Wandsworth

Wandsworth set for a sizzling summer programme in its year as London Borough of Culture

Wandsworth Arts Fringe lights up the borough from 6 – 22 June, with 180 exciting events in 65 venues. Enjoy theatre, cabaret, exhibitions and comedy across libraries, playgrounds and parks. Many events are free and discounted tickets are available through the Access for All scheme.

Discover history with Wandsworth Heritage Festival

From 13 June – 13 July, Wandsworth Heritage Festival explores the borough’s rich past through talks, exhibitions and guided walks. Expect art installations, performances, poetry and musical talks in fascinating locations like Lambeth Cemetery and Clapham Grand.

Young people take the spotlight

WAF’s Young Producers, Reporters and Reviewers programmes support youth creativity. The WAF School’s Showcase returns, highlighting talent from across the borough. Events during Pride Month promote wellbeing, identity and celebration for all ages.

Wandsworth Community festivals add even more fun

Don’t miss Country on the Common on 5-6 July. This new Tooting festival features The Shires, BBQ, beer and axe-throwing. Battersea Park in Concert runs 23-25 August with Jools Holland and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Access for All discounted tickets are available for both.

Families get creative at Happy Streets

Free arts festival Happy Streets returns 5-6 July to Nine Elms with performances, food, workshops and more. The fun spreads across St George’s School, the ROSE Clubroom, Yvonne Carr Centre and Oasis Gardens.

Kemi Akinola, Deputy Leader of Wandsworth Council, Cabinet Member for Business, Voluntary Services and Culture said: ‘This year, like every year, we are championing culture for all. The Wandsworth Arts Fringe brings playful commissions into libraries, playgrounds, streets and schools and we’ve supported 30 brilliant companies to bring creative projects to Wandsworth residents.

‘Heritage and culture are indelibly linked – both have community at their core, and both enrich our understanding of ourselves. This year aims to show how heritage and culture intersect with one another, inspire one another, and form part of one another. It has come together, as it does every year, due to the willingness of local voluntary organisations and enthusiastic individuals to share their knowledge and throw open their doors.’

By Fergus McCarthy

Fergus McCarthy is a seasoned publishing professional with over three decades of experience in the media industry. In 1993, he co-founded Parents News, a pioneering publication aimed at providing busy parents in Southwest London with essential information on education, entertainment, sports, and family-friendly activities. Under his leadership, Parents News quickly expanded its reach from 60,000 to 192,000 monthly printed copies, establishing additional branches in Kent, South London, Northern Ireland, and Cornwall. In 1997, recognizing the potential of digital media, Fergus helped launch Parents News UK Online, which carried digital editions of the printed publication and offered a broader range of national information. The website's popularity soared, attracting up to 700 daily hits at its peak. Although Parents News transitioned to an online-only platform in 2017, Fergus continues to play a vital role as Publisher and Advertising Manager, focusing on providing value to businesses through effective advertorials.