I almost forgot to mention – at our Summer Party back in August (remember the sun?), we loosely kept count of which blocks turned up in the biggest numbers. Gold stars go to Ben Jonson House with a whopping 42 partygoers, Defoe House with a respectable 35, and Golden Lane rounding out the podium with 33. We’ve already got funding
for the 2026 Summer Party, so that’s another chance to mingle, chat, and see who’s brought the best cake.
Looking ahead, you will know that the Museum of London is making a grand move from its Barbican home to the historic Smithfield Market, rebranding as The London Museum. The first phase (the General Market galleries) opens in 2026, followed by the Poultry Market building in 2028. It’s a big moment for London’s cultural scene – think of it as a glow-up for one of our city’s favourite museums. Meanwhile, the Southbank Centre will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2026, still buzzing with music, performance, and art. Clearly, 2026 is shaping up to be a banner year for culture and celebration.
On the sporty side, the 2026 TCS London Marathon is set for April 26th, with a record-breaking 1.1 million hopefuls throwing their names into the hat. Closer to home, a growing number of residents have laced up their trainers, many of them meeting and finding running company through WhatsApp Groups. You can find out more about groups like these in the Barbican Life WhatsApp Community – link on page 1).
Personally, I’m attempting the slow crawl from Couch to 5K (emphasis on the “couch”). I recently discovered Park Runs – those Saturday morning events where you can run, jog, or heroically stroll your way to a guilt-free pastry afterward. A friend of mine is so dedicated she travels the world doing them, collecting countries and alphabet
letters like it’s the Olympics for overachievers.
If you’re more of a pedal-pusher than a pavement-pounder, JoyRiders run free, guided bike rides for women – and will even lend you a set of wheels if you don’t have your own. The rides are relaxed, sociable, and a delightful way to spend a Saturday monring, complete with a halfway café stop for some well-deserved chatter, caffeine, and cake-
based motivation.
Perhaps I’m talking too much about exercise this issue- but my daughter is getting married this year, and I’m trying to get “camera-fit” before the big day. Let’s just say it’s my way of earning the mince pies I’ve already started enthusiastically sampling. Here’s to getting fit alongside plenty of festive indulgence!
Wishing you warmth, laughter, and plenty of good company this winter,
The Barbican Life Team
