On Thursday 4 June 2026, Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) is hosting a special community celebration at Octavia Hill’s Red Cross Garden, marking 20 years since the garden’s restoration and official reopening in 2006.
The event also honours the wider history of the garden. It was originally created in the 1880s by social reformer Octavia Hill, who secured the lease in 1886 and developed the space as a model urban garden for wellbeing, rest and community life.
Taking place from 3pm to 6pm, the free family-friendly celebration will bring together residents, schools, volunteers and visitors for an afternoon inspired by the garden’s Victorian origins and its modern role as a shared community space.
Original Opening
Originally opened in June 1888, Red Cross Garden was designed as a carefully planned green haven within a dense urban environment. Correspondence from Octavia Hill in 1887 described winding paths, lawns, flowering trees, seating under plane trees, a fountain and a small bridge over the pond. Her vision was for a space where working people could pause, rest and experience beauty in everyday life.
Restoring community
In 2006, the garden was fully restored, and subsequently reopened by Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, following extensive work led by Bankside Open Spaces Trust. The reopening brought the garden back into full community use, alongside the installation of new features including a mosaic designed by local school pupils and created by artist Suzie Balasz.
The event also acknowledges garden designer Fanny Wilkinson, one of the first professional female landscape gardeners in Britain. Wilkinson designed some of London’s earliest public gardens for working communities, and her contribution to Red Cross Garden reflects her pioneering role in the development of urban green space. Her work is increasingly recognised as foundational in the history of public landscape design and the accessibility of nature in cities.
What to expect
Visitors to the celebration can expect a lively afternoon of activities inspired by the garden’s history and character, including:
- Special guest speaker
- Traditional maypole dancing with live music and caller
- A roaming Green Man character
- Victorian costumes and heritage-themed atmosphere
- Family crafts including tissue paper flower crowns and china painting
- A “Face in a Hole” photo installation
- Planting of a commemorative Octavia Hill rose
- Refreshments including tea, coffee, elderflower drinks and cakes
- A Friends of Red Cross Garden history stall
- A commemorative booklet on the history of Red Cross Garden
- Live music throughout the afternoon
The event is expected to welcome around 150 people, including local families, primary school children, volunteers, residents and those with an interest in the history of the garden and the wider story of Southwark’s green spaces.
The celebration is being organised by staff, Friends of Red Cross Garden and volunteers from Bankside Open Spaces Trust, alongside community partners and supporters.
Special celebratory cake provided by Konditor. Event kindly funded by Southwark Council Neighbourhood Grant.
Event details
Octavia Hill’s Red Cross Garden 20th Anniversary of Restoration Celebration
Date: Thursday 4 June 2026
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Address: Red Cross Garden, 50 Redcross Way, London SE1 1HA.
Free entry: All welcome.
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