On 8th December, the Bishop of London visited Soho to bless the new entrance of St Anne’s Church, which opened its newly illuminated doors to the public for the first time, following an extensive programme of refurbishment.

Addressing the congregation the Bishop joked that the old stone entrance with its iron gates had always reminded him of Wormwood Scrubs. But that the new design with plate glass doors and neon lighting, designed by students at Central St Martin’s (University of the Arts, London) expressed the confidence and vitality of the church, allowing St Anne’s to continue its role as the beating heart of the community.

Following the Bishop’s blessing the new neon sign and cross were switched on, illuminating Dean Street, whilst a church choir sang the Hallelujah Chorus in celebration. A band then led the crowd through the new entrance and into the church garden where children from the parish school sang carols and the Christmas tree lights were switched on.

Rev’d Simon Buckley, Rector of St Anne’s, said of the opening “We were so pleased that the Bishop of London was able to come down to Soho to lead the unveiling of our new entrance, which reflects all the exciting vibrancy of Soho. This has been a project long in the making, and I want to thank everyone from the architects to the contractors, and all those who donated, who helped make it a reality.”