Why this festival is important to us and the community:
This festival is important to us as an organisation as it provides a free, fun and positive event to the community. After a difficult number of years after the Grenfell Tower Fire we strive to continue reminding the community that they are supported. We also want to continue giving young people the opportunity to connect with local services and each other to build new skills, increase their social development and promote their future ambitions.
Through this even we are able to provide a platform for young people to showcase their talents in music and sports as well as engaging them in positive activities.
About One Heart festivaL
Our annual community festival aims to uplift and unite everyone in the community, welcoming people of all ages for a fun free family day and to pay tribute to Grenfell, bringing everyone together under “One Community”.
The One Heart festival (formerly known as the North Kensington Youth & Community Festival) was set up in 2017 following the tragic loss of two of YAA’s young members in the Grenfell fire. What started out as a youth festival has evolved into a special community event.
One Heart Festival 2023
One Heart Festival 2023 took place on 17 June at Westway Sports Centre, W10 6RP from 12pm - 6pm (sports tournaments begun at 10am). Download the event map here or publicity here.
Following last year’s success, we organised similar activities and new ones to engage the local young people and community. Our activities at One Heart festival 2023 included:
sports tournaments including football and basketball
a talent show featuring special guest performances
play area for children including funfair rides and bouncy castle
arts and crafts for all
youth zone including gaming bus
elder zone including Bingo and afternoon tea
and much more
Click here to watch the video or why not watch this short video produced by young people from the Base@theReed digital media project in partnership with Octavia Foundation. We are very thankful for their contribution.
“One Heart was absolutely brilliant and thanks for letting me know about it. My kids had a great time. It’s good for all ages and catered to everyone’s needs. It was such a good day and we can’t wait for next year!
”
Impact:
2,142 people*
attended the festival
48 volunteers
helped on the day
53 partners
supported the event
20 performances
took place
302 participants
played football
60 participants
played basketball
88 elderly residents
took part in afternoon tea + bingo
4,860 water bottles
handed out on the day
24 vendors and stallholders
*Figure based on clicker count of 1053 adults and 1089 young people at One Heart festival 2023.
“
This is beautiful, it is so pretty and how lovely for the community to have a cream tea its getting all the neighbours together.”
“
Amazing to see on the day ALL parts of the community from mature to young, from social groups to families enjoying, supporting and remembering the best of their community!!!”
Partners
Thank you to everyone that supported this event. To see a full list of our partners click here. Listed below are more partners that supported the One Heart festival 2023
-
Stephen Adams, Team manager & Regional Community Matters Coordinator, Waitrose & Partners
Melanie Boyd, Volunteer
Helena Traill, Nooh Studio - Graphic Designer and Creative Director
Luke Naylor, Graphic Designer (freelance)
Hamid Wahbi, Grenfell survivor & Food vendor, Hamid's Moroccan Fish
Nick Burton, Grenfell survivor, Grenfell Community Connector, Grenfell Health & Wellbeing Service
Lucy Wood ,Community Collaboration Lead, Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service
Howard Taylor, Grenfell Foundation Community Manager, Grenfell Foundation
Christian Hill ,Creative Director, Cleaner Steps CIC
Ian Ling, Manager, Westway Sports & Fitness Centre
Karl Douglas-Hayes, Operations Manager, Westway Sports & Fitness Centre
George Bournous, Senior Youth Inclusion Officer, Chelsea FC Foundation
Gareth Davies, Social Inclusion Manager, Chelsea FC Foundation
John Joseph, Met’s PL Kicks Coordinator, Metropolitan Police Service
Leon Whitley, Community Engagement Team, London Fire Brigade
Donna Peters, Head of Community Engagement, London Fire Brigade
Contact
Lorna Capewell
Events Support Worker
Lorna@youthactionalliance.org
07360639964
Previous Festival
If you would like to see the previous festival click here.