An appeal for Londoners to share their stories and memories of one of London’s most iconic landmarks is underway, ahead of its 25th anniversary in June, writes Louisa Woolf.
The City Bridge Foundation, a 900-year-old charity which looks after Millennium Bridge, is seeking out individuals who were involved in its development and construction, as well as members of the public with special memories associated with the bridge.
As the quarter-century milestone approaches, the foundation is eager to gather personal accounts of unique or poignant memories connected to the bridge, whether it’s crossing the bridge on its opening day, a proposal, a special celebration, or simply a moment of reflection on the famous walkway.
The collected anecdotes will be compiled for a collection celebrating the bridge’s 25th anniversary and shared on social media.
The Millennium Bridge is one of several iconic London landmarks also celebrating their silver anniversaries, the London Eye, the Tate Modern and the Millennium Dome (now the O2 Arena) also turn 25 this year.
Work on the 325-metre bridge began in 1998, and it was the first new bridge to be built over the Thames in London for more than 100 years, connecting St Paul’s with the Tate Modern.
Around 150,000 people came to cross the Thames when the bridge was opened on June 10th 2000, and enjoy the magnificent views of the river it provides.
It was immediately forced to temporarily close due to a slight swaying motion that was particularly noticeable on its opening day with such a large footfall, earning it the nickname the ‘wobbly bridge’.
Paul Martinelli, City Bridge Foundation chair, said: “The Millennium Bridge quickly became a beloved London landmark, and its opening was a significant moment for the capital.
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“As we prepare to celebrate its 25th anniversary, we want to honour not just the structure itself, but the people whose efforts made it possible and the countless personal moments it has since hosted.
“We invite anyone involved in its creation or opening, or anyone who holds a special memory connected to the bridge, to get in touch and share their stories.”
Anyone with memories to share is encouraged to contact City Bridge Foundation by emailing [email protected], including details of their involvement or memory, and why the bridge holds significance for them.
