Downham Centenary

February 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the first families moving into the Cottage Estate in Downham. To celebrate, we're providing grants for events or activities at the beginning of the centenary year.

Helios in Downham

Thursday 19 to Sunday 20 June 2025

As part of Downham’s centenary celebrations, internationally renowned artist Luke Jerram brings his spectacular installation Helios to Durham Hill from 19–22 June. This seven-metre-wide sculpture offers a breathtaking, detailed view of the sun, combining solar imagery, rippling light, and a NASA-recorded soundscape. Named after the Greek sun god, Helios invites visitors to explore the sun’s surface, including rare features like sunspots and solar flares. Co-commissioned by the National Trust, this immersive experience celebrates both cosmic wonder and community spirit, marking 100 years since the first families moved into Downham’s Cottage Estate. You can see it at
Durham Hill, near Downham Health & Leisure Centre, 7-9 Moorside Rd, BR1 5EW from
from 7am until 11pm.

Please note: In the event of high winds, Helios will need to close, please check our social media pages before travelling.

Community Environment and Landscapes

January to March 2025, various locations

Launcelot Primary School and Nursery will reinvigorate local green spaces and restore Downham to Garden City Spaces. School staff, teachers, and children will work with the local community to clean up the estate through litter picking. In partnership with The Art Academy, they will also create street art in Downham. Tutors from The Art Academy will volunteer time to work with classes to create artwork for public display. Businesses will volunteer time to discuss sustainable art.

For more details on how to get involved, contact Yashi Pilgrim, Assistant Headteacher, at admin@launcelot.lewish.sch.uk.

Downham 100 - A Youth Lens on the Past, Present and Future

February to March 2025, Elevate 100 (Ground floor, Downham Leisure Centre)

A photography project aimed at commemorating Downham's Centenary. Young people aged 16-30 will capture images that symbolize their community and hopes for the future. After a series of workshops, images will be displayed at the newly launched youth-led venue ‘Elevate 100’ in Downham Leisure Centre. The project will link up with the network of groups and organizations contributing to a year of celebrations, creating a visually compelling exhibition and zine.

Skill-building workshops will include:

smartphone photography and editing
creative zine workshop
co-creating a public exhibition and developing a printed zine

These workshops will introduce young participants to the fundamentals of photography, co-producing an exhibition and zine that celebrates Downham’s history and future aspirations.

The exhibition will launch on Thursday 27 March. For more information visit the project page: Downham 100: A Youth Lens on the Past, Present and Future.

Published on: 16/04/2025