The Winter Forest at Broadgate Circle brings a touch of magic to Liverpool Street.
Although 40% of London is green space and woodland, only a tiny fraction of it is officially magic. That little slice is known as The Winter Forest, a festive pop-up that will be opening its doors in Broadgate Circle from November 6th. Filled with snow-covered trees and winter goodies, it’s one forest we wouldn’t mind getting lost in.
Since none of us cash-strapped millennials can afford a trip to Lapland, the folks behind The Winter Forest at Broadgate Circle will bring it to us instead, for a third year running. Except in 2019, it’s even bigger and better. They’re setting up an enchanted woodland of two hundred pine trees, all lovingly draped with snow and festooned with twinkling fairy lights. The result is, as you’d imagine, rather stunning – and quite Instagrammable, too.
Hiding amongst the trees are some real Christmas crackers. The Winter Forest’s wood cabins will be filled with food, drink, arts and crafts and more. Here’s a handy programme of events to browse through. They’ll also be a visit from the man with the bag himself (that’s Santa, to those who are currently suppressing their Christmas spirit).
You’ll find live music throughout the season from lunchtime Christmas carols to a festive sing-along and popular busk acts. Broadgate will also play host to an array of London’s best up and coming independent artists, through its partnership with Spinnup, a digital music distribution service that enables independent artists to release music and retail 100% of their royalties.
Guests can head to one of Broadgate’s eclectic array of restaurants and bars, including brand new offerings in Finsbury Avenue Square, like Nyoke, Butterscotch, Yolk, Farmer J and more. Alongside a multitude of festive treats and drinks, sip on Beany Green’s much-loved mulled wine or sample coffee experts Grind’s unmissable espresso martini. Elsewhere, there’s gin and whisky tasting from Mrs Fogg’s Dockside Drinkery and Distillery and The Botanist across the festive period.
For the more crafty among us, the Winter Forest will also offer creative and stylish workshops from luxury florists Grace and Thorn, where guests will learn to create a festive hand-tied bouquet, to complete their Christmas decorations at home.
And this year, Broadgate has partnered with Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest, to create a series of activities to raise money and awareness for one of London’s leading mental health charities. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the charity and there’ll be fundraising taking place at The Winter Forest throughout the season. So there’s an opportunity to get that warm fuzzy feeling that comes from helping others. And isn’t that just the true meaning of Christmas?
This article was sponsored by Broadgate. Find out more about The Winter Forest here. The Winter Forest will be open seven days a week, from the 6th November – 20th December.