Wandsworth (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Roehampton streets came alive with silk flags and local performers at Urban Flow, a Wandsworth Council-backed event for London Borough of Culture 2025.
Three significant organizations came together to form the procession: Wandsworth‘s own Tavaziva Dance, the UK arts charity Kinetika, and India’s Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts. In this vibrant festival, which paraded through the streets with an array of vibrant silk flags made in both India and the UK, Urban Flow brought together community performers from Wandsworth Borough and India.
Before a stunning climax on Bull Green, the procession stopped outside of the borough’s iconic heritage buildings to feature enthralling dance and martial arts performances as it wound its way through the streets.
Renowned composer Rob Blake, who has written music for companies like Citroen, Red Bull, Puma, BMW, and Arsenal FC, contributed a brand-new score to the piece.
This original song and the dance, which are told in six sections, trace the path of a human journey, starting with an introduction and progressing through childhood, adolescence, turmoil, transformation, and, at the end, triumph.
Ibstock Place Primary and Secondary School, Tai Chi Chuan, Pointe Black, Base Youth Group, Roehampton University, and the Roehampton Street Band were among the local performers.
Justine Simons OBE, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said:
“Urban Flow brought creativity, inclusivity and fun to the streets of Roehampton this weekend. The spectacular parade of silk flags was a great way for communities to get involved and experience the power of culture first-hand. It was a fantastic addition to Wandsworth’s London Borough of Culture, as we continue to build a better London for everyone”.
Councillor Kemi Akinola said:
“Urban Flow is a wonderful example of Roehampton at its best, with neighbours, families, and friends coming together to share something joyful and creative in the heart of the Alton. During our year as London Borough of Culture, we’re making sure everyone, including low-income families, have the chance to be part of events like this. And beyond culture, our Access for All programme is about spreading those same opportunities more widely across Wandsworth.”
The Four Seasons, an outdoor public artwork by artist Adalberto Lonardi that was co-designed and painted with the local community and curated by Emergency Exit Arts, was also unveiled at the Roehampton Library this past weekend.
Who organised Urban Flow and community partners involved?
Coordinated with significant assistance from Wandsworth Council, the Urban Flow event took place in Roehampton on 13 September 2025 as part of its London Borough of Culture 2025 celebration.
The borough was the main organiser and funder of the event as a part of its year of supporting community-centred arts and cultural activities in its time as London Borough of Culture. There were several different local arts and cultural organisations, arts-based community groups and socially engaged artists involved in the delivery of the event.
Local residents and grassroots organisations participated as performers, flag makers, and volunteers.
Schools & Youth groups: Multiple schools and youth organisations were involved in making the hand-painted silk flags and participated in the parade, promoting engagement between various generations.