"Biscuit Town" residents relive the glory days of the Garibaldi
Published 20 March 2010
Baking, partying and shopping will be the order of the day for Bermondsey residents, who are invited to come down to the Blue to celebrate the makeover at the John Bull Arch, the installation of a new art project and the new stalls at the Blue market.
The aroma of sugar, chocolate and other lovely ingredients will once again be thick in the air, with biscuit baking - and tasting - workshops put on by Aspire Creativity, to celebrate the Peek Frean factory, creators of the world famous Garibaldi, Twiglet and Bourbon.
Cllr Paul Kyriacou, executive member for environment and South Bermondsey ward councillor, said:"This is going to be a fantastic day for all. It's all about local families celebrating the history of the area as well as what will be a prosperous future, with a revitalised shopping area and exciting public art.
"It's fitting that we hold the celebration in honour of Peek Frean, makers of the Queen's wedding cake, but perhaps more importantly, the Garibaldi. The factory may have closed down 21 years ago, but local people are very proud of their link to such a well known name - and chomping away to biscuit delights is the best way to celebrate this heritage."
The Blue market will have its new stalls on display, paid for through the council's Cleaner Greener Safer money. Also to be unveiled is a new art project based on the famous biscuit shapes. The South Bermondsey Partnership and Southwark Council commissioned local community arts group, Art in the Park, to transform John Bull Arch, a gateway to the Blue.
Also funded by Cleaner Greener safer money, the art project was based on the designs of students from the City of London Academy and the Southwark's Senior Creative Network.
