Laura Reynolds

Everything You Need To Know About London's Burning And Great Fire 350

Marking the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London was never going to be a damp squib. London's Burning is a crackling, sorry, cracking, series of events taking place over the anniversary week — exploring different aspects of the fire. It's part of the Great Fire 350 events.

St Paul's Cathedral burns in the Great Fire of London 1666. Picture: St Paul's

What is London's Burning?

London's Burning is a series of events taking place to mark the 350th anniversary of the Great Fire of London. It's been put together by Artichoke, the same people behind the impressive Lumiere Festival earlier this year, so we're expecting great things.

What can I see at London's Burning and Great Fire 350?

The programme consists of several events including exhibitions, art installations, performances, walks, talks, lectures and more. There's too much for us to cover here, so take a look at the full programme.

A previous Fire Garden by Compagnie Carabosse. Photo: Vincent Muteau

What should I see at London's Burning and Great Fire 350?

It's a big event, and seeing everything would take some dedication. With that in mind, we've picked what we reckon will be the top five things to see and do:

London 1666

In what we think will be one of the biggest events of the festival, the public will be able to watch a 120m wooden sculpture of London set alight on the Thames. London 1666 is a carving of the 17th century London skyline. Takes place on the River Thames between Blackfriars and Waterloo Bridges, 4 September, from 6pm

Dominoes

Thousands of breeze blocks will be lined up, dominoes-style, in the Square Mile. When the first one is tipped, the route will split into three, following the paths the Great Fire took through the City. Takes place at three routes through the City, 3 September, set up from 3pm, starts 6.30pm

Fire Garden

The front lawn of the Tate Modern will be transformed into a Fire Garden, with burning structures and flickering candles, accompanied by live music. Free, Tate Modern, 1-3 September, 8pm-11pm

Underwater ballet

It's not all about fire as there will be a water based piece just outside Liverpool street station. It's a look at a different type of disaster, a comment on rising water levels and how climate change is affecting populations around the world. Trained free divers will perform graceful moves inside a water tank that fills and drains over time. We've already had a sneak peek and it's mesmerising. Free, Exchange Square, Broadgate. 1-4 September, 5-10pm.

St Paul's on fire

The outside of St. Paul's dome will be set ablaze in a crackling display organised by Tim Farrell. Flames will be projected on to the dome as if it's actually alight. Free, St. Paul's, 1-4 September, dusk-11pm.

St Paul's Late Opening

Perhaps one of the most famous symbols of the Great Fire, St Paul's Cathedral is staying open late on two evenings. The public will be able to take photos inside the atmospherically lit building, and get a closer look at objects which were scorched in the fire, £10, book in advance, 2 & 3 September

Great Fire Forensics

Fire investigator Peter Mansi talks through the forensics of the Great Fire, at the Museum of London. How would events have turned out differently if modern science and technology were available back then? Free, book in advance, 7 September

St Paul's Cathedral will be open late. Photo: Silvia Mick/St Paul's.

When is London's Burning and Great Fire 350?

London's Burning takes place predominantly 30 August-4 September 2016, although some Great Fire 350 events take place outside of these dates, with some of the exhibitions running for many months — check programme for details.

Where is London's Burning and Great Fire 350?

The Great Fire 350 events take place at several venues in and around the Square Mile, including Museum of London, Guildhall Library and St Paul's Cathedral.

It also extends outside of the Square Mile, with events taking place on South Bank, at Chelsea Physic Garden, and at the Royal College of Physicians.

Is London's Burning and Great Fire 350 free?

The majority of events, including most of the exhibitions, are free. However, there is a charge for some events, such as some of the talks and tours and performances.

Do I need tickets for London's Burning and Great Fire 350?

For the majority of events you don't need a ticket — just turn up. However, for the walks, talks, and some of the performances, you'll need to book in advance. Some have sold out already, so get in quick.

For more information see the London's Burning and Great Fire 350 website.