This month, London’s Bankside joins the 25th anniversary celebrations of The Big Draw Festival, the world’s largest celebration of drawing. Coordinated by Business Improvement District (BID) Better Bankside, the programme offers incredible drawing and creative events for both adults and children which bring alive the vibrant Bankside area. Some events are ticketed, but all are FREE.
Participants will join incredible artists, illustrators, and some of the UK’s most exciting contemporary artists, including China Jordan, Natalie Arnold and Samme Snow, to creatively experience Bankside like never before. Find out what’s behind the doors of some of Bankside’s most intriguing venues and practice some pen and wash, allow your children to draw all over the paper-covered interior of Arch 23, and take part in a family friendly “drop-in doodle” at Borough Market with pumpkins and autumn produce taking centre stage.
Running from 27th to 31st October, this year’s festival theme – ‘Drawn Together’ – marks 25 years of The Big Draw, highlighting how creativity unites people and communities. The Big Draw Festival is the perfect fit for London’s Bankside, an area known for its creativity and independent spirit.
Nicole Gordon, CEO of Better Bankside, said; “Bankside is a place where creativity has thrived for centuries, and we’re delighted to be part of The Big Draw’s 25th anniversary celebrations. The programme reflects our neighbourhood’s character – lively, diverse, and connected – offering opportunities for people of all ages to explore their creativity. Whether it’s skyline sketching or embroidery, these events embody Bankside’s role as London’s Other Side: a world-class neighbourhood that brings people together through culture and community.”
Bankside’s Big Draw Events
(Adult classes)
· Drink and Draw with China Jordon
Join us for an amazing Drink & Draw class. Sip on a FREE beverage as you learn some new skills and meet others from the Bankside community. Whether you are by yourself, or coming with others, there’s a place for you to relax, have fun and find your creative side.
· Family Friendly “Drop-in Doodle” at Borough Market with Rosie Brooks
Join us in The Market Hall at Borough Market for a Big Draw foodie drawing workshop with a spooky twist! Perfect for all ages and abilities, this hands-on drawing session is inspired by the vibrant autumn produce of Borough Market, think pumpkins, squashes, and all things deliciously eerie.
· Skyline sketching with Natalie Arnold
A relaxed drawing session focused on capturing the atmosphere of our Bankside skyline. Stroll the streets, admire the architecture and learn how to experiment with mark making techniques.
· Urban Interiors with Natalie Arnold
Join us at some of Bankside’s most unique venues. Find out what’s behind those doors and learn techniques such as pen and wash, and line drawing.
(Classes for families/ children)
· Collaborative drawing and Immersive art installation with Samme Snow
