Battersea Power Station, an iconic London landmark, is set to mark its one-year anniversary since opening its doors to the public in October 2022.
To commemorate this significant milestone, the Power Station will host a remarkable nine-day festival named ‘Behind The Bricks,’ taking place from the 21st to the 29th of October 2023. This festival promises to immerse visitors in the rich heritage of the Power Station and its transformation into a vibrant riverside destination.
Exploring the 1930s and 1950s Inspiration
During ‘Behind The Bricks,’ visitors will step back in time to the 1930s and 1950s, the decades when the two halves of Battersea Power Station were completed. A delightful 1950s-inspired hair and beauty salon, reminiscent of the era’s glamour, will be set up in Turbine Hall B. Here, guests can enjoy not only a touch of vintage style but also cocktails served at Control Room B.
A highlight of the festival will be the launch of official Battersea Power Station Guided Tours. These tours offer a unique opportunity to delve into the iconic history of this Grade II listed building. For the first time, visitors will gain access to the beautifully restored Art Deco masterpiece, Control Room A.
This room once played a crucial role in distributing power to esteemed addresses across London, including Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. Additionally, visitors can follow a free heritage trail map to discover historical artefacts from the Power Station, both inside the building and throughout the expansive six-acre Power Station Park.
A Musical Journey Through Time
The ‘Behind The Bricks’ Festival promises to be a feast for the senses with live music performances featuring classic hits from the 1930s and 1950s. The Battersea Power Station Community Choir will take the stage, performing a Beatles Medley from the film ‘Help!’ – a film in which the Power Station made a memorable appearance. Professional dancers will also be on hand to teach visitors the art of ‘swing’ and ‘jive.’
The festival will offer a diverse range of activities for visitors to enjoy, including:
- Expert Panel Talks: Delving into untold stories about the London landmark, experts involved in the restoration of the Grade II listed building will discuss topics such as the rebuilding of the iconic chimneys, the fascinating story behind the 1.75 million bricks used in the restoration, and the care provided to the Power Station’s VIBs (very important birds), the Peregrine Falcons. Former employees of the coal-fired Power Station will also share their firsthand experiences.
- Historic Exhibition: On display on Level 1 in Turbine Hall A, an exhibition will showcase the history of the Power Station, including various attempts to redevelop the site and a detailed historical timeline highlighting key milestones since 1929.
- Children’s Activities: Children can engage in hands-on historical experiences through arts and crafts sessions. These sessions will include a vintage poster colouring workshop with Postmark, Faber Castell, and Betty Etiquette, as well as a paper red telephone box-making workshop. A self-guided Heritage Trail Map designed for young ones, free face painting on weekends, and a free foam brick pit will also be available.
- Battersea Bookshop Storytelling Sessions: The Power Station’s neighbourhood bookstore will host storytelling sessions featuring children’s classics like Mary Poppins and Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator.
- Searcys Shillings: Searcys, the well-known Champagne brand, will display a 10-foot Champagne bottle in Turbine Hall A to celebrate the one-year anniversary. They will also open a brand-new Champagne bar inside Turbine Hall A. The Searcys team will add to the 1930s ambience by distributing special shillings that visitors can use to redeem treats at the new bar.
Simon Murphy, CEO of Battersea Power Station Development Company (BPSDC), expressed his enthusiasm for this momentous occasion, stating, “The one-year anniversary of the public opening of Battersea Power Station is a momentous occasion to celebrate.
This anniversary also happens to represent forty years since the Grade II* listed building was decommissioned, reflecting the immense challenge it has been to save and restore this London landmark, which was made possible thanks to the determination, commitment, and support of our shareholders. We look forward to paying homage to the Power Station’s rich history with a series of themed activities and events for all to enjoy during Behind the Bricks to mark this celebratory moment.”
Convenient Access to Battersea Power Station
Getting to Battersea Power Station is hassle-free, with the Zone 1 Battersea Power Station Underground station located just 15 minutes away from the West End and the City. The Power Station also boasts its Uber Boat by Thames Clippers pier, offering a swift 15-minute journey from Embankment, 20 minutes from Blackfriars, 30 minutes from Putney, and 40 minutes from Canary Wharf. The riverside neighbourhood is easily accessible by bus, bike, car, and train, ensuring that visitors can join in the festivities with ease.
In conclusion, the ‘Behind The Bricks’ Festival at Battersea Power Station promises to be an unforgettable celebration of both history and transformation. With its rich heritage, exclusive guided tours, immersive themed activities, and a musical journey through time, this festival invites visitors to step back in time and experience the magic of the 1930s and 1950s. From expert panel talks to children’s activities and a historic exhibition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. As Battersea Power Station marks its one-year anniversary since opening to the public, it also commemorates forty years since the decommissioning of this Grade II listed landmark. It’s a testament to the dedication and support that has made its restoration possible. Be part of this celebratory moment, immersing yourself in the captivating history and vibrant future of Battersea Power Station.
