Do you want to see your face projected onto a uniquely designed 20-foot festive tree – the first project of its kind in the United Kingdom? Would you be excited to see a specially commissioned Mosaic tree which has more than 200 mirrored cubes displayed to reflect the diverse architecture in the City? Are you willing to walk into an enormous snow globe and embrace the festive season while ensuring your Insta-moment?
These are just some of the ambitious and creative programmes of activities and installations sponsored by the EC Business Improvement District (EC Bid) to help both businesses and visitors alike celebrate Christmas.
From carol singers to snow machines, wreath making to Christmas crackers, EC BID is determined to make this Christmas unforgettable and shine a yuletide light on what this unique part of the City of London has to offer. And everything is free.
The EC (Eastern City) BID represents an area that is a globally recognised economic district complemented by a rich historic and cultural heritage, a place where London originated and that has continued to evolve over the years to become a prestigious commercial location.
The EC BID has emerged with a strong ambition to support this growth through driving forward opportunities to develop its part of the City into an agile, dynamic and vibrant destination. It works collaboratively with partners at the City Corporation, Transport for London, the GLA and the innovative business community to deliver a range of programmes and transformative interventions.
Kate Hart, Chief Executive of the EC BID, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be sponsoring these festive treats which are imaginative, decorative and distinctive, and will draw to the City a different visitor, while enhancing the public spaces for our businesses and workforce.
“The BID is in a unique position as a convenyor and enabler to bring artists, creatives and businesses together to showcase something which the whole area can enjoy and in addition shine a light on their amazing projects and installations.”
Events and attractions include:
Piazza outside Pan Pacific London (a partnership with EC BID, Pan Pacific London and MTArt Agency) – November 16. Installation of the MOSAIC – a unique fitting designed by the world-famous artist Arnaud Lapierre, which reinvents the traditional Christmas tree in a sustainable and modern vision. The tree is fitted mirrored cubes arranged in a manner which evokes the natural geometry of a pine cone.
Arnaud Lapierre said:
“I’ve always dreamt of presenting my work in London, a city that consistently places arts and culture at the core of its urban life. The sophistication, architectural diversity, and cross-cultural influences of the City of London provide the perfect backdrop for MOSAIC (2023), my inaugural project in the UK. Given that my body of work has consistently been inspired by how art seamlessly integrates into the streets sparking meaningful conversations, I’m eagerly anticipating the opportunity to share this celebratory and festive moment with a new public and witness their reactions.”
Aviva Piazza November 30 to December 22 Working with the Trees for Cities charity, Aviva, and the inspirational artist Jasper Toeli, ‘Be the Tree’ invites the public to connect with a City tree on both a public and personal scale. Simply place your face up to the O2 bottle and in just a few moments the sculpture lights your face in real time onto a 20-foot high tree, embellished by installation artist Ella Schofield Lake, through the magical technique of video projection mapping. There will then be a link to access your image so you can make a unique digital, Christmas card.
St Helen’s Church, Bishopsgate – November 30 Switching on of lights on an 18-foot Christmas tree.
Mid November – Leadenhall Market. In partnership with the Leadenhall Market, EC BID will be installing a light activation to showcase the side road of the market. In addition, carol singers will be performing at peak times in the market.
November to December – EC BID footprint. A series of festive workshops including wreathmaking, felting, stocking filler designs, winter candle making and gingerbread house decorating will take place. Each workshop will open for up to 20 people and run until mid-December.
EC BID footprint – December 1-5. Especially branded EC BID sustainable crackers will be handed out during lunchtimes to the business community.
Fenchurch Street Station – December 5-8. An immersive inflatable Winter Wonderland snow globe which will allow visitors to create that unique Insta-worthy moment. The surrounding space will be designed to create a truly festive feeling for visitors and workers alike.
Follow EC BID Tinsel Trail on social media for more information.
Find out more about the EC BID at www.ecbid.co.uk