Mini festival focusing on ‘clean air’ kicks off this weekend

A festival which aims to bring people together to promote clean air and healthier living in the capital gets under way tomorrow.

Organisers of LIVE + BREATHE are putting on events tomorrow and from August 2-4 at various venues, including Burgess Park and Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.

Residents can get involved in a ‘roll and stroll’ skate event, a football tournament and a three-day festival of arts and performances.

LIVE + BREATHE 2024 brings together community groups from the world of art, music, dance, sport and culture to celebrate South London, enjoy the outdoors, raise awareness of the health impacts of air pollution on our communities and to advocate for cleaner air.

Air pollution in London is constantly higher than the World Health Organisation’s recommended limits. Lambeth and Southwark have some of the worst levels in the city and communities of colour say they are disproportionately impacted.

Founded in 2022 by acclaimed singer, artist and activist Love Ssega, it is hoped the festival will encourage more young people to share their concerns and fears around environmental issues.

Love Ssega is delighted to see how the event has grown over the last two years. He said: “It’s incredible to see the talent in South London and how everyone is coming together to make more noise about the poor air quality that residents are forced to live with.

“Each event at this year’s LIVE + BREATHE festival calls for the new government to listen to the passionate voices of young people from the area and act on their demands.”

Tomorrow sees the Peace Ballers Football Festival, from noon – a talent showcase spotlighting the undiscovered footballing talent in Southwark.

The event will highlight the potential that local players have and the most prominent environmental health obstacle to their success – toxic air pollution.

The festival is open to young footballers aged 13-18 and includes an exciting series of games, talks and food. Register to attend here 

On August 2-4, Colours & Cultures takes place – a three-day indoor and outdoor festival celebrating South London’s diverse community and green spaces in Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens.

Produced through collaborations between local young people and established artists, it will include  live performances, workshops, DJ sets, and local food markets.

The event provides a platform for underrepresented voices and aims to empower those experiencing inequality. Special events will develop an actionable future strategy to transform neglected spaces into dynamic green areas.

Other events that have taken place as part of LIVE + BREATHE, Brixton based charity Poetic Unity, who support young Black and marginalised people through poetry released a video about their campaign ‘Clean Air For The Ends’ which promotes alternative travel such as riding bikes and roller skating for young Black people.

The poem was written by Blaize Alexis-Anglin and highlights how the younger generation feel about air pollution. It had an exclusive screening at Theatre Peckham event in June to mark this year’s Clean Air Day.

Please visit weliveandbreathe.co.uk for more information about the event, the line-up, and the campaign. Watch the campaign video featuring artists and community groups involved in the LIVE + BREATHE 2024 event.

Pictured top: Still from a promotional video for the event ‘Clean Air For The Ends.’ (Picture: LIVE + BREATHE)