Night Visions’ fiery finale: The Firewatchers

Expect spectacular outdoor fire performances, an interactive fire fayre and live music at the exciting conclusion of Bexley’s ‘Night Visions’.

The last event in the London Borough of Bexley’s winter light-art festival is taking place from 5.30pm to 7.30pm at Hurst Community Centre on Saturday 21 February.

Drawing inspiration from historic local traditions of bonfire building, ‘The Firewatchers’, is a ceremonial bonfire night like no other. Residents are invited to gather in the light and warmth of a burning art piece while enjoying outdoor fire performances, an interactive fire fayre, live music and hot food and drinks.

The new dedicated sculpture to be lit and burnt has been handcrafted by artist Tom James and co-designed with local scout groups through a series of artist workshops.

The free event is suitable for all ages and there is no prior booking needed.

Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping, said:

“The Firewatchers promises to be a spectacular conclusion to Night Visions, rounding off an incredible programme of cultural events in Bexley. The event will take place in the beautiful gardens of Hurst Community Centre, a space not usually open to the public. I would encourage local people to come out for this celebration of creativity and experience the warmth of our local community as they gather to behold this exciting work of fire-art, created just for Bexley.”

The event is being produced by Three Rivers Bexley, Emergency Exit Arts and Lightfires.

Scott Burell, Director of Three Rivers Bexley, said:

"When we found the historic photos of bonfire-building in Bexley’s Local Archives we knew we had to bring this incredible tradition back to Bexley as part of the Night Visions festival. It has been a brilliant experience working with artist Tom James and Scout groups from across the borough to light up these cold winter nights with an evening of spectacular fire performances."

The Firewatchers is part of Night Visions, a festival of light-art themed events that has been made possible by £100,000 of investment from Arts Council England in London Borough of Bexley and its partners in Bexley Culture Network. The event is also funded by Three Rivers Bexley through Creative People and Places funding from Arts Council England.

It forms part of #CelebratingBexley, a year-long programme of arts, culture and entertainment marking key local anniversaries including 60 years of the London Borough of Bexley, 500 years since the closure of Lesnes Abbey and 160 years of Crossness Engines.

ENDS