Wandsworth ready to get ‘supercharged’ after winning Borough of Culture nod

Wandsworth has been named London Borough of Culture for 2025 – a decision hailed by the council leader as “brilliant news” that will provide an uplifting backdrop in the year ahead.

Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, announced the award at City Hall today, and with the prestige of winning the nomination comes financial backing.

The authority stands to receive funding towards a year-long programme which celebrates local culture and heritage.

The bestowed title aims to attract investment, create new employment opportunities, improve creative programmes and widen access to culture for residents. 

Simon Hogg, leader of Wandsworth council, said: “Wandsworth is a fantastic place to live. Our strong, diverse communities represent the best of modern Britain.

“Our year as London Borough of Culture will supercharge our already vibrant, diverse sector made up of world class institutions and grassroots talent.  

“A massive thank you to the hundreds of community organisations, creative venues, schools, businesses and residents of all ages who helped shape our bid. This is brilliant news for our borough.”

Cllr Hogg added: “We’re going to deliver a year to remember – using the power of culture to transform lives, connect people and improve well-being – never more important than now.”

“Let’s do this together.”

 The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “This prestigious award has become a cornerstone in the capital’s calendar, using the power of culture to unite communities, transform young people’s lives and boost the local economy.

“Cultural programmes like the London Borough of Culture form a crucial part of our work to provide positive opportunities for young people, who have seen youth clubs taken away from them due to more than a decade of Government cuts.

“We’ve seen the difference that it’s made in winning boroughs Waltham Forest, Brent, Lewisham and Croydon, and I’m excited to see Wandsworth’s fantastic ideas come to life as we build a better London for all.”

Wandsworth is rich in cultural heritage, being home to Battersea Arts Centre, the Royal College of Art, National Opera Studio and Royal Academy of Dance.

The borough is also home to outstanding grassroots organisations like Tara Theatre, Oily Cart, Sprout Art, Wandsworth Music, Sound Minds, Putney Arts Theatre, Tavaziva Dance, Matt’s Gallery, World Heart Beat and Baked Bean Theatre Company.

The borough has a range of other attractions in Battersea Park, Tooting Market, Battersea Power Station, the Clapham Grand and more.

Tarek Iskander, artistic director of Battersea Arts Centre, said:  “Wandsworth has always been a home for the pioneering and the under-represented, the visionary and the mischievous. It’s that uncompromising, radical and rebellious spirit that positions us to deliver an outstanding year as London Borough of Culture. 

Koko Idiong, 17, who presented Wandsworth’s bid to the GLA, said:  “We in Wandsworth are incredibly fortunate to have such a diverse arts and culture scene and being London Borough of Culture 2025 will help this expand to our wider community.

“The opportunities for young people will be pivotal in unlocking potential and aiding well-being, and we are excited to share what is going to be an action-packed and grounded year that puts the people of Wandsworth first.”

Pictured top: Scenes we’ll get to see more often, as Wandsworth takes on the culture club mantle (Picture: Wandsworth council)