What is Great Fire 350?
On 2 September 1666, fire broke out at a bakery on Pudding Lane. The fire raged for four days, leaving 65,000 people homeless. The speed and the ways London recovered laid the foundations for the global city we know today.
Throughout 2016, London institutions marked the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire with a season of exhibitions, concerts, lectures and tours. At the centre of this was London's Burning, a festival of arts and ideas, running from 30 August to 4 September.
Team London helped Artichoke recruit volunteers for the London’s Burning festival which is part of the Great Fire 350 programme running this autumn and winter.
On Saturday 3 September, over 26,000 breezeblocks were lined up throughout the Square Mile. Starting off at a single location, the line will split into three, each line tracing the paths of the Great Fire. Along streets, across city squares and even inside buildings, over 300 volunteers were stationed along the journey as one block tipped over the next, with each route leading to a spectacular, fiery finale.
Volunteer comments
Team London managed to capture some comments from those who volunteered at the event and here is what they had to say:
“A great multi - talented team came together to create an amazing domino road where The Great Fire of London raced through the city. Loved our church and the amazing buzz when our creation fell as planned after faultless preparation. A great team venture and the public loved it. I would do it all again! Thank you.”
“Dominoes was an amazing experience and being part of Team London has allowed me to be involved in something amazing. Thank you TL and to Artichoke Trust.”
“Team London offers a variety of events to get involved with. Some one off events, some longer commitment and some for a few hours. So easy to get involved and do something that you enjoy and do some amazing thinks for your community, city and most of all yourself. You will meet some amazing people along the way.”
The Great Fire Programme is still taking place to find out more information please see http://www.visitlondon.com/greatfire350