Unveiling ‘Moon Bloom’: Celebrating Community and Culture

London Festival of Architecture and Sutton Council have this week unveiled the design for ‘Moon Bloom’, a temporary design installation by Adrienne Lau from Edgy Collective, supported by Successful Sutton, the town centre’s Business Improvement District.

Coming this September, the interactive garden and art installation located in Trinity Square promises to captivate and unite the diverse communities of the borough.

The ‘Moon Bloom’ draws its inspiration from the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time-honoured celebration symbolising unity, family and harmony. The installation will feature a beautifully- crafted moon gate, a traditional architectural element that serves as a circular gateway in Eastern gardens, inviting visitors to walk through and explore a lush urban garden. This garden will not only be a place of beauty but also somewhere that reflects the stories, traditions and rich culture of Sutton’s many communities.

The installation highlights the borough’s commitment to celebrating diversity. Sutton is home to a range of cultural festivals, and ‘Moon Bloom’ pays tribute to these by incorporating elements from different traditions, notably the recently established Hong Kong community in Sutton. The moon gate and garden are designed to foster community cohesion, with the full moon symbolising the gathering of people, much like the Mid-Autumn Festival that inspired it.

The design of ‘Moon Bloom’ was informed by inclusive community engagement taking the form of collective drawing and writing on a large tarpaulin canvas. Throughout July, residents were invited to share their festival experiences and feelings towards Sutton and its community. These stories and creative expressions have been woven into the final design, ensuring that ‘Moon Bloom’ is not just a visual spectacle but also a representation of the community’s collective voice.

‘Moon Bloom’ is not only a celebration of culture but also a statement on sustainability. The installation will feature a contemporary take on festive planting that are contextually appropriate, highlighting the benefits of urban growing, and enhancing biodiversity through incorporating flowers that attract moths at night. By reusing the community engagement tarpaulin, the installation will perform as a rainwater harvesting device that funnels rain into the soil and nourishes the plants.

Adrienne Lau, Edgy Collective said: “Moon Bloom’ is an exciting project to be the designer of especially because the community engagement process has allowed me to get to know the Sutton community. Their openness and generosity has inspired the design of a vibrant welcoming gateway that brings out the togetherness of Sutton. The installation also aims to highlight sustainable approaches to greening the public realm and enhancing wellbeing.”

Councillor Jake Short, Chair of Sutton’s Housing, Economy and Business Committee said: “Sutton’s diverse communities are thriving. We’re proud to play a part in showcasing what makes people’s traditional festivals so special to them and their families. Diversity and inclusion strengthen Sutton and make our borough a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family. Moon Bloom, our borough’s first moon gate and urban garden, celebrates our diverse communities and supports the local environment. I can’t wait to see the striking art feature in Trinity Square for everyone to enjoy.”

Patricia Park, Chief Executive Officer, Successful Sutton Business Improvement District said: “It will be wonderful to see this Moon Gate installed on our High Street. Its design is very much in keeping with our want to honour and recognise tradition here in Sutton but and at the same time embrace innovation and the future. The BID is delighted to support this project.”

After its month-long residency at Trinity Square, the installation will be relocated to a permanent home at a community garden in Sutton, ensuring that its legacy endures and continues to inspire.

The official launch of ‘Moon Bloom’ will coincide with the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations on 21 September 2024. Visitors are invited to experience the installation, participate in cultural activities, and celebrate the rich diversity that makes Sutton unique, starting from 2pm in Sutton Central Library, moving to the High Street at 4:30 pm until 8pm. The event will feature a variety from a food market to performances – including the Lion Rock Kids Children’s Choir, Chinese orchestra, pop dance and a mooncake-making workshop.

The Council will also be hosting other Mid-Autumn cultural celebrations on 21 September 2024 to deepen understanding of the festival's significance. This will be from 2pm in Sutton Central Library and move to the High Street at 4:30 pm until 8pm. The event will feature a food market, performances - including the Lion Rock Kids Children's Choir and Chinese orchestra - pop dance and a mooncake-making workshop. 

Sign up for the Mid-Autumn Festival events and find out more information.