The milestone will be celebrated through a variety of initiatives, including guided walks, interactive art experiences, and community gatherings at the borough’s libraries.
Residents across Bromley are invited to take part in a series of special events and activities to commemorate the borough’s 60th anniversary. The milestone will be celebrated through a variety of initiatives, including guided walks, interactive art experiences, and community gatherings at the borough’s libraries.
A programme of events has been arranged throughout April and beyond, with the council encouraging local groups and organisations to contribute their own events to the commemorative schedule. Residents are also welcome to attend any of the Bromley 60th birthday parties being hosted at libraries across the borough, continuing the tradition of community engagement seen in regular library coffee mornings.
As part of the Broom Day celebrations, the Mayor will also lead a walk from an exhibition in The Glades to St Martin’s Hill to view the Broom in flower, hosted by Bromley Civic Society on 3 May. The Broom flower is where Bromley’s name originates.
Celebrating with Art and Walks
The anniversary celebrations will officially begin on Saturday, 29 March, when the Mayor of Bromley, Councillor David Jefferys, joins an interactive art trail across Bromley Town Centre. Organised by Quest Soul Theatre, this trail promises to be an engaging way for residents to explore the area and reflect on the borough’s rich cultural heritage.
“The 60th anniversary of Bromley is a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate our shared history,” said Mayor Jefferys. “I am looking forward to seeing residents at these events, and I encourage everyone to take part in the celebrations. My thanks go to the many partners and resident groups who have already contributed to this exciting programme, and I hope more will come forward with their own ideas so we can expand the festivities throughout the year.”
“I am so delighted to share this special programme with residents and hope to see many of you throughout these events, as we celebrate our borough in this milestone year of our history.”
David Jefferys, Mayor of Bromley
Another highlight of the anniversary activities is the annual Broom Day walk, hosted by the Bromley Civic Society. This year, the Mayor will lead a special walk from an exhibition at The Glades shopping centre to St Martin’s Hill, where participants can admire the Broom flower in full bloom. This plant is the namesake of Bromley and has historical significance to the area. The walk is scheduled for Saturday, 3 May, and is expected to draw a large number of participants keen to celebrate Bromley’s natural beauty and heritage.
Engaging Schools and the Wider Community
Local schools are also being invited to participate in the celebrations. One suggested activity is a ‘1965 Day’, where students will dress in period-appropriate clothing and learn about what life was like when Bromley officially became a London borough. Additionally, a children’s art competition has been launched, inviting students to design an A4-sized 60th birthday card or cake for Bromley, fostering creativity and a sense of civic pride among young residents.
To further engage the public, the council will soon release details of five town centre walks that trace the borough’s history. These walks will connect the five town halls of the District and Urban Councils that merged in April 1965 to form the London Borough of Bromley. In addition, a separate walk will be introduced in Biggin Hill, ensuring that residents in the southern part of the borough can also take part in the historic celebration.
With events spanning the entire year, Bromley’s 60th anniversary promises to be a momentous occasion, offering residents numerous opportunities to engage with their community and celebrate their borough’s legacy.
