Victorian engineering marvel Crossness Engines will celebrate its 160th Birthday with a weekend of heritage and culture.
On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 April the heritage attraction will be celebrating in style with the steaming of the Prince Consort beam engine, accompanied by special talks and exhibitions, live music that recreates sounds of the Victorian era and a pop-up bar from Bexley Brewery.
Crossness Engines is the ‘Cathedral on the marshes,’ a masterpiece of Victorian engineering and a unique heritage attraction. Built to deal with London’s sewage, the site houses four enormous steam-driven beam engine pumps within an ornate engine house. Modern additions include an exhibition space, café and event spaces.
The celebration weekend is part of the #CelebratingBexley programme; the boroughs year-long celebration of arts, culture and events in Bexley. Marking a year of significant anniversaries, including the 60th anniversary of the formation of the London Borough of Bexley. The programme seeks to encourage local people and visitors to discover cultural gems in the borough where city, river and countryside connect.
Councillor Cafer Munur, Cabinet Member for Place Shaping said:
Crossness is a heritage site unlike any other in Bexley and a real hidden gem. It’s a truly awe-inspiring feat of engineering that many local people have yet to see. Crossness is celebrating its 160th birthday in the same year as the borough is celebrating its 60th anniversary and I am very pleased this special weekend of steaming and celebrations is featured in the #CelebratingBexley programme.”
Emma Jepson, Trustee of Crossness Engines Trust said:
We are thrilled to celebrate the 160th anniversary of Crossness, a testament to the dedication and hard work of our incredible volunteers. Their passion has preserved this magnificent example of Victorian engineering, ensuring its beauty and inspiration endure for future generations. Crossness is proud to be part of the #CelebratingBexley initiative, showcasing the borough’s most treasured venues.”
Tickets to the event and a range of event days throughout the year can be found at on the crossness website.