Roehampton Parade to Celebrate Cultural Collaboration

Part of programme for London Borough of Culture 2025


Jeeva Prahaava ‘Life Flow’ – Attakkalari Centre, Bangalore, India. Picture: Attakkalari

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July 25, 2025

Roehampton will host a large-scale community event on Saturday 13 September as part of Wandsworth Council’s programme for the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture 2025. The Urban Flow parade will feature 100 hand-painted silk flags and over 100 participants drawn from a range of local groups and professional arts organisations.

The event is a joint effort between India’s Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, UK arts charity Kinetika, and Wandsworth-based Tavaziva Dance. Local groups taking part include Pointe Black, Hummingbird Blue, Roehampton University, UK Latin Group, Roots & More, and Ibstock School.

Starting at 2.00pm, the procession will travel through key Roehampton streets, including Holybourne Avenue, Danebury Avenue, Tangley Grove, and Minstead Gardens, pausing at heritage sites for performances that include dance and martial arts. The event will conclude at Bull Green with a collective presentation.

Urban Flow is accompanied by an original six-part score from composer Rob Blake. The music and choreography reflect a personal journey, following themes from childhood to transformation.

Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries Justine Simons OBE said the parade “will be filled with colour” and described it as a celebration of arts and diversity. Councillor Kemi Akinola added that the event brings together professional artists and local performers “in a celebration of culture, community and connection.”

Ali Pretty, Artistic Director at Kinetika, described Urban Flow as “a powerful expression of creativity” shaped by contributions from both India and the UK. Jayachandran Palazhy, Artistic Director at Attakkalari, called the collaboration “enriching, inspiring and deeply meaningful” and highlighted themes of inclusion and environmental awareness.

Urban Flow is part of Wandsworth’s ongoing commitment to community-focused cultural activities in its year as the London Borough of Culture. More details can be found at welcometowandsworth.com.

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