Experience a programme of festive craft workshops and atmospheric illuminated concerts at The Exchange in Erith throughout November and December.
The programme ‘Leaves Fall in Bright Sound’ will open several opportunities for local people to visit The Exchange, a unique heritage building in Erith, along with its award-winning garden, to take part in expert-led craft-making sessions.
At the workshops, visitors can make their own lanterns and ceramic candle holders to create an illuminated community space and garden trail, lighting up a series of concerts and events, including the annual Baroque Christmas concert by The Carnegie Ensemble, a performance by Birdsong from Bird College and even a DJ set of chill-out tunes.
The Exchange, based at The Old Library on Walnut Tree Road in Erith, is a core member of Bexley Culture Network.
Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, said:
The Exchange is a unique organisation that brings people from far and wide to visit the Old Library and its outstanding garden in Erith. Its ‘Leaves Fall in Bright Sound’ programme will combine the best of their expertise in handicrafts with their atmospheric venue to give residents exceptional new experiences as part of Night Visions. I look forward to seeing The Old Library glowing in warm candlelight this autumn and I would encourage local people to make a special visit to take part in the many events that are part of this unique programme”.
Sarah Batten, Director of The Exchange, said:
At The Exchange we celebrate the power of community making on place and people. We hope residents from across Bexley and beyond will join us in sharing their creativity with others, bringing a touch of light to the darkening nights through our ‘Leaves Fall in Bright Sound’ programme.”
Craft events are taking place throughout November, leading into a series of events and concerts that start on 28 November with a performance by Bexley Music.
6 December is Super Festive Saturday with Christmas-themed crafts, festive steel-pan sounds and a garden lantern trail to illuminate the evening, along with a DJ set of chilled autumn sounds.
On 7 December, the Carnegie Ensemble will perform their annual baroque concert - a highlight in Bexley’s annual calendar.
Birdsong, a choir made up of Bird College’s talented students, will bring the magic of the West End to Erith on 13 December.
Play Out For Christmas takes place on 20 December with a festive performance from the Theatre Box Choir, as well as being the last chance to visit the illuminated garden trail and the Garden Room shop for unique last-minute Christmas gifts.
‘Leaves Fall in Bright Sound’ is part of Night Visions, a festival of light-art themed events that has been made possible by £100,000 of investment from Arts Council England in the London Borough of Bexley and its partners in Bexley Culture Network.
It forms part of #CelebratingBexley, a year-long programme of arts, culture and entertainment marking key local anniversaries including 60 years of the London Borough of Bexley, 500 years since the closure of Lesnes Abbey and 160 years of Crossness Engines.
Find out more about the 'Leaves Fall in Bright Sound' full programme