Aldgate in Winter Festival FAQs

The Aldgate in Winter Festival returns for its eighth edition on Friday 6th December 2024. The programme of events and activities will be from 3:30-8:00pm, 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 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.

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, St Botolph’s without Aldgate and various restaurants and bars open for service as usual. You can also use this handy public toilet map for more details:

Are there any restaurants or bars which will be open?

Yes, restaurants and bars will be open across Aldgate. Check out our guide for food & drink inspiration:

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. Some of the acts include LED lights.

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 will be Event Staff around the festival, as well as 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.

What happens if there is bad weather?

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

What happens if my child and I are separated?

The Lost Child Point will be The Information Point on Aldgate Square. This will be clearly identifiable as the pink Aldgate Connect BID marquee. All security and event staff will be fully briefed on Lost Child and Safeguarding Procedures.

Before the event: please inform your children that they should report to a member of uniformed staff if they get lost.

If you have lost your child: please report to The Information Point on Aldgate Square and speak to a member of staff. We have an emergency liaison team who are briefed in such an incident.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead for the Aldgate in Winter Festival is:

• Pheona Kidd – Senior Event Manager
• Telephone: 07748448154
• Email: pheona@theintrepidcollective.com

If you wish to read the full Safeguarding and Lost Child Policy for Aldgate in Winter Festival, please get in touch with Pheona above.

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 Pheona Kidd from the Event Team at pheona@theintrepidcollective.com.