The Impact of London Borough of Culture 2025
The year saw massive public involvement, with over half a million people participating in LBOC projects. The programme ensured comprehensive accessibility, hosting events and activities in every ward of the borough, and successfully involved all schools across Wandsworth.
The initiative provided a major platform for creative talent, featuring work from over 2,500 artists. A vital component of the programme's success was the strong network of support, with nearly 700 volunteers contributing their time and effort throughout the year.
We worked collaboratively with arts, culture, business, voluntary and community partners to build an unforgettable programme that brought out the best in Wandsworth, igniting culture and creativity across the borough
Our Impact
Our year...
- Inspired 30,000+ young people across every secondary and primary school in the borough
- Supported over 2,000 young people into creative futures
- Powered by over 700 incredible volunteers
- Featured more than 2,500 artists and creatives
- Over half a million people came together to experience culture live
- And 100,000+ more joined us online
- Across more than 700 events
- Every corner of Wandsworth was brought to life with all 22 wards activated through culture
'This year has shown what happens when you put culture at the heart of a borough.
We’ve reached over half a million people, worked with every school, and supported more than 2,500 artists, bringing creativity into every neighbourhood in Wandsworth.
But just as importantly, we’ve built something that lasts. Events like Country on the Common becoming an annual fixture, alongside improving access for all to outstanding events like Battersea Park in Concert and Battersea Fireworks, show how this year is leaving a lasting mark on Wandsworth’s cultural calendar.'
— Cllr Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council
Talent of the Future
Igniting the creativity of young people has been a paramount focus of the Welcome to Wandsworth year...
- Over 30,000 young people from 11 secondary and 41 primary schools plunged into the Youth and Schools programmes.
- The Story Catchers, Young Reporters, and Young Reviewers projects have nurtured the creative careers of Wandsworth’s brilliant young residents aged 13 – 25.
- The Young Producers scheme brought together emerging creatives to bring to life the UPLIFT Festival.
- London Borough of Culture internships, hosted by 9 Wandsworth arts and culture organisations, offered local 18-25 year-olds paid hands-on experience and training to help build a future in the creative industries.
For the borough and organisations
- We piloted one of the UK largest creative health interventions with over 20 projects supporting people’s health and wellbeing
- Culturally Mindful, a new 6-month Creative Health paid residency and training programme, united Global Majority artists, dedicated healthcare providers, and vital grassroots organisations, to co-design revolutionary new approaches to health and wellbeing support.
- Grant funded projects for South Asian Heritage Month, Black History 365 and Wandsworth Heritage will continue after the London Borough of Culture year.
- Wandsworth Heritage Festival will return along with new project Winstanley Culture Trail (June/July) and Memory Boxes (2027) aligned with Dementia Action week.
What is Welcome to Wandsworth?
Sign up to our Newsletter
Sign Up - Sign up to our Newsletter
About London Borough of Culture
Launched in 2017 by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the London Borough of Culture award sees London’s 32 boroughs bid for more than £1m of funding to stage a programme of cultural events and initiatives.
London Borough of Culture brings Londoners together. It puts culture at the heart of local communities, where it belongs, illuminating the character and diversity of London’s boroughs and showing culture is for everyone.