Havering Council has announced that the borough will be competing to become the London Borough of Culture 2025.

A collaboration of organisations, Havering London, has been set up to launch Havering’s entry.

The group is said to consist of Havering Changing, FUSE (local cultural education partnership), Communicating Havering, Creative Health Havering and Havering Council.

The London Borough of Culture is a scheme launched in 2017 by the capital's mayor Sadiq Khan to “engage Londoners in cultural and creative programmes on their doorstep by supporting work designed and led by local people”.

The aim, as stated on the official website, is to “empower communities and contribute to the increased health and wellbeing of residents”.

As part of the programme, the winning borough receives funding of more than £1.35m to create a year-long programme of activities that celebrates the “unique character of local people and places”.

In 2019, Waltham Forest was chosen as the first ever London Borough of Culture followed by Brent in 2020 and Lewisham in 2022. Currently, the title is held by Croydon.

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Now Havering Council has announced the bid and has urged local people to back it.

David Shearing and Mathew Russell, co-chairs of Havering London, said that it is time to “put Havering firmly on the map of London.”

Their vision, they said, is to transform Havering into a hub of creative innovation.

They added: “Unlocked by the £1.35 million grant from the Mayor of London, we will create a legacy that will resonate for generations.

“This will fuel the change we need to create new opportunities for every part of our borough, allowing us to create a lasting impact through a diverse range of projects.”

They further claimed that their team is committed to co-creating “world-leading artistic events and experiences with our residents”, that places people at the heart.

Their work, they said, will “unlock Havering’s hidden stories and showcase the vibrancy of our community”.

Appealing to residents for their support, they added: “Now, it's your turn to have a say. Together, we can help transform Havering to become a beacon of culture.

“By supporting the bid to become London Borough of Culture, you are championing a brighter, more vibrant future.”

Details about the bid can be found at: www.haveringlondon.com