New Year's Eve at the LBC
Led by Dayanatha and Pasadaketu
The turning of the year is an opportune moment to pause and take stock – to reflect on what really matters to us, and how we can live that out.
This New Year's Eve at the LBC, we'll be evoking the theme of Going for Refuge – the 'central act of the Buddhist life'. Going for Refuge means responding to the call of what's deepest in us -- our potential for Enlightenment -- and reorienting our lives towards growth.
Join in for a relaxed and celebratory evening of meditation, short talks, and a midnight ritual as we explore this theme together and welcome in the new year. The evening starts with us all coming together for dinner at 6pm in the Mandala Café (next door to the LBC).
People with all levels of practice welcome.
Suggested donation £40.
Led by Dayanatha and Pasadaketu
Event Schedule
6pm | Dinner and hang out in the Mandala Café
7.15pm | Guided meditation
8.30pm | Tea break (doors re-open)
9pm | 'The Real Refuge for 2026' – Dharma talk by Vandanajyoti (watch live on YouTube>>)
10.00pm | Tea and snack break (doors re-open). Please bring vegan snacks to share.
10.30pm | Guided meditation and reflection, new year's resolutions & midnight fire ritual
00.30am | End
Come in person
Doors open 15 minutes before the start. When you arrive, there'll be someone on reception to help you with any queries. There'll also be short breaks during most events.
Price
We appreciate every amount people feel able to give, no matter how big or small and thank you for your generosity in helping pass on the benefits of the Buddha’s teachings.
Single sex activities
At the LBC we value single-sex activities as a support for one’s deepening spiritual practice and we have men’s and women’s mitra convenors whose role it is to orientate new people into centre activities. If you identify as trans or non-binary then you're very welcome here - do get in touch and we can work out in discussion the best way of participating in the centre for you. We want to engage with everyone on an individual basis, in the spirit of friendship, and for everyone to feel at home at the London Buddhist Centre.
Venue
Opening times
Reception hours | 10am-5pm | Mon to Sat
Evening Classes | 7pm to 9.30pm | Mon to Fri
Sunday events | Check event page for timings
Getting here
Our address is: 51 Roman Rd, Bethnal Green, E20HU. The nearest tube stations within 5-10 minutes walk are Bethnal Green (Central Line and Overground), Cambridge Heath (Overground) and Stepney Green (District and Hammersmith & City lines). There are also lots of bus routes with stops 2-5 minutes from the centre.
How to book
Most of our events are by donation, you don't need to book just simply turn up on the day.
For courses and retreats, pre-booking online is recommended. There’s no need to print your e-ticket.
Plan your visit
An accessible toilet is located in the building.
Cloakroom
You can leave your coats and bags in the cloakroom provided. We ask that you take your footwear off if you plan on entering the shrine room. Please bring any valuable items with you into the class.
Bookshop
There is a bookshop at reception which includes books on Buddhism, Meditation and Mindfulness as well as ritual items, incense and cards. We accept both cash and card.
Access
If you require wheelchair or step free assistance please let reception know upon arrival or call beforehand. Depending on which shrine rooms will be used a team member will be able to assist with the use a ramps and lifts in the building.
Eating and drinking
During some events tea and biscuits are served during breaks while on day retreats and festival days there is vegan lunch shared between all those present.
If you would like to eat before or after an event at the centre the Mandala cafe is next door to the London Buddhist Centre! The Mandala team are friends and Buddhists, and this is a non-profit venture (we are a registered charity) so do come along and experience the unique and friendly atmosphere.
Monday - Friday 8.30am - 7pm
Saturday 10am - 3.30pm
Sunday CLOSED
