The annual SouthWestFest works with local partners to produce a programme of over 70 events for all ages across south Westminster, over the course of 3 weeks in June and July. The aim of these events is to celebrate our local area and promote and connect residents organisations and opportunities. In 2020, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, SouthWestFest was forced to cancel our events. With your support, together we can reimagine what our festival looks like for 2021. We want to create a new version of the festival which will be produced in a safe and socially distanced way, with a blended festival programme of free fun and inclusive events, workshops and activities which will take place indoor and outdoor, as well as online, across Tachbrook, Churchill, St James, Vincent Square, Warwick, Hyde Park, Mayfair and Belgravia wards. *We will continue to be guided by safety considerations. In the event of needing to reschedule the festival, we will communicate this via our Spacehive page.*

What we'll deliver:

• A safe and socially distanced community festival offering both online and physical events.
• A commissioned programme including specific events for children, young people, families, adults and older adults.
• An open access programme including events and activities produced by community groups, organisations and venues.
• An online and on foot socially distanced art trail featuring artists work from around SW1.
• These programmes will offer creative, educational and healthy activities, aimed at different age groups & interests.
• This will support organisations & businesses by drawing audiences to their services, increasing footfall to local areas.

Why it's a great idea:

Primarily the festival acts as a celebration and focus for the community to come together to take part in creative, and engaging events and shared experiences which promote community cohesion and pride. The festival is planned and led by local people, community groups and partner organisations so therefore our festival programme, events and activities respond to our community's interests and needs. Through taking part in the festival's events and activities residents of south Westminster will benefit from the opportunity to try new and interesting activities, and by doing so learn about or re-engage with local organisations, venues and services, supporting the local economy in the process. Our events are inclusive and accessible, taking place in local venues, public outdoor spaces and online, across the south Westminster area. This draws local residents from diverse backgrounds and supports residents in making new connections, friendships and strengthening community relationships.

Steps to get it done:

• Open Meeting with partners and residents to discuss programme for ReImagine Festival events
• Programme commissioned and safe socially distanced events.
• Launch open access programme registration.
• Launch Art Trail registration.
• Create socially distanced event H&S and Risk Assessment pack for inhouse and partner events.
• Announce full festival programme with brochure release.
• Complete all pre event production within Government and Council guidelines for events 2021.
• Produce live event programme for Reimaged Festival 2021.
• Organise feedback and evaluations of Reimaged Festival 2021.

We will hold open meetings and events to talk to our partner organisations and local residents about what a 'reimagined', socially distanced festival will look like for 2021. From that starting point will will plan a commissioned programme of themed events and projects, to create a ‘hook’ which activates audiences and inspires them to take part in the wider festival programme. This will include both indoor and outdoor events, activities and installations, as well as online events and workshops. We will then work with local partners to create an open access festival programme through which we will collaborate with and showcase the work of our 70+ partner organisations and groups. We endeavour to develop and maintain good relationships and always look for opportunities to create new ones. Alongside this work we will be consulting with Westminster council and H&S experts to ensure all events and activities are created in a safe and socially distanced way.