Looking for a fun and fabulous way to kick off your Christmas? Come join us for a delightful Story Time session at the Paxton Centre on Sunday, 15th December! This event is perfect for kids from about age 1 to 7, but newborns and older children are so welcome!

It will be an hour of giggles, scribbling, and plenty of “WOW!” moments. All while you enjoy a coffee from the lovely Paxton Centre.

Who are we?

I’m Judy Skidmore from Parakeet Books. We publish sumptuous, delicious and unique picture books.

I’ll be reading a brilliant selection. Some stories are funny, some adventurous, some rhyme. All are fab and available to buy. And there’s free Christmas wrapping if you need it!

When: Sunday, 15th December, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Where: The Paxton Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AE.

Who: Kids aged 1 to 7 ish

Cost: Free but please buy something from the cafe if you can.

Following on from our great first community conversation in November, you are invited to our second gathering at the lovely Paxton Centre
As we reach the end of 2024, we thought we'd create another space for a facilitated conversation, with a chance to mingle
This event follows in the long tradition of successful community and green drinks by the transition town, but also open to being completely different !
Hear updates from some local projects
Get a chance to share what you're up to, and what you're interested in

It's a bit of an experiment to re-open our community conversations after a long-break. We welcome everyone, from new faces to old regulars. Bring an open mind and a sense of humour.

7pm for a 7.30pm start. Free admission, but if you can, please support our wonderful hosts the Paxton Centre with a drinks purchase.

We'll hear short contributions from some projects as they confirm and add them to our list here. There will be also opportunities for informal questioning.

Join us for an evening of live music featuring local musicians of Crystal Palace. Expect diverse sounds and styles with a mix of original and cover songs. On the bill are Barry Woolnough, Zoe Webster, Stange & Foreign, Simon Crafter, Tim Wright and Issabelle Greenwood.

Free entry with optional donations on the night for the musicians.

Bar from 7pm music from 8pm. See you there!

Our gallery space in December introduces the first of our themed shows and this month it is ‘Colour and Imagery of SE19’. This Exhibition hosts depictions in various art forms of our wonderful corner of South London, running until Dec 31st. Come and meet the artists, enjoy a drink and find out more about our many creative events and workshops coming up.

Exhibiting Artists are..

Jeremy Glover - Photography

“Jeremy is a Northern Irish, London based photographer, drawing on his many years experience as an award winning Art Director and Creative Director with global agency McCann. Displaying a deep understanding of composition and visual storytelling his work is inspired and influenced by many of the great artists such as Edward Hopper, Saul Leiter and William Eggleston.

He has exhibited with The Edward Hopper House (museum and original home of the artist) and group shows at The Holy Art Gallery in Hackney, Free The Gallery Crystal Palace and Artists Open House in Crystal Palace as one of the featured artists. The Friday Street Collection is a photographic homage to London. It is a celebration of her architecture, culture, community and people. It is a documentation of her buzzing street life, captured in vivid sun kissed colours. It is a story of London as seen through the eyes of a playfully optimistic street photographer.”

Brian Clements - Painting

“I moved to London and worked in various design groups and advertising agencies. In 1988 I set up my own design partnership in Covent Garden working for media clients such as Channel 4 and the BBC, along with branding themed restaurants for Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, ‘Sticky Fingers’ and Capital Radio’s Restaurant in Leicester Square. I returned to watercolour painting; over eight years ago, inspired by the british landscape for abstraction. I have entered open exhibitions at ‘The Mall Gallery’ in Pall Mall and the ‘Bankside Gallery’ on the South Bank'. I took part in the Crystal Palace Open House this year - creating the theme 'Heading to the Park' which depicts iconic heads from Crystal Palace Park”.

Gabrielle Cave - Illustration

Georgina Horsman - Drawings

“Georgina is a local artist based in Bromley, known for her distinctive line drawings and unique approach to colour. Drawing inspiration form the rich history of the area, she ofter incorporates a Victorian-era colour palette, blending soft, muted tones with precise, delicate lines”.

Nick Slim - Mixed Media

“Nick Slim is a multidisciplinary artist, working across painting, photography and digital media. Creating layers of imagery and using his photography, on the canvas or digitally, he produces complex artworks that depict or comment on contemporary culture. Inspired by the rave and pop cultures of the 90s and 00s, as well as urban cityscapes, his art invites the viewer to see through the layers and reveal their hidden message, while his attention to detail highlights the finesse of his methods and techniques.

Nick Slim studied Fine Art at the Camberwell College of Arts and Sheffield Hallam University. While studying in Sheffield, he played a major role in the documentation of the city's rave culture. Throughout his career, he worked with advertising agencies, publications and music labels. His work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and night clubs in London, especially in the city's East End at a time where art was influential to the area's urban regeneration. He has been awarded the Reece Martin Prize for painting.”

Ruth Everett - Fine Art

“I’m a local artist who takes commissions as well as creating my own work, and have been based in and around Crystal Palace for the past 10 years.

I work predominantly in oil pencil, and like to pay close attention to some of the grubbier aspects of our local environment! Every wall, building, tree or pavement has multiple elements of the past etched, sprayed, trodden in or smudged on to it and I’m fascinated by the layers of texture this creates, as well as the palpable sense of history that surrounds us”.

Hope to see you there!

This workshop is suitable for those wanting to learn something new, a fun evening out with friends, or for artists wanting to develop and continue experimenting with their practice. We have different models with short to long poses every workshop.

Materials are available, charcoal, coloured pencils, chalk pastels and paper but feel free to bring your own.

Cafe & bar on site from 6.30pm.

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

Could you do with a laugh?
Well, this lovely bunch of comedians will make sure you have one.

Join us on the last Friday of the month for a side-splitting romp through the week's news. It's in a format, not entirely disimilar to those TV panel shows, but this one is live and unedited, plus there is a bar.

Our team will bring you the freshest, topical comedy and an all-round fun night with a different line-up every month.

We’ve been gathering reviews from members of the Palace Panel Show audience. Here’s some of our favourite feedback…

“My husband and I have been to a couple of the Palace Panel Shows to meet up with friends, they were great nights, original comedy, with a fab intimate venue. Would definitely recommend to others.” Lisa from Tonbridge

“Surprisingly funny.” Sarah from Gipsy Hill

“I thought the way quotes work is that you write them then ask us if we are happy to be quoted? But from our very enjoyable evening in April, I would recommend the panel’s witty playing off each other.” Mike from Paddington
“A wonderfully convivial evening with just the right ratio of belly laughs and beer." Helly from Penge

“A volcanic blast of molten humour flowing into every orifice - bringing rapture and delight and being sure to burn the cockles of your heart!” Chris from Wallington

Come and join our 'Jelly' sociable networking at The Paxton Centre for freelancers and those working from home.

Our monthly meet-up on the last Thursday of the month starts at 11am with a 15 minute skill share talk on a relevant topic for freelancers followed by a Q&A session. This month's skill share speaker is entrepreneur and powerhouse Lou Nylander @wildflowersldn giving a talk on marketing your business.

Arrive by 10:30am to give your self time to buy a drink, meet others and grab a seat. Free entry, but please do buy refreshments from the café to support the Centre.

This drop-in co-working day is a good opportunity to meet other local freelancers and local business owners. Light-touch, no stress networking. Refreshments: tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks and lunches available all day.

Hot-desking at The Paxton Centre.

We offer hotdesking at The Paxton Centre from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm in a vibrant yet chilled environment.

Our co-working space covers 2 floors with 7 desks on our mezzanine and additional tables in our main space. All desks upstairs have electric points with USB sockets and access to plug sockets downstairs. We charge £7.50 for a 3-hour slot which includes a hot or cold drink of your choice and access to WIFI. You can double up on slots and stay for longer too. Additional hours charged at £2.50 per hour. Pre booking in advance is recommended to secure a slot. Call us on 0208 659 4701 or book via email thepaxtoncentre@gmail.com.

We are happy to announce the start of a regular monthly photography meet-up for artists and photographers in South London at the Paxton Arts Center in Crystal Palace. This group will be suitable for beginners, emerging talent and intermediate practitioners who wish to expand their photography or lens-based practice.

This group will be led and guided, yet invites self-determination and participation, with a vision for the group to develop its own goals, both personal as well as a group ambition, which could be working towards a small exhibition or a publication.
There will be taught elements, as well as ample time to bring your work-in-progress for regular feedback and group discussion. Everybody’s suggestions for particular themes that you would like us to cover are welcome.

Meetings will take place about monthly, on Wednesday evenings 7pm-9pm, (the third Wednesday of each month), with a summer and a Christmas break. In April and May there will be a seperate offer (see the seperate event 'Street Photography') Sessions can be booked individually, the fee is 20£ per session. Please see the dates below:

Wednesdays 7pm-9pm

21st February
20th March
26th June
24th July
16th October
27th November

Who can take part

Sessions are suitable for beginners as well as photographers at intermeediate level. Anybody who would like to learn more about photography is welcome to attend. We will accomodate participants' different level of experience. Support will be available to everyone as required.

What equipment do you need

Please bring your camera. This could be a digital SLR camera or a smaller camera device. A camera phone will be fine to get started. Photographers who use traditional film cameras are welcome to join, but we cannot provide a darkroom or film processing. Please bring any images or photographs that you have taken that you would like to share with the group to receive feedback.

What can you expect

· Making connections with other local photographers and artists

· A supportive atmosphere that benefits your confidence, motivation and learning

· Improving your technical skills and becoming confident in handling your camera

· Developing creative approaches to image making

· Learning more about different movements and artists in photography

· How to read and intrept photographic images

· Group and tutor feedback on your work

· Working towards an exhibition or a small publication

The fee of £20 is for one evening. Please book multiple dates to attend the series.

Artists, craftspeople, musicians, and any one in a creative field join us for a fantastic evening and opportunity to meet others working in a similar field while building a local network. Everyone is welcome to connect with other creatives.

Starting at 7pm we will meet and mingle till 8pm when we are honoured to have local artist Curtis Holder kindly offering us his expertise with a mini talk about finding your ‘route to self belief’ with a Q&A afterwards then a further opportunity to socialise.

https://www.curtisholder.co.uk/about

“Curtis Holder (born Leicester, 1968) is a London-based artist who works primarily in graphite and coloured pencil to create large-scale portraits and figurative works on paper.

Taking inspiration from intimate conversations with the people he draws, Holder’s multilayered pencil portraits are dynamically tender, emerging in a wayward series of febrile lines to reveal his subjects’ form, movement and emotional intent. Preliminary pencil marks remain on the paper as part of his energetic process of capturing fleeting gestures and emotions with sensitivity and raw honesty.

In 2020, Holder achieved widespread recognition by winning the prestigious Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year competition, with judges praising his work as “magical” and “startlingly new”. Since then, he has continued to garner critical acclaim and awards, including The John Ruskin Prize which he won in 2024. Holder has exhibited widely in the UK and in Paris. His work is held in private and public collections including the National Portrait Gallery, the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Soho House and the National Theatre where he became the theatre’s first ever artist-in-residence in 2022.” 

FREE Entry but do please register so we have an idea of numbers and support the venue by buying drinks or snacks.

See you there!

Join Artist and Printmaker Chris Richford at Paxton Centre for a fun and creative lino-cut print workshop! Learn the basics of lino-cutting and create your own unique prints on paper or gift cards. You will be able to keep your carved lino block to print with again. The number of prints you make may vary but we will make sure everyone goes home with something they are proud of!

This hands-on event is perfect for beginners and those who have tried the technique but want to gain new skills and inspiration from a teacher with 10+ years of experience! All materials will be provided, just bring your creativity and enthusiasm! Don't miss out on this opportunity to unleash your inner artist and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. See you there!

There is poetry in almost everything if we learn how to pay enough attention to the details that pass us by...

Join artist and body based therapist Tara Rai for a morning of play, creation and connection to self/other through the medium of words. No poetry experience required to join in.

Please bring a poem you like, notebook, pen and object from nature.

We will begin with some quick group exercises to get the creative juices flowing then move into a longer space of solo writing to complete.

Feel free to email tara-rai@hotmail.co.uk if you have any concerns or needs before attending.

"Come meet other local LGBTQIA+ people over coffee at the Paxton Centre in Crystal Palace for our monthly coffee social There's no set agenda - so just come as you are and have a natter!

It's a small venue so our table should be easy to find, but please ask the baristas if you're unsure as they know we're coming. The Paxton Centre is an LGBTQIA+ friendly venue by Crystal Palace station that provides a safe and inclusive space for us to get together. Looking forward to seeing you!"

‘Handmade Palace’ is thrilled to be back with our first of many Markets where you always find the best of the best in South Londons arts and crafts. Working with the Crystal Palace Park Trust we are retuning to the iconic Crystal Palace Subway which has undergone an extensive and specialist renovation. The wait is over and now it has been transformed into its beautiful and historical former glory.

We can’t wait!

You will find 40 stalls selling a diverse range of arts and craft where you get to meet and buy direct from the artist, designer and maker while importantly supporting local. In addition you get to see this beautiful atmospheric venue and get your Christmas Shopping off to a start in complete style!

Entrance to the Subway is just inside Crystal Palace Park on Palace Park Parade (behind the Bus Station) The Subway does NOT have step free access and pushchairs will need to be left at the top entrance.

Entrance to the Market is £2 for over 16yr olds.

See you there!

This workshop is suitable for those wanting to learn something new, a fun evening out with friends, or for artists wanting to develop and continue experimenting with their practice. We have different models with short to long poses every workshop.

Materials are available, charcoal, coloured pencils, chalk pastels and paper but feel free to bring your own.

Cafe & bar on site from 6.30pm.

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

A facilitated conversation, with a chance to mingle

This event follows in the long tradition of successful community and green drinks by the transition town, but also open to being completely different !

• Hear updates from some local projects

• Get a chance to share what you're up to, and what you're interested in
  
  It's a bit of an experiment to re-open our community conversations after a long-break. We welcome everyone, from new faces to old regulars. Bring an open mind and a sense of humour.
  
  Arrive from 6.30 for a 7pm start. Free admission, but if you can, please support our wonderful hosts the Paxton Centre with a drinks purchase.

British Sign Language social meetup for d/Deaf and hearing users & learners of BSL, held on the second Sunday of every month.

The venue is Paxton Centre, a café and art gallery opposite Crystal Palace train station:

Paxton Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AE
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5hRfoeeQAU6WJT3w9

We are using the ground level cafe area for the event.
Free entry, but please buy refreshments from Paxton Centre café to support our hosts. They sell coffee, tea, soft drinks, breakfast, lunch and cakes.

Hope to see you there!

Join us for an Upcycling Session at the Paxton Arts Centre and you can transform an old piece of your own furniture into something that you LOVE. 

You can bring along a small piece of furniture (no bigger than a small side table), and a small object.

It is a 3 hour session as we need to let the furniture dry. Please ask if there is anything specific you would like to learn.

You can borrow a brush for the session. £39 for the 3 hours and you will need to purchase a can of Frenchic Paint (Al Fresco or Lazy Range) from WishUponAfar.co.uk

Date:- Sunday 10th November

Time:- 12 to 3pm

Where:- Paxton Arts Centre

BOOKING ESSENTIAL 

November brings five individual artists together for a group exhibition running throughout the month. Come and see the vibrant diverse works of art, meet the artists and enjoy a drink from the bar.

Exhibiting this month are..

Rakel and Saren Weinberg - Mixed Media

Rakel and Sarah Wienberg were born in Denmark, and grew up in a small village near the sea. They were part of a big family with love, chaos, and a lot of freedom to explore. The Scandinavian sisters started early to develop a shared experience of creativity. It began as play, but developed into a way of life. 

In the early 2000s, the emerging artists moved to London, where Sarah got a BA (Hons) in sculpture from Wimbledon College of Art, and Rakel did a BA (Hons) in Film making at MetFilm School, Ealing.

Their art is a testament to the synergy of sisterhood—a shared language that transcends words. In the realm of their collaboration, playfulness is not just an aesthetic choice but a philosophy. It's a celebration of the childlike curiosity that fuels creativity and creates a space to experience joy and wonder, as well as allowing for expression of complex and dark aspects of the human emotional experience.

Paula Mary - Mixed Media

Paula is a London based mixed media artist who creates art through a journey of experimentation, exploration and discovery.  

​As a young girl, Paula emigrated with her family from Liverpool to Australia, where she grew up running wild in the open-landscapes and never-ending skyline of the Adelaide Plains.

​Paula developed her artistic ability during her time at art college and working in various creative industries. After moving back to the UK to live in London, she spent her time carving out a new career path, slowly losing touch with the artist within.

​After a late life ADHD diagnosis, Paula learnt more about herself on a deeper level and began to understand why she found it difficult to operate in a neurotypical world. After taking various art classes as a therapeutic outlet, she reawakened her passion to create and started to take her art seriously.

Carry Hornby - Chinese Brush Painting

I am a Chinese brush artist and teacher living in London. I was born in Taiwan where I developed my love for brushwork. I enjoy working with ink. My brushwork of the 'Four Noble Gentlemen' is currently featured in Ms Carry's Chinese Story Podcast & albums. Chinese Calligraphy Art promotes the practice of mindfulness for people well-being.

​I run a regular workshops and give talks at Forest Hill Library covering the Story of Chinese Words.  I also bring my calligraphy sessions to countless other venues, including schools, galleries, local libraries, community centres and church halls in South East London.

Although I am best known for working with ink in my Chinese calligraphy and brush art, I have explored other mediums including pastels, chalk, charcoal, and acrylic. Now I paint regularly at the Blackheath Art Studio. I find inspiration from nature, personal encounters, adventures, and the life experiences surrounding me. I use colours and brushes to interpret memories.

Raymond. G Taylor - Digital Art

Raymond is an author based in Kent, England. A writer of fictional short stories in a wide range of genres, he has been a non-fiction writer since the 1980s. Non-fiction subjects include art, history, technology, business, law, and the human condition.
’Culinary magic’ is the one that has been exhibited at Tate Modern. This is a photo digital montage. The others are all works that derives from digital designs skills I have used to illustrate my books and online articles, short stories and verse. These works were made by me partly to question the nature of our understanding of art. They beg the question "is it art" given their digital provenance. One could also question the nature of art generally in these works.

Irman - mixed media wall art.

Hope to see you there!

This workshop is suitable for those wanting to learn something new, a fun evening out with friends, or for artists wanting to develop and continue experimenting with their practice. We have different models with short to long poses every workshop.

Materials are available, charcoal, coloured pencils, chalk pastels and paper but feel free to bring your own.

Cafe & bar on site from 6.30pm.

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

Please join The Crystal Palace Friends of Palestine (CPFP) on 3rd November between 10 am and 1pm for their second coffee morning fundraiser for PalMusic, the UK Ambassadors for the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music (ESNCM). 

Following the last fundraiser in March, and the tragic news that the Gaza branch had been bombed, the ESNCM, with the generous support of our local communities, has developed an innovative programme to help children in Gaza cope with trauma and to continue their music education. ESNCM has also helped with the dire shortage of food, by supplying fruit, vegetables, chocolate and juice to those in need.  

CPFP will be selling traditional Palestinian sweet and savoury items, and a variety of homemade cakes. All proceeds to PalMusic UK. Please come early to avoid disappointment!

We warmly welcome back The London Mandolin Quartet for their fourth concert with us.

LMQ consists of four members of the London Mandolin Ensemble, and is the UK's only classical mandolin quartet. The quartet has a wide repertoire, ranging from Baroque to contemporary music.

Entry is free with optional donations towards the musicians.

Anna Lombardi (mandolin), Lewis Sloan (guitar), Tom Smith (guitar) and Maxine Wiltshire (mandolin) are all classically trained musicians who have studied at conservatoire level, and also with virtuoso mandolinists Dorina Frati, Carlo Aonzo, Alon Sariel, Michele de Martino, Sebastiaan de Grebber, Alison Stephens, and guitarists Laura Snowden and Adam Marec.

They have performed individually and as a quartet in the UK, USA, Germany, Spain, Japan, Hong Kong, Czech Republic, Belgium, France, Sweden, Hungary, Slovakia, Luxembourg and Italy.
www.londonmandolinensemble.org.uk
www.tomsmithguitar.co.uk

MANDOLINS AT CRYSTAL PALACE
The late 1900’s was the Golden Era for mandolins in the UK. In 1892 B.M. Jenkins became a mandolin and guitar teacher at The Polytechnic (now the University of Westminster) and at the People’s Palace (now Queen Mary, University of London).
He founded The Polytechnic and People’s Palace Mandolin Band, which performed at Crystal Palace in 1899, with 150 performers. The photo, taken on the steps of Crystal Palace during the afternoon before the concert, shows 92 members of the orchestra, before other players joined them for the evening concert.

https://www.londonmandolinensemble.org.uk/blog/bm- jenkins-musician-1868-1931

The Paxton Centre presents ‘Positively Poetic’, an immersive evening of poetry readings by 3 published poets TBC and hosted by Tara Rai and followed by an poetry open mic.

Following the readings with a q&a, we will open up the stage for a freestyle open mic so if you’ve got some poems you’re itching to share bring em with you!

Bar from 7pm - 10pm

Open Mic 7.30pm - 9.30pm

£3.50 entry

Come and join our 'Jelly' sociable networking at The Paxton Centre for freelancers and those working from home.

Our monthly meet-up on the last Thursday of the month starts at 11am with a 15 minute skill share talk on a relevant topic for freelancers followed by a Q&A session. This month's skill share speaker is Natalie De Luca. Natalie is a marketing consultant, yoga teacher & mum. With extensive experience in customer growth in the D2C & subscription space. Most recently she worked as Head of Performance Marketing for Tails.com and is currently consulting for a range of clients in the health, fitness and wellness space. Her talk will be on ‘ways to grow your business without spending money on ads’.

Arrive by 10:30am to give your self time to buy a drink, meet others and grab a seat. Free entry, but please do buy refreshments from the café to support the Centre.

This drop-in co-working day is a good opportunity to meet other local freelancers and local business owners. Light-touch, no stress networking. Refreshments: tea, coffee, soft drinks, snacks and lunches available all day.

Hot-desking at The Paxton Centre.

We offer hotdesking at The Paxton Centre from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm in a vibrant yet chilled environment.

Our co-working space covers 2 floors with 7 desks on our mezzanine and additional tables in our main space. All desks upstairs have electric points with USB sockets and access to plug sockets downstairs. We charge £7.50 for a 3-hour slot which includes a hot or cold drink of your choice and access to WIFI. You can double up on slots and stay for longer too. Additional hours charged at £2.50 per hour. Pre booking in advance is recommended to secure a slot. Call us on 0208 659 4701 or book via email thepaxtoncentre@gmail.com.

This 6 week course is designed for beginners, returning and intermediate learners.

Beginners will follow the 'Introduction to Pottery' course programme which introduces many hand building techniques. You will learn how to make a set of tiles, coil built bowls, pinch pots, lidded boxes and vases, jugs or mugs. Also we will teach you about decorating techniques and incorporated are 2 glazing sessions where you will be able to choose from a wide range of glazes.

Advanced learners are encouraged to work on your own projects using the various clays, glazes, tools and resources available. You will receive continued support, guidance and experience in order to expand your pottery knowledge.

Course fee is £240 for 15 hrs qualified tuition with materials and firing included. Book your place with a £50 deposit following the link and then £95 in week 1 and week 3.

*Refunds only 7 before days before course start date.

Course dates Tuesdays 7-9.30pm

Oct 29th

Nov 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th

Dec 3rd

Expect fun and creativity!

This course is designed to give beginners a rounded experience of pottery and the several techniques we use to create hand built ceramic pieces.

Over 6 weeks you will learn how to make a set of tiles, coil built bowls, pinch pots, lidded boxes and vases, jugs or mugs using various resources and equipment available. You will learn about decorating techniques and incorporated are 2 glazing sessions where you will be able to choose from a wide range of glazes.

"The course exceeded expectations - It's the perfect way to spend a Monday evening. Really good access to resources!" Student.

The course fee is £240 for 15 hrs qualified tuition with all materials and firing included. You can secure your place with a non returnable £50 deposit then the 2 further instalments of £95 in week 1 and 3 at The Paxton Centre by cash or card.

* Refunds only 7 days prior to the course.

6 week course dates

Mondays 7-9.30pm

Oct 28th
Nov 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th
Dec 2nd

Expect fun and creativity!

"Come meet other local LGBTQIA+ people over coffee at the Paxton Centre in Crystal Palace for our monthly coffee social There's no set agenda - so just come as you are and have a natter!

It's a small venue so our table should be easy to find, but please ask the baristas if you're unsure as they know we're coming. The Paxton Centre is an LGBTQIA+ friendly venue by Crystal Palace station that provides a safe and inclusive space for us to get together. Looking forward to seeing you!"

Could you do with a laugh?
Well, this lovely bunch of comedians will make sure you have one.

Join us on the last Friday of the month for a side-splitting romp through the week's news. It's in a format, not entirely disimilar to those TV panel shows, but this one is live and unedited, plus there is a bar.

Our team will bring you the freshest, topical comedy and an all-round fun night with a different line-up every month.

We’ve been gathering reviews from members of the Palace Panel Show audience. Here’s some of our favourite feedback…

“My husband and I have been to a couple of the Palace Panel Shows to meet up with friends, they were great nights, original comedy, with a fab intimate venue. Would definitely recommend to others.” Lisa from Tonbridge

“Surprisingly funny.” Sarah from Gipsy Hill

“I thought the way quotes work is that you write them then ask us if we are happy to be quoted? But from our very enjoyable evening in April, I would recommend the panel’s witty playing off each other.” Mike from Paddington
“A wonderfully convivial evening with just the right ratio of belly laughs and beer." Helly from Penge

“A volcanic blast of molten humour flowing into every orifice - bringing rapture and delight and being sure to burn the cockles of your heart!” Chris from Wallington

This workshop is suitable for those wanting to learn something new, a fun evening out with friends, or for artists wanting to develop and continue experimenting with their practice. We have different models with short to long poses every workshop.

Materials are available, charcoal, coloured pencils, chalk pastels and paper but feel free to bring your own.

Cafe & bar on site from 6.30pm.

Cancellations only 48 hour before event

*booking dates are not transferable

We are happy to announce the start of a regular monthly photography meet-up for artists and photographers in South London at the Paxton Arts Center in Crystal Palace. This group will be suitable for beginners, emerging talent and intermediate practitioners who wish to expand their photography or lens-based practice.

This group will be led and guided, yet invites self-determination and participation, with a vision for the group to develop its own goals, both personal as well as a group ambition, which could be working towards a small exhibition or a publication.
There will be taught elements, as well as ample time to bring your work-in-progress for regular feedback and group discussion. Everybody’s suggestions for particular themes that you would like us to cover are welcome.

Meetings will take place about monthly, on Wednesday evenings 7pm-9pm, (the third Wednesday of each month), with a summer and a Christmas break. In April and May there will be a seperate offer (see the seperate event 'Street Photography') Sessions can be booked individually, the fee is 20£ per session. Please see the dates below:

Wednesdays 7pm-9pm
16th October
20th November

Who can take part

Sessions are suitable for beginners as well as photographers at intermeediate level. Anybody who would like to learn more about photography is welcome to attend. We will accomodate participants' different level of experience. Support will be available to everyone as required.

What equipment do you need

Please bring your camera. This could be a digital SLR camera or a smaller camera device. A camera phone will be fine to get started. Photographers who use traditional film cameras are welcome to join, but we cannot provide a darkroom or film processing. Please bring any images or photographs that you have taken that you would like to share with the group to receive feedback.

What can you expect

· Making connections with other local photographers and artists

· A supportive atmosphere that benefits your confidence, motivation and learning

· Improving your technical skills and becoming confident in handling your camera

· Developing creative approaches to image making

· Learning more about different movements and artists in photography

· How to read and intrept photographic images

· Group and tutor feedback on your work

· Working towards an exhibition or a small publication

The fee of £20 is for one evening. Please book multiple dates to attend the series.

British Sign Language social meetup for d/Deaf and hearing users & learners of BSL, held on the second Sunday of every month.

The venue is Paxton Centre, a café and art gallery opposite Crystal Palace train station:

Paxton Centre, 52 Anerley Hill, London SE19 2AE
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5hRfoeeQAU6WJT3w9

We are using the ground level cafe area for the event.
Free entry, but please buy refreshments from Paxton Centre café to support our hosts. They sell coffee, tea, soft drinks, breakfast, lunch and cakes.

Hope to see you there!