Kingston First

🌿 Following on from the roaring success of the Chimp Trail last year, we are pleased to welcome internationally acclaimed artists Gillie and Marc back to Kingston for a brand new public exhibition in the town centre 🌿 'Wild Kingston' features nine giant wildlife-inspired sculpture that prompt discussion about conservation efforts and raise awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species. They are placed along Clarence Street as a public art gallery, offering an interactive trail that encourages visitors to connect with their surroundings in the town centre. The exhibition is free to the public and will be an ideal activity for families, art enthusiasts, and those passionate about conservation. Discover all 9 sculptures in this video on our Instagram here - https://lnkd.in/eBttq9Fi Shareena Merzi, Director of Communications and Corporate Development at Kingston First, said: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with Gillie and Marc once again to bring ‘Wild Kingston’ to life in the town centre. This exhibition not only raises awareness about wildlife conservation but also breathes new life into Kingston’s public spaces, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with art in an accessible, interactive way. By activating the town centre with these beautiful sculptures, we hope to inspire meaningful conversations, foster community connections, and make Kingston an even more vibrant and welcoming place.” Gillie and Marc, award-winning artists of the ‘Wild kingston’ sculptures said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be returning to Kingston upon Thames with our new collection of sculptures, following the incredible success of our ‘Chimps are Family' exhibition. This upcoming exhibition is one of our most exciting yet, featuring some of our most interactive pieces, including our iconic Dogman and Rabbitwoman, alongside sculptures of the world’s most endangered species. Kingston has a special place in our hearts, and we can’t wait to share this collection with the community, bringing awareness to wildlife conservation in a way that connects and inspires people of all ages.”

We are thrilled to be working with Kingston Charitable Foundation as our Christmas charity partner! It is a great opportunity for the charities that they support to raise vital funds and spread the word about the work they do. Find out more below.

“The redesign of Kingston’s Memorial Gardens by Kingston-based landscape architects DAVIES WHITE LTD prioritises both heritage preservation and modern accessibility through an inclusive and participatory design process.” “Known for their expertise in heritage landscapes (past clients including the National Trust, English Heritage and the Historic Royal Palaces), DAVIES WHITE LTD collaborated with Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and Kingston First over the past year to develop plans that respect the garden’s historical significance while enhancing its usability for contemporary needs.” “Their approach involved extensive engagement with stakeholders, including local communities and businesses, through workshops and public consultations. This process allowed them to gather valuable input and establish shared design principles. Key elements of the redesign include preserving heritage features like the existing war memorial, Anne Frank tree and Holocaust memorial tree, improving circulation pathways, incorporating accessible seating, an avenue of blossom trees and planting resilient and colorful perennial peat free mixes to enhance the garden’s ecological and aesthetic value.” “The co-design methodology not only respects the garden’s commemorative purpose but also introduces elements for broader community enjoyment, such as playful natural features, improved lighting, and spaces for seasonal events. The redesign aims to create a space that balances memory, inclusion, and vibrancy, ensuring its relevance for current and future generations.” “The scheme is currently progressing through the planning permission process, with construction expected to begin in spring 2025 and the new gardens scheduled to open to the public by summer.” Join Adam as he talks through the design in the film, and click this link to learn more from Kingston Council: https://lnkd.in/ejMPej3G Special you to Marian Boswall from MBLA Ltd, Archie Shirley-Beavan & Mark Mawby from Graphic Structures, Duncan Chilvers from NDLA Ltd and to Bruce Lovelock from SRC Ltd for their patience, consultancy support and generous advice. #memorialgardens #kingstonuponthames #chooselandscape #parksandgardens British Association of Landscape Industries Landscape Institute Landpro Limited Society of Garden Designers (SGD) Garden Media Guild Kingston University Kingston Chamber of Commerce Kingston Hub Duncan Chilvers Kirsten Henly Anne Parkin Anne Jennings Royal British Legion Historic England Tim Naylor Kirsten Henly Nicola Nardelli Yogan Councilor yoganathan Yogan M Yoganathan MBE Elizabeth Green

Christmas in Kingston officially launched yesterday, with the lights switched on, Market open and the town ready for a magical Christmas. There is plenty to discover this year as we look to build on the experience and attract more visitors to Kingston over the busy festive period. Here is a few of the exciting new additions for this year: 🎅 The Nutcracker Trail - designed to appeal to families, this offers a free and fun activity that will help them explore different pockets of the town. The first 300 participants will receive a bespoke wooden tree decoration, and once they've posted their completed trail map through the post box in the ancient market place to be in with the chance to win a hamper filled to the brim with goodies from a wide array of Kingston businesses. 🎅 New bespoke lighting - we have a brand new light installation this year which you will not to be able to miss, a giant light-up Kingston sign. Perfect for a snap! 🎅 Arts & craft stall - free Christmas-centric arts and crafts activities for all, taking place every Saturday, 2-4pm until Christmas in the Ancient Market Place. 🎅 Partnership with Kingston Charitable Foundation - we are pleased to be partnering with Kingston Charitable Foundation over the festive period. From 16 November - 23 December, each Friday to Sunday, different charities organised by the Foundation will host a pop-up stall in the Makers Market at Memorial Square. Its a great chance for people to support and discover the vital work these charities do in and around Kingston. And of course, all the parts of CHristmas in Kingston that are already favourites have returned: 🎄 Traditional Christmas Market - returning this year with a big and better selection of stalls offering everything from artisan food to hand-made gifts. 🎄 Live music stage - the stage is back bringing the festive fun with live music from local artists and community acts. 🎄 Bar and food stalls - whether you need to recharge, warm up or want to just take it all in. You can stop for a drink or some food from a huge variety of vendors. Find out more about all things Christmas here - https://lnkd.in/ernBUivH

Good news! The Kingston First Town Centre Community Fund is officially open again for applications with an expanded £30,000 pot. After a successful pilot year, the fund returns with money available to not for profit, charity or voluntary organisations (however, other types of organisations are welcome to apply, including businesses or individuals, as long as they can demonstrate they meet the criteria) to encourage and support ideas and projects that have a positive impact on the town centre, support local businesses and promote positive community engagement. In a nutshell we’re open to projects and activities that can be delivered in the town centre by the end of December 2026 that fit the criteria. This could be an event, a trail, artwork, performances, community project, service or operational support, or something else (the only limit is your imagination). Applications have opened today, and will officially close on 31st January 2025, with the money being allocated by 31st March 2025. Find out more and apply by visiting our website - https://lnkd.in/d4dPavpw Please don't forget to share with your networks and anyone who you think would like to apply.

⏳ Christmas in Kingston will officially launch in just over two weeks time! ⏳ We have been busy, working hard to create an ever-evolving, exciting Christmas offer for visitors. All to drive footfall across the vital Golden Quarter and create a unique and memorable experience for those visiting in this period. We have some exciting new things coming to Kingston this Christmas: 🎄 Nutcracker Trail that will invite families to explore every corner of the town, finding all of the Nutcrackers. The first 300 trail-goers will receive an exclusive wooden tree decoration, and everyone will be entered into a draw to win a Christmas Hamper stocked with items from some of Kingston's businesses 🎄 'KINGSTON' light installation, providing another fantastic photo opportunity that celebrates the town 🎄 Arts & crafts stall, where the kids can show off their artistic side in a fun, festive setting Plus, the Market, bar, live stage and decorations will all return, helping to keep Kingston as one of the top Christmas destination in London. We will be promoting it extensively to bring people into Kingston over the festive period, as well as attract new visitors from surrounding areas who may not have visited as Christmas. This will include via social media on our consumer channels, local magazines, press coverage, in-town advertising and more. You can see an exclusive sneak peak at this years promotional campaign below!

Are you or someone in your network experienced at delivering unique events and experiences that create a wow factor and get people coming back for more? If that resonates with you, read on... We are thrilled to announce a fantastic opportunity to work with us to create and deliver unique and interactive Christmas experiences in Kingston town centre for 2025 and beyond. We want to excite locals and new visitors alike providing a mix of fee paying and free activities during the day and evening over a six week period. If you are an events or experience provider with a background in delivering a wide range of Christmas experiences in public outdoor spaces such as town centres and/or historically significant locations please have a read of the tender opportunity which provides more detail on what we are looking for and how to apply. The deadline for proposals is: 5pm 4 November 2024. For more info and to apply, please click below. We look forward to hearing from you. https://lnkd.in/eebEBKjM

It's 20 years since legislation was introduced which kicked off BID's in the UK. The number of BIDs has now grown to over 340, and currently they invest £152m in local economies across the country They to support investment in towns and cities at a time when public sector funding has been impacted by budget cuts. Kingston First was, of course, one of the first BID's in this country, and we look forward to celebrating our 20 year anniversary with our members next year! The BID Foundation #businessimprovementdistricts #placemaking

We are currently recruiting for new directors to join Kingston First’s voluntary board. Please share it with your networks! We’re looking for people who are passionate and knowledgeable about supporting Kingston town centre and its organisations and businesses. Being a Kingston First director is a great opportunity to be part of a small dedicated team to shape our work and make a difference in Kingston, alongside developing your leadership skills and experience. We’re particularly looking for senior professional skills and experience in the areas outlined below: 🟣 Security and business resilience service delivery or planning 🟣 Legal, finance or risk management expertise 🟣 Not-for-profit and charitable leadership We are committed to ensuring our board reflects the diversity of Kingston town centre, and we welcome and encourage applications from all backgrounds and particularly under-represented groups. To apply or have an informal chat out more about the role contact our Chief Executive, Kirsten Henly, kirsten.henly@kingstonfirst.co.uk or 020 8547 1221. The deadline for applications following initial conversations is 9am, Friday 25th October. #opportunity #placemaking #towncentres

Are you or someone in your network experienced at delivering unique events and experiences that create a wow factor and get people coming back for more? If so read on..... We are excited to announce an amazing opportunity to work with us to create and deliver unexpected and interactive Christmas experiences in Kingston town centre for 2025 and beyond. We want to excite locals and new visitors alike providing a mix of fee paying and free activities during the day and evening over a six week period. If you are an events or experience provider with a background in delivering a wide range of Christmas experiences in public outdoor spaces such as town centres and/or historically significant locations please have a read of the tender opportunity which provides more detail on what we are looking for and how to apply. The deadline for proposals is: 5pm 4 November 2024. For more info and to apply, please click below. We look forward to hearing from you. https://lnkd.in/eebEBKjM #christmas #events #tenderopportunity