The Wembley Park neighbourhood is to launch a brand new Festive Market filled with mince pies, mulled wine, handmade gifts and more as we head into the Christmas period.
For those looking to get into the spirit of the season, the Wembley Park Festive Market will host 25 artisan traders, live music and much more as it launches at Market Square on Saturday 3rd, 10th and 17th December, from 10am to 5pm.
Live music will be offered by soloists, local schools and community choirs on Wembley Park’s newest outdoor stage, the Sound Shell along with a host of activities promising visitors and residents alike a great day out.
From free-to-enjoy cultural offerings, such as live music performances in Wembley Park’s new outdoor stage, the Sound Shell, and new, immersive digital artworks, to shopping at London Designer Outlet and a festive market on Saturdays, there’s something for everyone in Wembley Park this winter.
For those looking to enjoy cultural attractions, a free live performance programme will commence on Thursday 24th November with a special performance from the choirs of local Chalkhill Primary School. Following on, every weekend from Saturday 26th November until Sunday 18th December, Wembley Park’s Sound Shell at the new Samovar Space will host a diverse range of performances from talented soloists to lively trios.
Several solo artists and duos will also perform by the Bobby Moore Bridge on Olympic Way. Barbershop quartets and choir will complete the musical offering.
Wembley Park has also commissioned seven new artworks for the winter season, with installations gracing locations including Olympic Way, the Spanish Steps and Arena Square. The theme of the wintry additions to the Wembley Park Art Trail is ‘Winter’s Wander’ and the new artworks inspire joy, togetherness and a sense of adventure. The collection’s namesake, Winter’s Wander by Tilly AKA Running for Crayons, depicts 12 scenes of colourful characters and animals coming together in winter.
Meanwhile, professional lighting designers and former residents of Second Floor Studios Wembley Park, Douglas Green and Louisa Smurthwaite have used the 34 vertical banners on Olympic Way to create A Guiding Light, an illuminating walk through the phases of the sun and moon at wintertime. Douglas and Louisa have designed tours for high-profile music acts including Kylie Minogue, Lorde, Florence and the Machine, and Jarvis Cocker. As part of the A Guiding Light experience, Louisa and Doug have collaborated with animator Sian Bliss to showcase recent images of outer space from the James Webb telescope onto the screens on Bobby Moore Bridge, Olympic Way and White Horse Square.
In addition to the Art Trail’s winter artworks, three permanent pieces will debut on 24th November. Impossible Greenhouses is a multi-site artwork by Jenny Cox, which transforms six electrical cabinets across Wembley Park into imagined greenhouses. Over on Olympic Way, a new, music-themed tile mural by Paul J Marks will be unveiled, outside Bobby Moore Bridge.
Finally, Brent resident Yoni Alter has taken the Flanagan Lawrence-designed acoustic bandstand, the Wembley Park Sound Shell, and added thousands of LEDs to create a beautiful, ever-changing light sculpture.
Josh McNorton, Cultural Director, Wembley Park, said: “Winter in Wembley Park is bursting with art, music, outstanding food and drink, inspired gifts and so much more. It’s a day out for the whole family to enjoy, all just 12 minutes from central London.”
Elsewhere at Wembley Park, London Designer Outlet is also getting into the spirit, with decorations adding a festive vibe as shoppers peruse the superb range of stores. Many customers are already stocking up on Christmas items, while youngsters are making the most of Wembley Park’s popular all-weather playpark, which remains open throughout the winter months.
Wembley Park’s independent eateries are also getting into the Christmas atmosphere. Local institution Masalchi, from twice Michelin-starred chef Atul Kochhar, has a festive menu, while the hearty two- and three-course Christmas menu options at Pasta Remoli provide the perfect way to restore energy after a day of fun at Wembley Park.
For more information visit www.wembleypark.com, or visit the Wembley Park Instagram.
