Westminster Labour is proud to announce the upcoming North Paddington Canalside Festival, a vibrant series of community events organised by Westminster Council each weekend this coming September. We hope that the festival brings new energy and focus to the Grand Union Canal, which runs through North Paddington.
While the Canalside is an important local asset with huge potential as a green, peaceful space in the heart of the city, it currently needs investment and community effort to truly flourish. The festival will showcase the area’s possibilities by hosting a rich programme of cultural, creative, and wellbeing activities aimed at activating the space and bringing residents, visitors, and businesses together.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said:
“The North Paddington Canalside Festival is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this unique space and the people who live and work around it. We recognise the canal needs care and attention to become the vibrant, welcoming place it can be. This festival, supported by Westminster Labour’s North Paddington programme, puts community voices and creativity at its heart, bringing culture, activity, and connection to the Canalside.”
The festival is made possible by the North Paddington Canalside Activation Grant, which will provide funding for local groups to organise events and projects that promote culture, biodiversity, health, and safety in the area. These grants will help spark grassroots involvement and contribute to the wider £20 million North Paddington Programme aimed at tackling social and economic inequalities across the neighbourhood.
Events will take place over four weekends in September 2025, inviting residents and visitors to enjoy the Canalside with walks, performances, workshops, family activities, and much more.
For more details about the festival and how to apply for the grants, please visit theNorth Paddington Canalside Activation Grant page, on the Westminster Council website.
Photo by Mauro Gee