Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF) launched yesterday with a colourful taster of the diverse programme lined up this month.
The event at Sambrook’s Brewery brought together everyone involved in bringing the festival to life, including pop-up appearances from WAF 2025 artists and speeches from Wandsworth’s and deputy youth mayor, who launched the 17 day program.
The annual arts fringe, organised by Wandsworth Council, is in its 16th year and unites hundreds of creatives, featuring 180 events in 65 venues across the borough from 6-22 June.
Mayor of Wandsworth Jeremy Ambache said: “The aim is to reach every member of the community.”
There are six main hub venues spread across the borough including National Opera Studio in Wandsworth Town, Royal Academy of Dance in Battersea, The Arches in Putney and The Bedford in Balham.
Over 60 of the events are free, with £3 tickets available for other events for Wandsworth Access for All card holders.
These range from theatre to experimental dance, and music, exhibitions, cabaret and comedy.
The launch event yesterday saw performances from Autin Dance Theatre, performing Parade – The Giant Wheel, which featured a 12-foot tall wheel powered by six dance artists and accompanied by music.
Hyelim Kim also brought a celebration of Asian heritage with a solo performance on a Korean daegeum flute.
Both pop-up artists were amongst the 30 recipients of the WAF grant, which was awarded for representation of the diversity of Wandsworth, and delivering projects which celebrate the stories and proud cultural heritage of the borough and bringing communities together.
This year Wandsworth Arts Fringe is part of wider cultural celebrations in the area which was named as The Mayor of London’s London Borough of Culture 2025, an award introduced by Sadiq Khan in 2017.
Deputy Mayor for culture and the creative industries Justine Simons OBE said: “Wandsworth will come alive this summer with a vibrant celebration of creativity and community.
“The Mayor’s London Borough of Culture will see an unforgettable summer of performance, art and music, boosting the local economy and great opportunities for young people.”
WAF events encourage youth participation across its established Young Reporters, Reviewers & Producers programme, aimed at 14-19 years old. The participants will have free access to the festival events with the project aimed at developing journalistic and creativity skills.
The festival will also host the annual WAF Schools’ Showcases, celebrating the talents of young people from schools in the borough.
Deputy youth mayor Sophia Dyson, 16, said: “WAF and Welcome to Wandsworth continue to the next generation of creatives.
“It is all about access, inclusion and ing young talent.”
Other events to watch out for during the borough’s year of culture include Wandsworth Heritage Festival from Friday 13 June to Sunday 13 July, and the annual Battersea Park in Concert series on 23, 24 and 25 August.
A two-day music festival, Country on the Common, is also set to take place on Tooting Common on 5 and 6 July with performances from UK Eurovision entrants Monday and Schitt’s Creek star Noah Reid.
Wandsworth Council deputy leader and cabinet member for business, voluntary services and culture Kemi Akinola said: “This year aims to show how heritage and culture intersect with one another, inspire one another, and form part of one another.”
Picture Credit: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images for Wandsworth Council
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