 Your Clerkenwell Update
 New artistic hub to open in Clerkenwell in 2026
We're so excited to announce that the new Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration, partly funded by us, will be opening in Clerkenwell!
The centre is set to open in May 2026, bringing culture, learning, business, creativity, and joy to our borough.
Things to get excited about:
- free exhibitions and a library of illustrated books
- green spaces with seasonal planting and biodiversity
- inclusive recruitment and volunteering opportunities
- fully accessible facilities with tactile maps, sensory toys, and changing places toilet
- a welcoming hub for families, schools and community groups
- a café and shop supporting local makers
 St James Clerkenwell play space improvements
We are committed to building a greener, healthier borough and improving our parks and green spaces for residents.
We are planning improvements to the St James play area and want to hear your thoughts about how you currently use the space and what changes you would like to see in the future.
Don't miss the chance to shape your local spaces, the survey closes Friday 12 December.
 Finsbury Winter Warmers events are back
We have an exclusive offer for you to join us at Islington Heritage’s Finsbury Winter Warmers, an exciting 8-week programme starting in January, featuring over 40 events across more than 14 venues. All events are free and refreshments are provided. We look forward to welcoming you!
Events are exclusive to local residents and so you will need a password to book, please use the password: WinterWarmers4.
These events are really popular, so to ensure people in your community can access these free events, please do not share the link and password with anyone who isn't local.
Bookings will open soon, so keep an eye on Eventbrite and book your spot.
 We're coming together to discuss Design Week in Clerkenwell
Islington’s parks service would like to invite residents to a community meeting to discuss Clerkenwell Design Week 2026.
The meeting will be held at the Peel Centre on Tuesday 27 January at 6pm.
The aim of the meeting is to present and discuss plans with residents ahead of next year’s event in May, and hear about any issues or concerns that local residents may have about the impact on the parks.
For more information, reach out to Eremira.
 Festive events and winter reading challenges at Finsbury Library
Festive events include:
These are drop-in events, so just head down to the library to join in on the fun.
Children can also get involved in the Winter Reading Challenge, that kicks off at Finsbury library on Saturday 6 December from 11am–4pm with a fun day of crafts, stories and face painting!
To complete the Winter Reading Challenge, encourage your child to borrow and read 3 or more books between Saturday 6 December and Sunday 18 January to earn their special certificate.
Reading challenge for adults
Read six books, magazines, recipes, or letters. After finishing each book review them in your personal Reading Ahead Reading Diary and work towards receiving a certificate of achievement. Ask library staff for details.
Join the challenge at Finsbury Library any time from now until April. We will invite all participant to a celebration event in May.
 Resurrection: The Art and History of Bunhill exhibit at Islington Museum
In 2022, the Bunhill Heritage project invited print-maker Georgie Fay, metalworker Jacky Oliver, and sound artist Jamie Turner to bring the stories of the tradesmen, dissenters, artisans, and radicals who lived, worked, and were buried in Bunhill Ward to life.
Resurrection presents their artworks alongside their inspirations, motivations, and methods, and debuts three new retrospective artworks.
Visit Islington Museum to discover these never-before-seen artworks, and to explore the ward’s transformation from empty fields to a lively inner-city hub. The exhibit is open now until Friday 13 March. Free for everyone.
 Free Swimming for people aged 60+
Is it ever too late to discover the joy of swimming?
We’re working with Better to offer free swimming lessons for local people at Ironmonger Row Baths aged 60+ for a limited time only.
Whether you’re a complete beginner or just want to build confidence in the water, these sessions are designed to help you stay active and connected.
Better Get Together
The Better Get Together 60+ sessions provide an opportunity to take part in a variety of social sports in a friendly environment. From dominoes, table tennis, short mat bowls, badminton and short tennis, there's something for everyone. All for just £2.80.
Head down to Finsbury Leisure Centre on Wednesday’s 10.30am–12.30pm.
Booking can be made on the day at reception.
 Christmas comes to Clerkenwell
On Friday 13 December, St James' Church in Clerkenwell Close EC1R 0EA will be hosting Christmas comes to Clerkenwell.
A fun adventure through the Christmas story, with live animals, actors and a Christmas cafe!
Booking will be open soon.
Have a flick through the St James Church website for other festive events like carolling and christingle service.
 Support local families and donate toys, books or vouchers
The Peel Institute are collecting new, unopened toys, books and gift vouchers to buy toys for local families with children aged 5–13 years old.
You can drop off your donation at Peel Institute Three Corners Centre Northampton Road EC1R 0HU, Monday to Thursday 10am–3pm.
You can also join the Peel Institute for a cosy daytime New Year’s Eve celebration on Wednesday 31 December 11am–1.30pm, with tea, coffee, hot chocolate, or even a glass of bubbles! Their usual food pop-up will be running, and hot food will also be on offer.
 Shop locally this Christmas
You don’t need to leave Clerkenwell to find great gifts and cosy places to spend time with family and friends this festive season. Exmouth Market is bursting full of great restaurants, cafés and stalls.
Support local business and vendors and head down to Exmouth Market for some festive fun!
 Become a Set Ready trainee and work on film sets in Islington
The Islington Film Office works with many of your favourite London based TV shows, so you may have spotted your area on screen. St John’s Street has been particularly featured in the acclaimed Apple TV spy thriller ‘Slow Horses’.
Set Ready trainees were able to work on the past season as location marshals. Set Ready supports the local community and offers a training and employment programme that supports the next generation of film and tv talent.
If you want to find out more, head to the Set Ready website, where you can find information about their upcoming courses.
 Check out the new tree map and learn about trees in Clerkenwell
Ever wondered what species that tree on your street is, or how old it is? Have you noticed a problem or issue with a tree in Clerkenwell that you want to tell us about?
Our tree map allows you to click on the map to show a specific tree, find out information or alert us to an issue. It will also show you suitable locations for planting trees if you would like to sponsor a tree.
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