Wed. Dec 4th, 2024

Celebrate a Global Christmas at Wembley Park: A Festive Journey Through Music, Markets, and Cultures

  • Free Christmas concert launches festive season in Wembley Park on 7th December
  • Festive Markets showcase artisan produce and unique gifts throughout December
  • Family-friendly children’s event welcomes visitors of all ages
  • New 3D art installation, Trialogue, unveiled as part of the public Art Trail

A Festive Transformation in Wembley Park

Wembley Park, the renowned cultural and entertainment hub in North West London, is embracing the festive season with a global twist. Winter in Wembley Park 2024 invites residents and visitors to experience the holiday season through a tapestry of international music, markets, and traditions.

A Global Christmas Concert: Music Through Time and Cultures

Kickstarting the celebrations on Saturday, 7th December, the open-air Sound Shell on Olympic Way hosts A Global Christmas: A Thousand Years of Festive Music Through Cultures and Time. This unique, free-to-attend concert spans centuries and continents, uniting global festive music traditions.

From the warmth of Caribbean steel pans to the nostalgic sounds of Motown and Afro-American Christmas classics, this musical journey also features Victorian-era brass quartets, Indian Dhol drums, and Arabic melodies. Running from 1pm to 6pm, the concert promises a magical and inclusive experience for all.

Explore the Wembley Park Festive Markets

From 7th December, the Wembley Park Festive Markets return, bringing a world of artisan goods and festive cheer to Market Square. Over three weekends, discover unique gifts and seasonal treats, including South American Alpaca crafts, African textiles, and Italian Panettone.

Visitors can indulge in an array of international cuisines, from Hungarian pastries to Turkish flatbreads and Chinese street food. The markets will be open 10am to 7pm on 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, and 22nd December, under the glow of a stunning 15-metre Christmas tree adorned with baubles crafted by local children.

Festive Fun for Younger Visitors

Saturday, 7th December welcomes younger guests to Festive Fun: A Merry Celebration for Young Ones. Taking place at the Fresh Arts community hub from 2pm to 4pm, this free event offers crafting activities like bauble-making, a disco, and pizza for children aged 4–11. Spaces are limited, so early booking is advised.

Discover the Wembley Park Art Trail

Adding to the magic, the Wembley Park Art Trail unveils Trialogue on 27th November. This innovative audio-visual 3D installation by Greenaway & Greenaway transforms three Grade II-listed red phone boxes into an immersive art experience in Arena Square.

From 3rd December, the From Saint to Santa exhibition returns, tracing the evolution of Santa Claus through history and cultural influences. Featuring 32 unique artworks, including an AI-generated piece, this exhibition provides a fascinating festive journey.

Additional Highlights for a Magical Season

Wembley Park offers a host of other festive experiences:

  • Visit Father Christmas at London Designer Outlet every weekend in December.
  • Admire the outlet’s dazzling lights and participate in a Santa-themed colouring competition.
  • Celebrate with live performances, such as The Nightmare Before Christmas cine-concert and Starlight Express at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
  • Don’t miss the ultimate throwback party, Best Served Cold, at BOXPARK Wembley on Saturday, 14th December featuring iconic R&B artists.

A Season to Remember

“Winter in Wembley Park is a magical time, filled with free concerts, children’s events, and festive markets. This season, we are proud to offer a programme that creates cherished memories for everyone who visits.” – Claudio Giambrone, Head of Cultural Programming, Wembley Park.

For more details, visit www.wembleypark.com or follow Wembley Park on TikTok, X, Instagram, or Facebook.

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By Penny McCarthy

Penny McCarthy is a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Parents News UK, a pioneering publication launched in 1993 to serve the needs of busy parents in Southwest London. Alongside her husband, Fergus McCarthy, Penny played a crucial role in the rapid expansion of the printed edition, which grew from a local startup to a widely circulated monthly publication with a reach of 192,000 copies across Kent, South London, and beyond. Under Penny’s leadership, Parents News quickly became a trusted resource for families, providing valuable information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly events. Her vision helped the publication extend its influence with franchises in Northern Ireland and Cornwall, catering to a growing demand for accessible, family-oriented content. In 1997, recognising the importance of digital media, Penny spearheaded the launch of Parents News UK Online. The website initially mirrored the content of the printed editions and has since evolved into a comprehensive online resource for parents, achieving significant popularity with up to 700 daily hits. In 2017, the publication transitioned fully to an online platform, continuing to inform and engage families across the UK. Today, Penny remains deeply involved in the ongoing success of Parents News UK, focusing on innovative advertising opportunities and future growth plans. Her dedication to supporting families through accessible and practical content has made Parents News a cherished name in households across the country.

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