Wandsworth’s year as London Borough of Culture sparks excitement and transformation

Wandsworth is embarking on a year-long celebration of culture, creativity, and community, as they officially launch their tenure as The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2025. The ambitious programme will showcase world-class performances, grassroots creativity, and a pioneering focus on the power of culture to improve health and wellbeing.

The 2025 programme is packed with unmissable events, groundbreaking performances, and unique cultural experiences. Tickets for the events will be made available soon, among the highlights are:

Strictly Wandsworth (26 April) – The biggest dance spectacle the borough has ever seen, uniting 200 dancers from 22 local organisations in a breathtaking celebration of movement. Created by Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE, the visionary behind mass movement performances for global events such as the London 2012 Olympic Games, Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant, and Manchester International Festival, this landmark event will feature extraordinary groups including Tavaziva Dance and London Children’s Ballet. The spectacle will culminate in a high-energy mass dance finale led by Patience J, inviting everyone to take part in a moment of collective joy and rhythm.

A supercharged Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) (6 – 22 June) – For the Borough of Culture year, WAF 2025 expands its reach with increased funding, new collaborations, and a bold commitment to accessibility. With grants supporting up to 30 projects, WAF will break open culture to those who rarely access it, staging events in libraries, parks, and community hubs.

The Wandsworth Heritage Festival(13 June – 13 July) celebrates Wandsworth’s rich history with a packed programme of walks, talks, exhibitions, and performances. Expect encounters with the dead in cemetery walks, storytelling and craft workshops as part of this year’s special arts-themed festival programme.

Battersea Park In Concert (23 – 25 August) – A spectacular three-day open-air concert series over the August Bank Holiday, blending world-class classical and jazz music with great food and magical summer moments. In this extra-special London Borough of Culture year, Wandsworth is thrilled to welcome the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Jools Holland and his Rhythm & Blues Orchestra and many more. The 2025 edition will also celebrate local heritage artists and expand its education programme, giving more children access to classical music and film composition. To ensure culture is accessible to all, 1,500 tickets will be available at a fraction of the cost for qualifying residents, making it easier for more people to enjoy these unforgettable concerts.

Urban Flow (13 September) – A stunning silk banner procession, animated by 100 performers and digital art, blending movement, martial arts, and dance to explore our relationship with the city. Developed with India’s Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts and Wandsworth’s Tavaziva Dance, this promises to be a breathtaking visual experience.

Liberty (26-28 September, Battersea Arts Centre and other venues) – London’s flagship festival celebrating D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent artists. Working in collaboration with CRIPtic Arts the festival will offer a bold platform of work from some of the most exciting disabled creatives and embed them in the heart of Wandsworth community.

At the heart of Wandsworth’s vision is the belief that culture is fundamental to health and happiness. The borough is a trailblazer in Creative Health, embedding culture into health and wellbeing at scale.

On the Alton Estate, every primary school and youth centre will host a dedicated Creative Health programme, ensuring that hundreds of children benefit from arts-based wellbeing initiatives. Designed to support emotional expression and creative confidence, these programmes will connect young people with artists, storytellers, and musicians in their local community. 

Wandsworth will continue with their groundbreaking Cultural Social Prescribing initiative, expanding access to arts-based health interventions across GPs, hospitals, and voluntary sector networks. They are ensuring that arts and culture remain a core part of preventative healthcare and community wellbeing. 

The creative schools and education programme for Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture will engage students at primary, secondary and special schools, as well as sixth form colleges and higher education settings, to ensure that every young person and teacher in Wandsworth has the opportunity to take part in creative projects and celebrate arts, culture and heritage.

Primary School Showcases will take place in June at cultural venues across the borough, including the Royal Academy of Dance, Wandsworth Civic Suite and Putney Arts Theatre.

The Mayor of London, 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.’ 

For the full programme and updates, visit welcometowandsworth.com

Leo Wilkinson Photography – Welcome to Wandsworth – the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2025