GDIF 2024 | London’s free, annual outdoor performing arts festival 23 August-8 September 2024
Sprinkling festive magic across Charlton House and Gardens, Sparkle in the Park returns from 28 November to 1 December.
Spectacular installations and performances, wonderful winter markets, a festive funfair and many more treats come together for one unmissable Christmas experience in the heart of the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
Produced by FESTIVAL.ORG, the creators of Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, for the first time, discover a free winter wonderland that will make spirits bright across four magical evenings.
DOWNLOAD: Sparkle in the Park Map to guide your experience.
Winter Light Tales by FESTIVAL.ORG
Four stories in celebration of how community, family and friends come together at this magical time of year.
On this immersive sound and light trail, you’ll encounter entrancing global festive traditions as well as a seasonal celebration right on your doorstep.
Download more information to help guide your experience through Winter Light Tales: Ukraine, St Lucia, LGBTQIA+ and Detty December
Evanescent by Atelier Sisu
With Charlton House as a backdrop, this larger-than-life artwork invites you to walk among the illuminated bubble structures with their vibrant iridescent colours, accompanied by an ethereal soundscape.
Globoscope by Collectif Coin
This mesmerising installation features an expanse of luminous spheres, creating a field of light which changes and evolves according to the music and the light passing through it.
Lightweight by Impossible Arts
This sound and light installation features beautiful projections, evoking a large scale snow dome. Artists are on hand to take your photo – then wait and see yourself spinning and fluttering magically around the globe.
Botton’s Festive Funfair
Discover a festive funfair filled with light-filled rides that will thrill audiences of all ages. From festive cups and saucers to the runaway train and bungee trampolining, Botton’s Festive Funfair has a ride for you and your loved ones to share a precious memory on together.
Giant Santa by Julia Charles Event Management LTD
Meet a giant 8ft tall puppet of Santa accompanied by a Christmas elf who will appear together throughout every evening of Sparkle in the Park, offering families a unique opportunity for photos and videos that will delight audiences of all ages.
Lightwalkers by An Act Above
Discover the wondrous Lightwalkers roaming through Sparkle in the Park in a stunning mix of costume and light.
Towering high above you on impressive stilts, the Lightwalkers will pop up at different times throughout the evening to celebrate the festive season with you in their illuminated costumes.
Winter Market
With pop-up street food stalls, bars and local independent craft traders, Sparkle in the Park’s Winter Market invites you to indulge this festive season.
And much, much more…
Getting here
Charlton House and Gardens, London, SE7 8RE
W3W: https://w3w.co/sailor.boom.teams
Download our useful photo route here.
Enter via the main entrance of Charlton House and Gardens on Hornfair Road. The exit from the event will be via Capital Ring on Charlton Park Road and Canberra Road. Entry is not permitted via the exits.
When
Thursday 28 November 2024 – Sunday 1 September
4.30pm-9.30pm. Last admittance to Sparkle in the Park is at 8.15pm.
Sunday 1st December Quiet Hour from 4.30 to 5.30pm with reduced noise and a reduced capacity on site.
Free, no ticket required
You don’t need a ticket or to pre-book to enter this free event.
Will there be queues?
Although we will do everything to minimise wait times, be prepared to queue for entry at busy times, particularly on Saturday evening.
Upon arrival
Please be aware that upon entry our welcome team will operate light bag checks to ensure the safety of all visitors and that once inside you will follow a one-way trail through Charlton House and Gardens.
Inside Charlton House
Experience Charlton House’s indoor Mrs Claus storytelling experience. This experience is ticketed and must be booked in advance. All information for the Mrs Claus experience can be found here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs permitted?
Yes, well behaved dogs on leads are welcome at Sparkle in the Park 2024. Consider whether your dog will be comfortable in a busy environment where there will be lots of sounds and lights. Assistance dogs are also welcome.
Is Charlton House and Gardens open in the daytime?
Yes, Charlton House and Gardens is open each day until 3pm. After 3pm, access to the grounds is available only via the Sparkle in the Park entrance. The skatepark will remain open.
Charlton House and Gardens between 26 Nov – Mon 2 Dec
In the daytime, there will be vehicles and construction taking place on site, please take extra care with children keep dogs on leads and dismount from bicycles. For safety reasons, some areas of the park may not be accessible.
How should I travel to Sparkle in the Park?
We recommend travelling to the event using public transport or on foot. Plan your journey using TfL Journey Planner.
Is there parking available?
There is no public parking available at Charlton House and Gardens during Sparkle in the Park. Parking bays on Hornfair road will be reserved for Blue Badge drop off only. Blue Badge parking will be located at Charlton Car Park and street parking in surrounding areas. Additional Parking Enforcement Officers will be operating during these times.
Sustainability
We have considered sustainability when organising this event. There is a power management plan in place and all power is run on HVO generators. No diesel is used for the light trail; sound and light will be positioned to cause as little disruption as possible. The sound, lighting and power elements will be turned off when not in use.
Access Information
Getting there
• Drop off point on Hornfair Road near the entrance to Charlton House.
• Limited number of Blue Badge Parking available Charlton Park Car Park and free on street parking in surrounding areas.
• The event will be busy, if your access needs mean queuing is difficult for you, please speak to staff or security at the entrance.
• Photo Route link from Charlton Station: Charlton House Photo Route 24.pdf
Site Access
• Level Access throughout
• Changing Places and accessible toilets available.
• Assistance dogs welcome.
• Please be aware this is a trail experience with limited opportunities for seating.
• The lights in Globoscope flash on and off and pulse. They do not strobe, speak to staff to avoid this display.
Light Trail Access
• Sunday 1st December Quiet Hour from 4.30 to 5.30pm with reduced noise and a reduced capacity on site.
• Sunday 1st December 4.30pm audio described tour, to book a headset email [email protected]
• Most displays are speech free, speech in the audio will be displayed via signage.
Access Links
- Easy Read Visual Guide Sparkle In The Park.pdf
- Evanescent Audio Description Introduction.mp3, Lightweight Audio Description.mp3, Globoscope Audio Description Introduction.wav
- Sound Cloud Audio Introductions
Access Contact Information
Access Enquiries please email: [email protected]
Presented in partnership with
