Reflections on #Celebrating Bexley
Reflections on #CelebratingBexley: A Landmark Year for Culture
Cllr Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping:
As we close the chapter on our 60th anniversary year, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved. The #CelebratingBexley programme was more than just a series of events; it was a vibrant showcase of the talent, history and community spirit that make our borough unique.
#CelebratingBexley has told an incredible story about the kind of place Bexley truly is – somewhere that unifies local people through shared cultural experiences that defy expectations, fire the imagination and enrich our lives.
The year 2025 was a significant moment in our history, marking several major anniversaries that define Bexley’s heritage. Not only was it the 60th anniversary of the Borough, but we also celebrated the centenary of Danson Park, the 500th anniversary of the dissolution of Lesnes Abbey and 160 years since Crossness Pumping Station opened.
A major highlight of the year was our Night Visions festival. Made possible by a £100,000 investment from Arts Council England and its partners in Bexley Culture Network, this groundbreaking festival of light-art themed events transformed our borough.
Together we brought world-class events and brand-new artworks to our local spaces. From music and drama to poetry and dance, the festival fired the imagination of residents and proved that Bexley is a true hub for
high-quality creative work.
While the major festivities of 2025 have concluded, their impact is just beginning. We are committed to ensuring this momentum isn’t lost. We are currently developing a comprehensive Culture Strategy, that will feed into and align with our new Growth Strategy, to set out how the Council will develop more opportunities, attract more investment and champion the cultural and creative industries in Bexley.
As we look to the future, we invite you to stay tuned for more exciting events as we put this new strategy into action.
Alice and the Queen’s Beasts Hall Place
Over 4,000 visitors enjoyed The Alice & the Queen’s Beasts light trail at Hall Place & Gardens.
60 Year - Play Perseveres
Local artists Comfort Adeneye and Emmanuel Adeneye transformed the facade of Danson House with the digital projection ‘60 Years: Play Perseveres’. *
Carnegie Ensemble Baroque concert at The Exchange
Carnegie Ensemble performed their annual candlelit Baroque concert at The Exchange. *
Centrepieces
The Illumination’ artwork by Centrepieces transformed Hall Place & Gardens into a glowing sanctuary. *
Birdsong at Hall Place & Gardens
The historic Great Hall at Hall Place & Gardens echoed with the voices of inspiring choral group ‘Birdsong’. *
The Goblin of Lesnes
Over 400 people enjoyed the spellbinding performance of ‘The Goblin of Lesnes’ at Lesnes Abbey. **
Night of the Basilosaurus Lantern Parade
Creatures from the ancient seas illuminated Bexleyheath Broadway at the ‘Night of the Basilosaurus’ parade. *
* Photo credits - Brian Aldrich
* * Photo credit - Hannah Brandon
