Chiswick Arts & Business New Year Drinks
A celebration of all that Chiswick has to offer
Chris Parker of Chiswick Cinema
January 24, 2026
Last Thursday, Chiswick Cinema hosted the 10th annual Chiswick Arts and Businesses New Year's Drinks. After 9 happy years at the Arts Ed, they have passed the baton on to Chiswick Cinema. While the performance of a few show tunes by the incredibly talented Arts Ed students was missed (Chris Parker from Chiswick Cinema gamely offered to do a duet with Torin Douglas but was met with steady resistance), the new venue proved a very welcoming environment.
The first floor lounge was packed with all those who contribute to making Chiswick what it is. As well as all the local businesses who are stalwarts in sponsoring local events such as Maddie from Home Instead and James from Whitmans, representatives from local organisations such as Karen Liebreich from Abundance London and Lucy Cufflin from the Cheese Market were all catching up with the latest news and eating delectable canapes supplied by Harriet Benton.
Chris Parker from Chiswick Cinema kicked off with a short speech celebrating the role of the cinema in Chiswick life. It exists not merely as a purveyor of films and popcorn but operates several very popular film clubs, runs seasons of specialist films and hosts events as diverse as Silver Screenings to dog friendly screenings. He finished saying:
"So for 2026 let’s keep the spirit of Chiswick as one that quietly rages against what we see happening in the rest of the world. Cinema as a medium is the closest artist expression of the human experience, it is our dreams made big, and our hearts and vision shared. To see a film in the cinema, is to keep the world vital, to always keep moving, to prioritise experience and story, to challenge or be challenged, and to come together. At times of cultural division, and jeopardous business landscapes in hospitality and arts, these things will be lost if we don’t use and protect them."
Torin Douglas addresses the room
The indefatigable Torin had the challenging job of celebrating all the artistic events that had taken place over the last year along with announcing those coming along shortly. From the Tabard Theatre winning Lond Pub Theatre of the Year via the Bedford Park Festival to the Chiswick Book Festival, there is no art that is not recognised and celebrated here. As Torin said:
"2025 was another terrific year for culture in Chiswick – and 2026 is going to be equally exciting!"
Chiswick offers so many concerts, shows, exhibitions and events, it is impossible to mention them all - instead check the What's On section in our weekly newsletter or check out the front page of the ChiswickW4.com site to see what is currently on offer.
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