A major conservation and community engagement project at West Norwood Cemetery has officially drawn to a close this summer, marking the end of a six-year initiative funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The West Norwood Cemetery Heritage Project, delivered in partnership by Lambeth Council and the Friends of West Norwood Cemetery, has brought new life to one of London’s most historic burial grounds.

Launched to preserve and celebrate this Grade II* listed site - one of London’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ cemeteries - the project has seen the restoration of key monuments, improvements to paths and access points, and the development of a wide-ranging public programme of tours, educational workshops and community events.

To celebrate the completion of the project, a ten-day creative arts festival, Illuminate, took place in early June 2025. The festival featured exhibitions, installations, storytelling and performances across the newly restored cemetery grounds. Highlights included the ‘Museum of the Moon’ by artist Luke Jerram and two group exhibitions - ‘Curious Lore’ and ‘Gathering the Commons’- hosted in the renovated St Stephen’s Chapel and new Visitor Centre.

Over the course of the project, hundreds of local residents engaged in history walks, open days, craft workshops and school sessions - helping to embed the cemetery more firmly in the life of the community. More than 40 listed structures have been protected and made more accessible for future generations.

While the formal project has ended, Lambeth Council and the Friends of West Norwood Cemetery will continue to build on its legacy. A year-round programme of guided tours, public events and volunteer opportunities will help ensure the site remains both a heritage landmark and a community asset.

For more information, visit: www.westnorwoodcemetery.org