Aldgate in Winter Festival returns this December!

Aldgate in Winter Festival will return on Friday 6th December 2024, marking the eighth edition of the exciting community festival.

Join us for an exciting evening of music, dance, light, and celebration in Aldgate Square. You can expect the return of everyone’s favourites, including The Aldgate Stage, The Community Feast, and The Lantern Parade, which fills the streets of Aldgate with music and colour.

Visitors to the popular one-day festival can enjoy an evening of live performances on The Aldgate Stage, featuring local musicians and artists, as well as exciting London-based performers.

Everyone can get involved in the fun by joining our Creative Workshops on Wednesday 4th December to make your very own lantern to carry in the parade.

The Aldgate Stage

Aldgate Square | 3.30pm – 5.00pm and 6.00pm – 8.00pm. Christmas tree light switch on at 4.00pm.

The Aldgate Stage will return this year with live acts and performances from the community and the annual Christmas tree light switch on with a special guest. We’ll also have two headline acts: Dubafrique, a team of world class acrobats and drummers who will be bringing the energy to Aldgate Square, and Dc² Entertainment and Dance Company, who’ll bring music and energy to the festival. Expect LED performers, a mesmerising mirror man, and even a giant robot! 

The Lantern Parade

From and returning to Aldgate Square | 5.00pm – 6.00pm

The heart and soul of the festival, the Lantern Parade brings together the community and local schools to display handmade lanterns through the streets of Aldgate. Led by Drum Works, an impactful samba drum band, the parade will light up Aldgate with music and colour, encouraging members of the community to join in with the celebration.

Creative Workshops

Saint Botolph without Aldgate Church on Aldgate Square | 12.00pm – 5.00pm

Join us for creative workshops where you can make your very own paper lantern to carry on the parade and light up the Aldgate night sky.

Community Feast

Aldgate Square | 6pm – 7pm

Back by popular demand is the Community Feast, a community project offering up free meals to those attending the Aldgate in Winter Festival. Head to The Aldgate Tap to grab a hot meal freshly prepared by local restaurants and settle in for a night of performances on The Aldgate Stage.

For the latest news and updates on this year’s festival, make sure to sign up to our monthly newsletter and follow us on Instagram at @AldgateConnect.