Aldgate in Winter Festival FAQs

The Aldgate in Winter Festival returns for its seventh year on Friday 8th December. Running from 3.30-7.30pm, the festival will bring the community together with a jam-packed calendar of live performances, music, dance, creative workshops, and much more! Planning to join us? Read our FAQs to help plan your evening.

 

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. All staff are briefed in D/deaf and hard of hearing awareness and can contact a BSL communicator.

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

Whilst Aldgate in Winter Festival does include some acts which are predominately visually based, there are many auditory opportunities to experience the festival, with live music from 3.30-5.00pm and 6.00-7.30pm in addition to the lantern parade which includes a steel pan drum band.

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

All activity is outdoors and/or have wheelchair accessibility, including Saint Botolph without Aldgate Church where we’re running free creative workshops.

Is there anywhere to drop off pushchairs or buggies?

Unfortunately, there are no pushchair/buggies drop offs on any of the sites. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Are there any toilet facilities?

Due to the nature of the festival and it’s setting there aren’t dedicated facilities for audiences. However, free provisions are available at The Aldgate Tap and various restaurants and bars open for service as usual. You can also use this handy public toilet map for more details:

View map

Are there any restaurants or bars which will be open?

Yes, restaurants and bars will be open across Aldgate. Check out our ‘Things to Do’ page for food & drink inspiration.

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Are there content or trigger warnings?

All acts as part of The Aldgate Stage are on from 3.30-5.00pm and 6.00-8.00pm are family friendly and do not have any content warnings. The Aldgate Stage is lit and there is a full sound system. One of the acts has LED lights on the dancer’s costume. The Lantern Parade from 5.00-6.00pm does include a steel drum band which will be loud drumming at the front and back of the parade. There are Festival Stewards floating around the festival and will be at the info point on Aldgate Square should you have any specific questions.

Will there be any First Aiders on site?

Yes, first aiders will be based at the info point on Aldgate Square and will join the lantern parade.

Will there be any Covid-19 safety policies?

All activity, except for the lantern workshops, are presented outdoors. Wearing a mask is a personal choice.

What happens if there is bad weather?

We will monitor bad weather conditions and communicate with audiences in person and on our social media channels. You can find us on Instagram and Twitter channels: @AldgateConnect #AldgateinWinter

What happens if my child and I are separated?

Please download our Lost Child Procedures and Safeguarding information. In short, your child should report to the nearest staff member who will be identifiable with a festival lanyard. If you are looking for your child, please head to the info point at Aldgate Square which is clearly signposted – it is a pink Aldgate Connect BID marquee sited beside Aldgate Tap. Here, there is security, who will liaise with the Emergency Liaison Team.

Download

Should I wear anything in particular?

As the festival is predominately outdoors, we highly recommend warm clothing and comfortable shoes for the parade.

 

My question isn’t included here?

If you require any further information, please contact the Festival Producer, Alice Sandon at: alice@lacuna-projects.com

If you require a video call/ BSL communication, please indicate in your email.