone to enjoy. One highlight is a free trail of key historic sites has been organised with an easily downloadable map to allow visitors to explore interesting structures throughout Crystal Palace, Penge and Anerley. Some spaces are available to book on many of the exciting activities in the programme, which centre around the festival’s theme of ‘in common’. Find out more about the programme.
Councillor Yvonne Bear, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing said: “I encourage residents to explore this great cultural programme and spend some days out with family and friends finding out about the local history that has helped shape this interesting corner of the borough. It is great that our borough is being highlighted in this London wide celebration which speaks to the great character of our heritage and ongoing efforts to preserve it. I thank Penge SE20 BID and further partners for filling this programme with such exciting events. There is plenty of wonderful architecture to explore across Crystal Palace and Penge, with our regeneration plan in Crystal Palace Park ensuring that many of these historic sites stand proud for generations to come.”
The Penge and Palace programme is being delivered by the council in partnership with Penge SE20 BID.
Zoe Carr, Penge SE20 BID Manager said: “We are delighted to be involved in this festival and to showcase the great Victorian architecture that can be seen throughout Penge, including above our thriving high street, which now hosts a range of modern businesses connected to a growing and supportive local community. I hope visitors will take the chance to visit and find out why we are Penge and proud.”
Rosa Rogina, Director of LFA, said: “We’re thrilled to have Penge and Crystal Palace come on board as an LFA Destination for the first time, which is an important part of our efforts to engage with new neighbourhoods. ‘In Common’ could not be a more appropriate theme – what do Londoners across different areas share, and what can we learn from our different geographies? We’re especially looking forward to our wayfinding project in Penge and Crystal Palace, linking key local landmarks and highlighting the history and creativity of the area.”
An impressive pavilion will be set up in Crystal Palace Park from 8 June for the festival, which is reminiscent of the temporary structures that form a pivotal part of the park’s history, such as the original Crystal Palace Bowl and the Great Exhibition. The timber structure named Craft not Carbon is designed by Webb Yates Engineers and will be located near the park’s Penge entrance.
As part of the Penge and Palace programme, the Crystal Palace Park Trust will be delivering a tour of the concert bowl in the park, exploring the stage’s history with its architect Ian Ritchie.
The London Festival of Architecture is an annual celebration of architecture and city-making, which takes place across London but with a focus on the chosen destinations each year. This is the first year an outer London borough has been chosen as a destination.
For media enquiries, please contact James George, public affairs officer, on 020 8313 4565 or email [email protected]