Wandsworth ready for year of culture celebrations

Wandsworth is set for "world-class performances and grassroots creativity" as it celebrates its turn as London's Borough of Culture.

Among the highlights include Clapham Grand's 125th anniversary celebrations and Liberty, a flagship festival celebrating deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists.

The scheme is part of a cultural policy from the mayor of London, and is supported by Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Croydon was the previous London Borough of Culture and held a year of music and arts events from April 2023.

Wandsworth, in south-west London, is home to Battersea Arts Centre, the Royal College of Art, National Opera Studio and the Royal Academy of Dance.

It has a range of grassroots arts organisations and other attractions including Battersea Park, Tooting Market, Battersea Power Station and the Clapham Grand.

The council said that among the highlights of its events are Strictly Wandsworth on 26 April, which will bring together 200 dancers from 22 local organisations in an event created by Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE, who was co-ordinated mass movement displays including for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant.

In June, Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) will be showcasing new collaborations and focusing on accessibility, through grants supporting up to 30 projects and events in libraries, parks, and community hubs.

Wandsworth Heritage Festival will look at the borough's connection with the arts and offer a series of walks, talks, exhibitions, and performances in June and July such as folklore in the borough's flora and fauna, archive tours storytelling and craft workshops.

Later in the year Urban Flow, a silk banner procession involving 100 performers and digital art, will take place on 13 September, as well as a food festival in Tooting.

To mark the Clapham Grand's 125th anniversary, a Palace of Varieties event will be held on 26 November, celebrating its history of variety and entertainment and exploring the history of queer culture in the borough.

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said: "London Borough of Culture plays an important role in providing positive opportunities for young people, boosting the local economy and uniting communities.

"Wandsworth has put together a brilliant programme for the year ahead and I'm looking forward to seeing these plans come to life as we build a better London for everyone."

Simon Hogg, leader of Wandsworth Council, said: "Our London Borough of Culture year will showcase the incredible creativity that thrives here, but more importantly, we will ensure that everyone has the chance to take part.

"Whether it's through dance, music, theatre, or visual arts, we are making culture accessible to all."

Justine Simons OBE, deputy mayor for culture and the creative industries, added: "This programme is ambitious, joyful and packed with creativity - it's a huge invitation to London and beyond to take part, be inspired, and experience the power of culture first-hand."

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