Wikimania:Expressions of Interest/2024/London, UK

Expression of interest: United Kingdom

Abstract/description

London hosted Wikimania in 2014. It was the most highly attended Wikimania ever, and was a big success. For the team it was a life changing event, and we enjoyed organising it a lot!

2024 will be the ten year anniversary, and the role that Wikimedia plays in the world has evolved significantly in the intervening decade. We would be excited to host the community in London once again. Much of the logistical information in our original bid still stands, though there are two significant changes:

• London completed construction of the Elizabeth Line, a new train line that conveniently goes directly from our main international airport to the proposed venue.
• The UK left the European Union, but EU, EEA and Swiss citizens are still able to travel to the UK for holidays or short trips without needing a visa.

Organizers

• Edward Saperia (Wikimania 2014 conference director)
• Aisha Brady (Wikimania 2014 comms)

Requirements

Venue + lodging

• We propose to use the same venue as last time, The Barbican Centre.
  • The Barbican is an international arts and learning centre, pushing the boundaries of all major art forms including dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. The centre houses a concert hall, theatre, cinemas, art galleries, the largest conservatory in Central London plus fully equipped conference facilities.
  • It has made substantial environmental commitments, including aiming for Net Zero Carbon across all building and on-site operations by 2027 (awarded Most Sustainable Venue at the London Venue & Catering Awards in 2019 and 2021)
  • There are many accommodation options in the direct vicinity of the venue. Additionally, the proximity of the Elizabeth Line trains allow attendees a greater choice of area in which to stay, while remaining able to reach the venue within 20 minutes.

Travel + visas

• Elizabeth Line provides direct access from Heathrow Airport to Moorgate, the closest Underground station to the Barbican Centre. London City, Stansted, Gatwick, Luton and Southend Airports are all conveniently connected to the centre of London by public transport.
• The entire city is well-connected by accessible and affordable public transport.
• Visiting the UK as an EU, EEA or Swiss citizen
• Standard Visitor Visa
• Check if you need a UK Visa

Alternate locations

• If The Barbican Centre is not available, there are many other excellent venues in the city capable of hosting an event of this scale, for example:
  • Ravensbourne University
  • Somerset House
  • Science Museum
  • Design Museum
  • Central Hall Westminster
  • Sadler’s Wells

Time

• We anticipate holding Wikimania at the normal time of year (August), though we will be somewhat driven by venue availability.
• If 2024 doesn’t work out, we’d be happy to be considered for future years.