The year ahead promises an exciting programme of major events, as well as community-led art, culture, and wellbeing initiatives spread across the borough
Last night, Wandsworth was thrust into the spotlight as the Royal Albert Hall hosted the Brighter Sounds schools’ concert. The event saw the 1,000-strong Wandsworth Primary Choir, accompanied by the Wandsworth Philharmonic Orchestra, deliver a stirring choral rendition of ‘Welcome to Wandsworth’. This marked the beginning of a year-long celebration of culture, art, and community in the borough.
The year ahead promises an exciting programme of major events, as well as community-led art, culture, and wellbeing initiatives spread across the borough. The first major event, set to take place on 26 April, is Strictly Wandsworth. This will be the borough’s biggest ever dance event, hosted by Oli Mabuse and featuring a DJ set from Gok Wan. The event will bring a variety of dance styles, including Bollywood, Lindy-hop, line dancing, and breakdancing, to Battersea Park. The day will feature hundreds of performers and will culminate in a mass dance finale, inviting everyone to join in.
Free tickets for Strictly Wandsworth will be available tomorrow (Wednesday) morning at 9am. Those interested are encouraged to sign up to the mailing list for exclusive early access to tickets.
Throughout the year, Wandsworth will host a diverse range of cultural events. These include Battersea Park in Concert, which will feature performances by Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra, as well as the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The Wandsworth Arts Fringe will be the biggest ever, with theatre, dance, music, cabaret, community events, comedy, and more taking place in venues across the borough. The Wandsworth Heritage Festival will celebrate the borough’s rich history, while Happy Streets will be a free family arts festival in Battersea.
Urban Flow will transform Roehampton into a living stage, with dance, martial arts, and live soundscapes. The Liberty Festival will spotlight and celebrate D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists. Wandsworth Artists’ Open House will offer a unique opportunity to visit artists in their own homes and studios. The Palace of Varieties will celebrate the Clapham Grand’s 125th birthday.
Led by Wandsworth Council in partnership with local people and organisations, Welcome to Wandsworth will feature hundreds of cultural events and creative initiatives. The focus will be on celebrating the borough’s heritage and diverse communities, with a pioneering emphasis on the power of culture to improve health and wellbeing.
Other highlights of the year include a brand-new radio drama series, The Wandsworth Way, which will give local people the chance to get involved in storytelling, performance, and production. Similar to the Archers, it will tell the story of everyday Wandsworth folk. Community events have already begun, with art exhibitions at Bloom Gallery and WIP Space, as well as a production at Battersea Arts Centre. More information on these events can be found by searching for London Borough of Culture 2025 events.
Deputy Council Leader Kemi Akinola expressed her excitement, saying, “It’s here! We are beyond excited to welcome London Borough of Culture 2025, and we can’t wait to see everyone getting involved. Check out the website to see what’s on near you, or find out how you can be one of our volunteer Culture Heroes.”
Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, Justine Simons OBE, added, “A year of great culture is kicking off in Wandsworth as they take on the crown as the Mayor of London’s Borough of Culture. Culture can unleash the potential of the next generation, and as part of the year, young Londoners will even get to perform at iconic venues like the Royal Albert Hall. Everyone is welcome, and creativity will spring from every corner of the borough, as we build a better London for all.”
With a year packed full of cultural celebrations, Wandsworth is set to be a vibrant hub of creativity and community spirit in 2025.
