This September, Labour-led Westminster Council will deliver the North Paddington Canalside Festival – a bold new step in transforming one of Westminster’s most historic but long-neglected areas. Over four weekends, residents, local organisations, and partners will come together to celebrate culture, nature, and community, while reimagining the Grand Union Canal as a safe and thriving public space for all.
View the full programme and book your free sessions here.
A Festival with Purpose
For too long, the Grand Union Canal in North Paddington has been overlooked, becoming a hotspot for antisocial behaviour and underinvestment. Now, through the North Paddington Programme, launched in March 2024, Westminster Labour is making long-term investments in public spaces, safety, and opportunities for local people.
The Canalside Festival is the first major activation of this ambitious programme. More than a celebration, it’s a statement of intent: that every corner of Westminster deserves investment, care, and creativity. Supported by Westminster City Council, the Canal & River Trust, and Paddle UK, the Festival will turn the Canalside into a space of pride, safety, and opportunity.
Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning & Economic Development, said:
“For too long, North Paddington’s canal has been neglected, left unsafe and overlooked. Labour is changing that. The Canalside Festival is not just a celebration, it’s proof of our commitment to invest in every part of Westminster, not just the wealthiest postcodes. Through the North Paddington Programme, we’re putting real resources into public spaces, creating opportunities for young people, and building a safer, fairer city for all. This is what happens when a Labour Council backs its communities.”
Four Weekends of Free Activities
Each Saturday in September will feature a unique theme, leading to a two-day finale:
- Saturday 6 September: Biodiversity Day – Discover the canal’s rich ecosystem and learn how to care for this green corridor.
- Saturday 13 September: Health & Wellbeing Day – Free activities to boost mental and physical health for all ages.
- Saturday 20 September: Culture & Creativity Day – Local artists and performers bring the area to life.
- Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 September: Festival Finale – A weekend celebration of community, culture, and the canal’s future.
All activities will be free and accessible, designed to bring residents together and showcase what’s possible when public spaces are invested in and cared for.
Festival Highlights
- Water Sports with Paddle UK
Free paddleboarding sessions will introduce over 70 local residents – many for the first time – to the water. - Youth-Led Public Art Mural
Local young people will receive training and paid opportunities to design a landmark mural, helping deter antisocial behaviour and creating a vibrant visual identity for the Canalside. - Grants for Local Creators
Residents and community groups have been funded to deliver their own events, ensuring the festival reflects local voices and talent. - Canal-Side Pop-Ups and Moorings
Food, crafts, and music from community and commercial boats will create a lively, welcoming atmosphere and support local enterprise.
This festival is part of the North Paddington Programme, a Labour-led initiative launched to tackle entrenched inequalities, support young people, and improve public spaces that have been ignored for too long. The festival shows how strategic