Aldgate in Winter Festival FAQs 2025

The Aldgate in Winter Festival returns for its ninth edition on Thursday 4th December and Friday 5th December 2025.

The programme of events and activities on Thursday will be from 12:00-2:30pm and 3:30-7:00pm, and Friday will follow from 3:30pm-8:00pm with activities including live performances, the lantern parade, creative workshops, and much more!

Planning to join us? Read our FAQs to help plan your evening.

I am blind/partially sighted; what access provisions are there for me?

While some acts are visually led, there are multiple auditory experiences across the festival. Live music will run in Aldgate Square on Thursday 4^th between 12:00- 14:30 and 15:30 – 19:00 and Friday 5^th between 3:30–5:00pm and 6:00–8:00pm. The Lantern Parade features a steel-pan drum band, offering a strong audio presence to follow. Festival Stewards are positioned throughout the site to support safe navigation.

I have a physical disability; what access provisions are there for me?

All activities take place outdoors on step-free, wheelchair-accessible routes. The creative workshops hosted at St Botolph Without Aldgate Church are also wheelchair accessible. Dedicated seating areas will be available within Aldgate Square for those who require rest during performances or the Lantern Parade.

Is there anywhere to drop off pushchairs or buggies?

Unfortunately, there are no dedicated pushchair/buggy drop-off facilities at this year’s festival. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Are there any toilet facilities?

Due to the nature of the event and its public setting, there are no temporary toilets on site. However, free toilet access is available at:

• The Aldgate Tap
• Various nearby cafés, bars, and restaurants (subject to their access policies)

You may also use publicly available facilities via the City of London’s online toilet map below:

I am D/deaf or hard of hearing; what access provisions are there for me?

Whilst Aldgate in Winter Festival does include some acts which are only auditory, there are many other visual opportunities to experience the festival.

Are there any restaurants or bars which will be open?

Yes, the Aldgate area offers a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars open throughout the festival. Visit our Experience Aldgate page for food and drink recommendations across the neighbourhood.

Are there content or trigger warnings?

All performances on The Aldgate Stage are designed to be family-friendly and do not include sensitive content.
Please note:

• The stage uses full lighting and amplified sound.
• One performance includes LED lighting within costume designs.
• The Lantern Parade features steel drum bands at the front and rear of the procession, which will be loud.

Festival Stewards and the Info Point team (located in Aldgate Square) are on hand for any specific concerns.

Will there be any First Aiders on site?

Yes. Qualified First Aiders will be stationed at the Info Point in Aldgate Square throughout the event and will accompany the Lantern Parade.

Are there any public health or Covid-19 safety policies?

All festival activities are outdoors except for indoor creative workshops. There are no mandatory Covid-19 measures in place in 2025; however, attendees are welcome to wear masks if they feel more comfortable.

What happens if there is bad weather?

We will monitor weather conditions closely. In the event of severe weather, updates will be shared on-site and via our social channels. Announcements will be made via the stage and via event staff should this be necessary.

What happens if my child and I are separated?

Please refer to our Lost Child Policy.

Key points:

• Children should report to the nearest staff member or steward (all easily identifiable in high-vis).
• If you’re searching for your child, go to the Info Point located in Aldgate Square (pink Aldgate Connect BID gazebo by Aldgate Tap).
• Security at the Info Point will liaise with the Event Liaison Team and follow safeguarding procedures.

Should I wear anything in particular?

As the festival is primarily outdoors and includes the evening Lantern Parade, we highly recommend dressing warmly and wearing comfortable footwear.

My question isn’t included here?

If you need more information, please contact our Festival Producer:
Jamie Port – Jamie@theintrepidcollective.com
If you require a video call, please include this in your message.