Our #loveyourlocalarches campaign is returning this summer and we’re aiming to make this year’s activities bigger and better, to help the businesses beneath our famous railway arches, recover from the pandemic.
On Saturday, 3 July 2021, The Arch Company’s #loveyourlocalarches campaign culminated with ARCH DAY 2021. Celebrating the diverse and brilliant businesses who call our railway arches home, the day was supported by The Arch Company, who offered match-funding grants of up to £2,500 to help tenants make the most of the occasion.
ARCH DAY 2021 was a hit in person and on social media, with a national series of events take place including:
- Salford’s Chapel Walks Arch Day Fest – a flagship event, this picnic party served fresh beers courtesy of Manchester Union Brewery and Beer Nuveau, with BContours celebrating the power of barre, afternoon teas and live DJ, as well as Mayor of Salford Paul Dennett visiting to show his passion for backing local businesses.
- Huddersfield: Hoults wine merchants and Kwas Bar raised a glass to Vine-A-Duct Street, with wine tasting throughout the day
- Newcastle-upon-Tyne:
- UpSide Down Presents hosted Side by Side with local neighbours Souvenirs upon Tyne and Coffee on the Side. The trio ran special offers and created a decked ‘Yarden’ for passers-by to enjoy.
- Prima Restaurant’s free-flowing brunch made the most of their new outside space.
- Centred Chiropractic LTD’s Spinal Assessment Day showcased their services whilst also helping their community with free medical advice.
- Sheffield:
- Hell’s Kitchen Diner transformed into Hell’s Art Arch, with live graffiti artists and delicious dishes for guests.
- Chapeltown Tap House & Gin Bar hosted Chap Tap Art & Food Exhibition. Artist Luke Horton’s Sheffield-themed artwork was available to buy, and restaurant Butcher & Catch served up specials.
- Worcester: The Worcester Brewing Company’s Worchester Arches Festival brought fellow arch businesses and local artisans together for a full day of live music, fresh food, arts, crafts and locally brewed beers.
- Leamington Spa: Archway’s Drum School offered complimentary lessons with local musicians.
- Kent:
- Canterbury: Platform’s Yard Day celebrated artists from the arch community with demonstrations and talks.
- Folkstone: Michael Hogben Art Gallery’s Open Day – and 100 new artworks – was hosted by comedian Vic Reeves.
- Bath: ‘Imagined City’ by the Collaborative Design & Build team explored co-design workshops themed around the city of Bath.
- London:
- Brixton: Little Black Pants Club hosted a pedal-powered Sweat Shop event, highlighting slow fashion.
- Southwark: Wawa restaurant’s Japanese street food extravaganza was a treat.
- Southwark: Moor Beer Brewery was open for brewery tours and tastings.
- Wandsworth: the Loft Pilates Studio threw their doors open for free sessions.
- Bermondsey: skatepark Hop Kitchen celebrated skateboarding with special lessons for all ages.
- Tower Hamlets: KO Community Projects’ Open Day in Bethnal Green celebrated their incredible array of activities – with a bake sale to boot.
We’re always here to celebrate local arches. For more information about the #loveyourlocalarches campaign and #ARCHDAY2022, please email us at thearchco.comms@thearchco.com.
Below are some case studies about our existing tenants who took part in Arch Day 2021.
Bryter Digital, Kent
Canterbury web design and digital development company Bryter Digital will launch its new outdoor space on Arch Day 2021.
The company moved into their space on St Dunstan’s Street in Canterbury in July 2020. On Arch Day guests will get the first chance to see how they have transformed its 50-metre outdoor yard. Part of the building dates to the 15th Century and while the company’s team of web designers use the offices upstairs, owner Jack Dent has re-opened the shop “Platform” at ground level for local artists and makers to sell their work. On Arch Day the outside space will be transformed into a trade market for the artists and fashion designers they support to sell their wares to the public.
Find Out More
The Loft Pilates Studio, Wandsworth
Based in Southwest London, The Loft Pilates Studio will be hosting a series of special introductory classes – with guests encouraged to bring a friend for free – to celebrate Arch Day on the 3rd July. Visitors can speak to the expert team at the studio and learn more about the world of reformer Pilates too.
Founded by Sarah Jacobs, Sarah wanted to offer Pilates classes that focused on client experience, rather than numbers. Having honed her experience working for bigger competitors, Sarah decided to open a private studio that offered intimate, people-focused classes tailored to each student. The studios have garnered an impressive client list including The Welsh National Rugby Team, London Wasps and Harlequins Rugby Clubs, and professional racing car drivers.
Find Out More
Upside Down Presents: Side By Side
Quirky gift and souvenir shop UpSide Down Presents in Newcastle-upon-Tyne will host a special event to mark Arch Day 2021 on 3 July.
The shop, which opened in early 2014 after local resident Sean Gerrie invested all his life savings into starting up the business, is located at 61 Side, at the bottom of Dean Street.
Find Out More
Little Black Pants Club, Brixton
Founded by Alice Holloway, Little Black Pants Club is based in Arch 42 Nursery Road in Brixton. A business that is all about community, it offers made to measure, ethical and affordable lingerie, handmade by their small and highly skilled team in south London.
To celebrate Arch Day on the 3rd July, Little Black Pants Club will be hosting a Sweat Shop event, where they will set up a micro-production line on the street, where sweatshirts will be chalked, cut and handsewn right there.
Find Out More
Ballet Contours, Manchester
Heather Mae Boulton started her business in April 2018 with only £1.86 in her pocket. Just over a year on, Ballet Contours has become a popular fitness studio for Mancunians who are seeking a full workout for mind, body and soul.
Find Out More
