Inspired by Jo Cox's belief that "we have more in common than that which divides us," The Great Get Together SE1 has become one of London's largest free community celebrations, bringing together residents, businesses, charities, artists and cultural organisations across Bankside. Over three consecutive years, CONCRETE played a strategic role in developing partnerships, creating campaigns, securing sponsorship, generating media coverage and strengthening community engagement, helping the event evolve year after year.

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2018 | Extraordinary Women of SE1

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To celebrate the opening of Marlborough Sports Garden, officially opened by Olympic gold medallist Tom Daley, CONCRETE introduced Bankside Open Spaces Trust (BOST) to the London Festival of Architecture, creating a strategic partnership that transformed the newly opened park into a vibrant cultural destination.

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CONCRETE curated, branded and delivered Extraordinary Women of SE1, a placemaking campaign centred around the London Festival of Architecture's Interpreted Identities design challenge. Bringing together leading architects, designers and internationally recognised public artists, we invited each participant to interpret the legacy of an extraordinary woman or cultural figure connected to Bankside through a series of immersive public installations.

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The campaign celebrated Mary Wollstonecraft, Fanny Wilkinson, P.J. Harvey, Mary Shelley, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Annie Besant, Bella Burge, James Barry, Women Like Alice and Octavia Hill, interpreted by Foundry & Bottle, Stephen Kavanagh Architects, Forge Architects, internationally recognised public artists The DNA Factory, Inside Out Architecture, One Works, Aros Architects, PRP, RCKa and Cove Burgess.

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Each installation was designed to be experienced rather than simply observed. Visitors could sit, swing, shelter, pause, meet friends and immerse themselves in the stories behind each extraordinary individual. Together the installations transformed Marlborough Sports Garden into an interactive outdoor gallery where architecture, public art, storytelling and community came together.

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Originally commissioned as a month long exhibition for the London Festival of Architecture, the installations proved so successful that they remained in the park for more than a year, extending their reach and community impact.

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The campaign also introduced Lendlease to Bankside Open Spaces Trust, creating a valuable relationship between one of London's leading developers and the local charity. Alongside the exhibition, Pixel Hût 3.0, designed by HUT Architecture, became a permanent feature within Marlborough Sports Garden, ensuring the project left a lasting legacy for the community.

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The campaign generated significant public engagement and media coverage, including the Evening Standard, while raising awareness of BOST, increasing footfall to Marlborough Sports Garden and demonstrating how strategic placemaking can connect heritage, culture, business and community.

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2019 | Sponsorship & Partnerships

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Building on the momentum of the previous year, CONCRETE developed a sponsorship and partnership strategy that strengthened both the event and its fundraising potential.

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Working with businesses across the Bermondsey Beer Mile, CONCRETE secured more than 1,800 donated beers, creating a significant revenue stream for BOST throughout the festival. We also secured Alabama 3 as the headline act, helping attract larger audiences, increase the event's profile and reinforce The Great Get Together SE1 as one of London's leading community celebrations.

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2020 | Keeping the Community Connected

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When the pandemic prevented live events, The Great Get Together adapted by broadcasting performances through Resonance FM.

CONCRETE supported BOST with a dedicated social media campaign, promoting the programme, showcasing performers and encouraging audiences to tune in throughout the festival. By maintaining visibility across digital platforms, we helped ensure the event continued to engage local communities, celebrate local talent and keep the spirit of The Great Get Together alive during lockdown.

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Lasting Impact

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The Great Get Together SE1 demonstrates CONCRETE's approach to strategic placemaking. We create partnerships that bring organisations together. We develop campaigns that celebrate people and place. We secure sponsorship that creates long term value. We generate media coverage that raises awareness, and we create experiences that people remember.

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More than an event, The Great Get Together became a catalyst for community connection, cultural engagement and lasting partnerships. Through strategic thinking, creativity and collaboration, CONCRETE helped transform a local celebration into a recognised cultural destination with a legacy.