The famous Walthamstow band will return to the stage for Big Penny Social’s Christmas Launch Party on Friday 21st November

This festive season, Big Penny Social is turning up the cheer with a winter-long celebration to get Walthamstow and beyond into the festive spirit.
From lively bingo nights and hands-on workshops to live performances, including a special appearance from hometown heroes East 17 and the return of The Basement Orchestra, the season will culminate in a spectacular 1979-themed New Year’s Eve celebration with Norman Jay MBE and The Sound of Sister Sledge.
Festivities begin on Friday 21st November with a Christmas Launch Party that sets the tone for the season ahead as the entire site comes alive with DJs, live music, and a brand-new Christmas menu, while in the performance space, East 17 take to the stage for their special Coming Home for Christmas gig, a nostalgic, high-energy show filled with their biggest hits including Steam, House of Love, Deep and the timeless Stay Another Day.
The new Big Penny Studio will also be transformed into Walthamstow Curling Lounge, a highlight of the season, and the perfect place for some friendly competition or simply to relax with a mulled wine and soak up the atmosphere as the space is reimagined as a disco-inspired nostalgic festive lounge!
As December unfolds, Big Penny’s creative side shines with the Christmas Workshop Bazaar on 24th November and 1st December, when the Beer Hall becomes a hive of independent makers, doers and creators. From calligraphy and candle-pouring to jewellery-making and gift crafting, it’s the perfect place to find something handmade, heartfelt and a little bit unexpected.

The festive spirit continues outdoors with Big Penny’s Christmas Tree Market, where British-grown Nordmann Firs fill the Winter Garden with the scent of pine from 21 November, complete with a complimentary mulled wine or hot chocolate with every tree purchased.
The celebrations reach new heights on Saturday 6th December with Big Penny’s ultimate Christmas Party, running from 12pm until 1am in collaboration with friends and neighbours across the Blackhorse Beer Mile. Guests can enjoy free entry, live jazz and soul from Laville and his band, and an electric late-night set from the Big Penny DJs spinning house, disco and R&B.
The festive fun continues through December with the return of The Big Christmas Social, a series of all-out festive parties running on 28th November, 5th December, 12th December and 19th December.
Designed for everyone from small businesses and start-ups to groups of friends, the evenings combine fizz on arrival, a festive meal, live music, a close-up magician and plenty of opportunities to dance, drink and make merry. Add extra fun with curling in the Walthamstow Curling Lounge, or pool, darts, shuffleboard or karaoke in the vintage games hall Flukes, and you’ve got the perfect formula for a night of effortless Christmas fun.
Music lovers should also mark 7th December, when The Basement Orchestra bring their joyful show back to Walthamstow, a festive edition that will get the whole audience singing along.
Find out more and book tickets to these events here
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