Lesnes Abbey Woodland Festival

16th September 2023
Lesnes Abbey Woods Park, London Borough of Bexley

A celebration of the ancient historical woodland and 800 years of old abbey ruins, reenacting historical traditions, folklores, and costumes; inviting people of Bexley to engage with creative, nature, and art activities including woodworking workshops; natural dying sessions; litter art; floral arches and a costume parades; mindful and wildlife walks; traditional musicians and morris dancers; stories of the woods and the site’s rich heritage; a poetry competition; and an eco-market with local produce, crafts, demonstrations and plenty of options to eat and drink. 

The Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods is the official friends group for Lesnes Abbey Woods in the London borough of Bexley. It was formed in June 2021 to help support, promote and look after the woodland and abbey ruins that form the park. Since then the Friends have established walking tours of the site, supported events, held talks, organised litter picking and performed conservation and woodland crafting through its Forest Club. Most recently the Friends have successfully raised funds to install a defibrillator on the site which is a popular place for people to exercise.

Lesnes Abbey Woodland Festival is curated by the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods in collaboration with CC events, and the London Borough of Bexley; it’s commissioned by Three Rivers Bexley and funded by Arts Council England.