City of London BIDS support LFA 20267

4 of the City of London’s BIDs are taking part in this summer’s LFA (powered by NLA), connecting with the Festival’s 2026 theme of “Belonging”. See below for details of the activations and installations taking place across the City and check out each BID’s website for more information!

ALDGATE CONNECT: OUT Architecture’s “Macchiato” is the winning design for Aldgate Connect BID’s ‘A Place to Belong: Goulston Street Pocket Park’ design competition. The competition invited applicants to reimagine a currently underused area of the Petticoat Lane footprint within Aldgate. Hosted in partnership with The Colombian Coffee Company, the winning design celebrates the local market, creating a welcoming and flexible space hosting community-led activities. The installation will contribute towards the goals of Aldgate Connect BID in creating a safer and more welcoming neighbourhood through the enhancement of the public realm. https://aldgateconnect.london/

CHEAPSIDE: The “If Stone Could Speak” event programme celebrates the installation of the “From the Thames to Eternity” City of London project outside St Paul’s Cathedral, a cultural placemaking project that reimagines historic granite stones from the 19th-century River Thames wall at Victoria Embankment as new public seating. It is a complementary programme of free expert-led workshops, walks, and tours, exploring the cultural and historical value of stone, while encouraging discussion about reuse, longevity, and heritage, and the role natural stone can play in creating a more sustainable built environment. The programme is delivered by Cheapside Business Alliance and the City of London Corporation, produced by Urban Learners. https://incheapside.com/

EASTERN CITY: The “City Views” were originally conceived as wayfinding and resting point markers, helping people orient themselves within the urban landscape of the Eastern City.  For LFA 2026, Bafalw has been invited to build on this legacy through a series of creative activations at Hypha x Eastern City Studios located at 130 Fenchurch Street and selected nearby buildings. Visitors and workers across the Eastern City will be encouraged to take part in workshops, talks and activities that foster storytelling, creative expression and connection. https://easterncity.co.uk/

FLEET STREET QUARTER: 2025 saw the unveiling of Whispers, a landmark public artwork celebrating the UK/Poland Season delivered in partnership with Polish Cultural Institute, Let's Art Foundation and On&On Designs. Earlier this year it was granted planning permission to remain in place until February 2027. The mirrored stainless-steel installation reflects the movement, light and architecture of the surrounding Fleet Street Quarter. Known for blending engineering, innovation and art, Oskar Zięta’s work has been exhibited internationally and is celebrated for transforming industrial materials into striking contemporary sculptures. Fleet Street Quarter are organising a programme of events celebrating the Festival including an artist's panel, drop-in outdoor art workshops, an architectural walking tour, and a performance by the New Generation Steel Orchestra. https://www.fleetstreetquarter.co.uk/

ENDS