Southfields Academy Attend the Welcome to Wandsworth Journalism Gala
Students from Southfields Academy share their experience attending the London Borough of Culture’s Welcome to Wandsworth Journalism Gala...
On Thursday 12th March, we were lucky enough to be invited to the London Borough of Culture’s ‘Welcome to Wandsworth’ Journalism Gala!
It was a night to remember, and we were lucky enough to play a key role from the very start. We had the honour of opening the show, presenting in front of a packed room and setting the tone for an evening celebrating young reporters and powerful local storytelling. Sitting right at the front, we felt both nervous and excited — especially knowing we would be among the first to take part in the evening’s interviews.
One of the highlights of the night was interviewing the Mayor of Wandsworth. We started with some lighter questions to break the ice, asking him what his favourite colour was and whether he would come along to celebrate Pi Day. The relaxed start helped create a friendly atmosphere before we moved on to a more serious question about redevelopment in Roehampton. It was a great opportunity to show how journalism can balance fun and meaningful topics, and the conversation flowed naturally from playful to thoughtful.
The gala itself was hosted brilliantly by Newsround presenter Ricky, alongside his wife, and Sky journalist Leah. Their energy kept the evening moving smoothly, and they made everyone feel welcome while celebrating the achievements of young journalists across the borough.
Another unforgettable moment came when we received our award first of the evening. Being called up right at the beginning and collecting it from the Mayor of London made the experience even more special. Sitting at the front meant we had a perfect view of the stage, and it felt surreal to walk up so early in the night to accept recognition for our work.
Throughout the evening, there was a real sense of pride in local journalism and the voices of young people. It was inspiring to hear about the different stories being told and the impact they were having in the community. The event also highlighted how important it is to ask questions, share perspectives, and report on issues that matter — from local celebrations to redevelopment plans.
All of our articles from the project are available on our Student Reporting Page, showcasing the work we’ve done and the stories we’ve covered. The gala was not just a celebration of what we’ve already achieved, but also a reminder of what journalism can do — bring people together, spark conversations, and give young reporters a platform to be heard.