Wandsworth, London Borough of Culture 2025 – the story so far

15 December 2025

So much has happened – here are some highlights.

Watch highlights from Wandsworth's year as London Borough of Culture

So far, over 95,000 people have attended events, created and delivered by 1,750 artists, with 400 volunteers recruited to support them.

A rich mix of traditions, festivals, food and art has been celebrated across all of Wandsworth’s neighbourhoods, bringing people of all backgrounds together.

Gok Wan and Oti Mabuse cuddling each other in front of a set of DJ decks, Gok is speaking into the microphone — Strictly Wandsworth

A group of people outside Battersea Arts Centre posing for the camera to promote the launch of Wandsworth's London Borough of Culture. There is a large floral display in the centre that is shaped like a W, made up of yellow flowers. — Launch of London Borough of Culture at Battersea Arts Centre

A person wrapped up in warm clothes outside Piccadilly Lights, making the shape of a W with their hands. The Lights have blue lights with the words 'Welcome to Wandsworth' in white. — Piccadilly Lights

Two people, bodies facing each other and heads turned towards the camera. Both wearing handmade costumes made of different, bright fabrics. On the left, there is embroidery on one piece of the fabric that says 'Stronger Together' — Hazelfest

A band on stage with bunting hanging down. A singer wearing a white shirt and beige trousers sings into a microphone and you can see a drummer and bass player. — Country on the Common

A group of performers outside a tube station with signage visible in the background. Two performers, wearing masks and colourful clothes face the camera — The Wandsworth Masquerade

Fireworks erupt in the background above a large outdoor stage, in red and purple, with a large crowd in the foreground — Battersea Park in Concert

Three volunteers wearing pink high vis vests and holding foam signs in the shape of hands with the forefinger pointed upwards, look at the camera. — Volunteers at Battersea Park in Concert

A drag performers stands on a stage bathed in red light; they were a green wig and a jacket with coloured pom poms on — Sideshow nut at Liberty Festival 2025

A group of dancers dressed in red and dark red face towards the right against a background of trees and a park. They hold a large silver ball in their outstretched arms. — Urban Flow

68 local schools have been involved, with an ambition to reach all 75 by the end of the year. Through exciting opportunities for children and CPD for teachers, the team are advocating for expanded arts education in schools and strengthening pathways into creative careers. For example, over 200 secondary school students are learning journalism skills with teams from the BBC, ITV and CNN.

A group of students sit and stand behind a desk in a CNN news studio in London. There are lights and equipment surrounding them. A teacher stands in front of the desk, and a CNN staff member, dressed in green and white, talks to the students. — Creative Journalism, Wandsworth London Borough of Culture

It’s about all young people having fun, being inspired and enjoying equal access to contribute to Wandsworth’s vibrant culture and heritage.

Another key ambition of the council is for its residents to feel happier, healthier and more connected to each other. To help achieve this, they are pioneering new approaches to health and wellbeing, particularly through their Culturally Mindful project. Artists are working with local hospitals and community groups to create meaningful artistic experiences and health interventions that will benefit all of Wandsworth’s communities.

The programme has enriched not only my practice but actually my whole being as a Black woman... This project is an absolute game changer and is going to propel us into a space where we will be able to change lives and the ways we approach health and wellbeing.

Artist, Culturally Mindful

And there is much more to come, including.

‘Palace of Varieties’, an event celebrating 125 years of Clapham Grand with comedians and drag queens on 29 January 2026
Award-winning theatre collective Quarantine takeover now Battersea Arts Centre to ask: who gets heard in a place like this today? Multiple events in March
An artist film by Dame Sonia Boyce, honouring the life of legendary performer Dame Carmen Munroe

Find out more about Wandsworth London Borough of Culture

Wandsworth, London Borough of Culture 2025 – the story so far

So much has happened – here are some highlights.

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