Brentford Bun
Brentford’s Big Draw and leisure-centre plans
Published Thursday 1 October 2026
Make art in Market Place, see what’s next for the leisure centre, and plan walks, theatre and live Wurlitzer music.
Top Updates
Design team appointed for new leisure centre
AECOM and Faulkner Browns Architects will develop the design and technical plans for a replacement Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre. Early ideas include modern pools with moveable floors, water play, a larger gym, sports hall and community spaces, with another round of public engagement planned for October and November. The current centre remains open as normal, with no closure date set.
Brentford hosts its first Big Draw
Local artists from Johnson’s Island are leading free workshops in traditional and experimental drawing at Great West Gallery, 10 Market Place, from noon to 5pm on Saturday 3 October. The Big Draw is free but advance registration is requested.
Brentford Gate closes for two days
Kew Gardens’ Brentford Gate is closed on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 October during renovation work. Victoria and Elizabeth gates remain available, and the Gardens are open from 10am to 6pm, with last entry at 5pm. Check Kew’s planned closures before travelling.
Dates For Your Diary
Wednesday 14 October to Sunday 1 November
Jekyll and Hyde comes to Boston Manor House
The Arts Centre Hounslow stages Jack Fairey’s new intimate adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s gothic story inside the house. Tickets cost £13.50–£19; see performance times and book Jekyll and Hyde.
Friday 16 October to Sunday 1 November
Halloween trail returns to Kew Gardens
A 1.5km illuminated trail brings live actors, fire performers and three scare levels to Kew after dark. Timed entry starts from 6pm before the clocks change and from 4pm afterwards; adult tickets start at £19.50 and children’s tickets at £14. Compare sessions and prices.
What's On
Thursday 1 October
Fashion students present designs at Boston Manor, 6–9pm · free. JCA London Fashion Academy students present work at Boston Manor House in a free evening event. Check the current Boston Manor programme before setting out.
Saturday 3 October
Draw the geometry of plants at Boston Manor, 10am–4pm · £18–£32. This day workshop explores the patterns and proportions found in plants through observational drawing. Materials are included; see workshop details and ticket options.
Walk the canal from Boston Manor to Osterley, 11am–12.30pm · free. Meet at Boston Manor House’s front portico at 10.50am for a friendly 90-minute walk through the park and along the Grand Union Canal to Osterley Park. The group is limited to 15 and suits any ability; email the venue to join the free walk.
Monday 5 October
National Gallery pictures arrive at Boston Manor, From noon · free. Reproductions from the National Gallery collection go on display around the house for the Art History Festival, open noon–5pm through Sunday 11 October. No booking is needed for the free Art on Your Doorstep display.
Dance to the Mighty Wurlitzer, Afternoon · booking required. Matthew Bason plays the Musical Museum’s cinema organ for its Music4you Mondays tea dance. Check the museum’s current event programme for times, prices and booking.