For the first time ever, the streets, alleys and squares in and around the historic Fleet Street Quarter will be magically transformed for Christmas. Launching on Thursday 24 November 2022, this pocket of the City will welcome workers and revellers to seek out an original taste of Christmas spirit in the heart of central London.
A ’12 days of Christmas’ programme will see an exciting array of activities spread across four festive weeks, many of which will be a surprise for visitors and workers to discover, set amongst the area’s beautiful architecture. Festivities will kick-off on the opening night from 5pm with a magnificent 20-foot Christmas tree illuminating Old Mitre Court at Apex Hotel. Throughout the festive period visitors are invited to seek out a plethora of tree switch-ons which will pop up around secret locations across the Quarter, whilst enjoying a mince pie and a mulled wine.
Spreading festive cheer throughout this iconic part of the City of London, Fleet Street Quarter will launch Voices of the City – surprise and delight performances from London-based gospel choirs, carol singers, and spoken word artists, who will bring their original take on Christmas to this part of the city. Music will flood the Quarter with performances from the chart-topping Military Wives Choirs who will perform on their 10th anniversary, as well as the likes of London Community Gospel Choir, London City Voices, London Contemporary Voices.
In partnership with Spread the Word, some of London’s best spoken word performers will also pop-up at various spots across the Quarter. Festive themed poetry from these creative artists will add some extra flair to the bustle of Fleet Street Quarter.
On 7 December, award-winning London poet and filmmaker Tomfoolery will deliver a unique performance as the Christmas tree in New Street Square is switched on. Tom will present a newly curated poem exploring the magic of Christmas in the Fleet Street Quarter. Tomfoolery’s 2020 poem, ‘The Great Realisation’ attracted over 100 million views and was shared by names such as Jake Gyllenhaal, Jennifer Anniston and Khloe Kardashian, as well as underscoring Ashley Banjo and Diversity’s Britain’s Got Talent dance which won the BAFTA Award for Must-See Moment 2021.
Europe’s leading gospel choir, London Community Gospel Choir, who have supported the likes of Gregory Porter, Beverley Knight and Tom Jones, will also deliver a stand-out performance that evening.
December will also see the launch of the quarter’s first ever makers market, FIND IT @ Fleet Street Quarter, running every Thursday from 1 December until 15 December, 11.30-7pm in New Street Square, with traders provided by the brilliant Crafty Fox Market. Market-goers will be able to snap up handcrafted gifts and curated stocking fillers from independent artists and makers offering a range of products from ceramics, candles, art prints and homeware to jewellery and fashion accessories so shoppers will have all their Christmas gift-lists covered.
Other activities across the Quarter include a free lunchtime wreath-making session hosted by terrarium specialists Jar and Fern at St. Bride’s Church, a distinctive sight on London’s skyline, as well as a bauble-making class. The City of London Distillery at 22-24 Bride Lane will be holding a Christmas gin-making workshop on 14 December for all those that fancy a seasonal tipple.
As guests discover all the area’s Christmas activity, they can warm up with a coffee at Alchemy Coffee or The Fleet Street Press and then explore the Quarter’s culinary delights, dining at independent restaurants such as The Glean Restaurant & Bar, Guido’s and Obica. Drinks can be supped at the likes of Editor’s Tap, The Refinery or Sabine Rooftop Bar where panoramic views of London can be appreciated, or at one of London’s oldest pubs, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, known to have been frequented by Charles Dickens, W.B. Yeats, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Dr Samuel Johnson, creator of the first English Dictionary. There are plenty of other literary charms to be discovered in this historic home of journalism – a visit to Dr Johnson’s House is a must. Offering a whole host of joyful experiences, Festive Fleet Street Quarter is not to be missed this Christmas.
*Please note, spaces are limited – workshops are on a first come first served basis
