Fly By Night – important information for ticket holders

We’re looking forward to our audiences joining us for Fly By Night this week, a magical midsummer adventure set in London’s ‘hidden city’ of Thamesmead, an area rich in military and social history.

Ticket holders are encouraged to read the following important information about their visit, this includes information about arrival times and location.

ARRIVALS

You should have received an email with your arrival group, either A or B. Those in arrival group A should arrive at Abbey Wood station at 7.30pm. Those in arrival group B should arrive at Abbey Wood station at 8.15pm.

Fly By Night takes place next to Crossness Pumping Station in Thamesmead, see the map below for the location. The site opens at 7.30pm with plenty to keep you entertained ahead of the performance, which will begin at dusk. Audience members must be at Crossness Pumping Station by 9.15pm. Latecomers will not be admitted.

How do I get there?
The nearest train station is Abbey Wood, a free coach will take you from Abbey Wood Station to Crossness – please check your arrival group at the top of this email to ensure you arrive at the right time. If you’re travelling from Central London we highly recommend you take the train from either London Charing Cross, London Bridge or Cannon Street direct to Abbey Wood and allow at least one hour to get to Abbey Wood station. Do not use Citymapper’s suggested route via Woolwich Arsenal – this is a very slow route.

Once you arrive at Abbey Wood station our Volunteers will direct you down the stairs or lift to the coaches which will be running from outside The Abbey Arms pub.

Can I drive there?
Parking is extremely limited. The only parking available is for Blue Badge Holders, if you are a Blue Badge Holder and would like to reserve a space make sure you book in by emailing [email protected] or call 020 7968 6808 between 10am – 6pm, Monday – Friday. This is a secure parking area, only those who have pre-booked will be able to access it.

Can I get a taxi there?
If you miss the coach or would like to get a taxi, the correct postcode for the drop off point is Bazalgette Way, (former Belvedere Road), SE2 9AQ – please note that taxis will not be permitted onto the Crossness site so once you’re at the drop off point please follow the clearly signposted and lit walking route (approx. 10 minute walk). We recommend the local cab firm Abbeywood Station Minicabs based just next to the station on Wilton Road, 02083111199.

Can I cycle there?
Of course, the location is next to the Thames Path which is a lovely scenic route, however there’s no official bike parking on site and bikes will be locked up at the users own risk.

How will I get back?
Coaches will be running from the Crossness Pumping Station site back to Abbey Wood train station, the last train back to central London is at 23:54. Please be prompt at leaving the performance to ensure a smooth journey back to the train station. If you’d prefer to arrange a taxi you will need to walk to the pick up point on Bazalgette Way, (former Belvedere Road), SE2 9AQ.

WHEN I’M THERE…

The show will start at dusk so you will have plenty of time to explore the beautiful location of Crossness Pumping Station while you’re there. You can take in a free, specially curated exhibition that delves into the area’s military history, its hidden city and the vital role that pigeons once played during WW1. There will also be a bar and food stalls on site as well as a shop and café, cash and card accepted. All facilities, including toilets, will be clearly signposted but please do ask one of the Fly By Night team members if you have any questions when you arrive.

Bag and security checks will be in operation across the site.

Please do not bring alcohol with you, any alcohol consumed must be purchased on site.

You are welcome to bring your own food to enjoy before the performance.

Please travel light – any bikes or scooters must be locked up outside of the main performance area. Dogs are strictly forbidden from the Fly By Night site, with the exception of Assistance Dogs.

During the performance:
Due to the nature of the performance, latecomers will not be admitted and anyone who leaves during the show will not be readmitted.

Audience members are invited to take photos and films of the performance but there is a strict no-flash photography policy – this is for the safety of the birds and the enjoyment of the audience members. Don’t forget to use the #FlyByNightLondon hashtag.

Audience members booked into the ON THE GRASS area are welcome to bring blankets or camping chairs.

Please note, Fly By Night takes place in a natural site and the ground is uneven in places. We have endeavoured to take reasonable precautions to make the site safe and secure, it is your responsibility to take care of yourself whilst walking around and watching the show. Please wear footwear suitable to the location and clothing suitable for the weather.

If you have any questions or concerns about the accessibility of the site, please contact LIFT on 0207968 6808 or email [email protected].

The performance will take place in a grassy area, those who suffer from hay fever may want to take precautions or bring their usual remedies with them.

The performance takes place next to a residential area, please respect the local community and do not leave rubbish on the site except in designated bins provided.

What happens if there’s heavy rain or strong wind?
The cast of 1500 pigeons are unable to fly in rain or high winds. In the event of bad weather Fly By Night may have to be cancelled, in which case you will be informed of any cancellations via email by 5pm on the day of the performance and encouraged to book for a subsequent date.