"South West Fest" Marks Launch of Healthy Living Centre in South Westminster
The first ever South West Fest was held in South Westminster in July 2004. The festival highlighted the wide range of activities and services available to local residents, and provided an invaluable opportunity for the South Westminster organisations involved to share ideas.
The weeklong celebrations received support from Neighbourhood Renewal Funding administered by the Government Office for London, and from the Cross River Partnership, City West Homes, Westminster City Council and the Abbey Community Association.
The festival marked the launch of the Healthy Living Centre, which brings South Westminster's Arabic and Bangladeshi communities together by promoting healthy eating. The Healthy Living Centre and Sure Start SW1 (a Government initiative covering childcare and early education) make up South Westminster's Single Local Management Centre. One of nine nationwide pilots, the Single Local Management Centre is supported by GOL and aims to reduce bureaucracy, encourage joint working and the sharing of resources between area-based initiatives.
Amongst the many events that took place over the week were a South West Fest Family Funday, a Vocal and Lyric Writing Workshop, a Women and Reminiscence exhibition, and a Latin Dance Workshop. 'Festival Saturday' marked the end of South West Fest, with 350 organisations represented in St George's Square and live music on the main stage.
For more information contact Sarah Ginder 020 7217 3452
