Sheena Kotecha

Church Street Goes Car Free for Cleaner, Greener Journeys


Church Street Goes Car Free for Cleaner, Greener Journeys

Westminster City Council brought Church Street to life for Sunday Streets, celebrating active travel, cycling and community spirit ahead of Car Free Day on 22 September.

Bikes lined up at London Cycle Festival - Sunday Streets at Church Street as part of World Car Free Day
London Cycle Festival - Sunday Streets at Church Street as part of World Car Free Day
Cycle Connects staff at London Cycle Festival - Sunday Streets at Church Street as part of World Car Free Day

Church Street in motion

As part of the London Cycling Festival, Westminster City Council marked Car Free Day with a lively Sunday Streets event on Church Street, NW8, giving residents and visitors the chance to enjoy the area in a cleaner, safer and more people-friendly way.

The event featured free bicycle maintenance checks from Dr Bike, food and drink, music and dance, information stalls and Westminster Wheels’ pre-loved bicycle market, creating a fun and welcoming space for people to explore greener ways to get around.

Try, ride, learn a skill, make the swap

Visitors of all ages could take part in taster sessions and games, including balance bike and cycle skills, community cargo bike experiences with Our Bike, side-by-side cycling with Cycle Connect, Try Before You Bike cycle loans and e-bike try-outs.

From families trying out cycling for the first time to regular riders getting a bike check, the day showed how small, simple changes can make everyday journeys more active, accessible and sustainable.

Make car free day work for you

Car Free Day takes place every year on 22 September and is a reminder that greener travel can start with one journey. Whether you walk, cycle, take public transport, share a trip or try something new, use the day to make a difference in your own way and help create cleaner air, healthier streets and a more active Westminster.

Keep the wheels turning. Click on the button below to discover cycling support, schemes and ways to get moving across Westminster.

Football, Fun And Community Spirit Take Centre Stage

Football, fun and community spirit take centre stage

 
More than 150 young people came together for Unity in the Community — a brilliant celebration of grassroots football, teamwork and local pride in Westminster.
 
UITC Sept 26 - Participants in action on pitches at PRG
UITC Sept 26 - Taking a photo with the selfie frame
UITC Sept 26 - Tournament in action at PRG pitches
UITC participating players bonding on the pitches
UITC Sept 26 Players on PRG Pitches
UITC participating players bonding on the pitches
 
From friendly competition to cheering from the sidelines, the event was all about helping young residents get active, build confidence and feel part of something bigger.
 

A brillitant day on and off the pitch

Unity in the Community brought young players, families, local clubs and community partners together for a fun-filled day of football and connection.
With four age categories taking part, the event created a safe, welcoming space for young people to enjoy sport, meet others and celebrate the power of community.

More than just football

The day was about much more than the final score. It supported grassroots football, strengthened local partnerships and helped young people build confidence through organised sport.
 
A huge thank you goes to everyone who helped make the event possible — from clubs and coaches to volunteers, families, partners and supporters.

Get the full lowdown

Want to see how the day went?
 
Head to the Unity in the Community event page for the full recap, key highlights and event impact.
 
Keep an eye on the ActiveWestminster website for next year’s event dates  and in the meantime, explore more ways to get active, try something new and connect with sport in your local area.

Power Up Westminster: Celebrate National Fitness Day (Today 16th September) Your Way!


Power Up Westminster: Celebrate National Fitness Day Your Way!

National Fitness Day (16 September 2026) is here and there’s no better time to move more, try something new and discover what gets you feeling good in Westminster.

National Fitness Day 2026 - Kids in a class
National Fitness Day is a reminder that fitness is for everyone, however you move, it all counts.

Today is National Fitness Day, a UK-wide celebration of the power of physical activity and the many ways it can help us feel healthier, happier and more connected. This year’s theme, “Powered by You,” is a brilliant reminder that being active looks different for everyone – and every bit of movement counts.

Whether you’re ready to dive into a swim, join a community session, dance your heart out or simply take the first step, ActiveWestminster has plenty on offer to help you get moving in a way that works for you.

Save more with the ActiveWestminster Card

The ActiveWestminster Card is FREE for Westminster residents and helps make being active more affordable, with fantastic discounts and benefits across local leisure opportunities. It’s a great place to start if you want to swim, try activities or explore what’s available near you.

Inclusive ways to move, your way

Across Westminster, there are so many ways to move more, feel good and get involved – whatever fitness looks like for you. From Neighbourhood Sports Club sessions offering free and low-cost local activities, to Dance Westminster helping disabled residents aged 11+ build confidence through movement, and SfC Connect offering free, personalised support for residents facing barriers such as health conditions, disability, loneliness or big life changes, ActiveWestminster is here to help people stay fit, active and connected in the way that works best for them.

Make today the start of something

National Fitness Day is the perfect excuse to move, smile, connect and try something new, but it doesn’t stop today. Take a look at what’s on offer, find what works for you and make your next move with ActiveWestminster.

Ready to get moving? Explore our website, browse free and low-cost local sessions, or step into the spotlight with Dance Westminster today.

ActiveWestminster Weekend Ends Summer on a High!

ActiveWestminster Weekend Ends Summer on a High!

 
ActiveWestminster Weekend brought August to a lively close with free activities, big energy and plenty of community spirit across Westminster.

People exercising in a gym studi0
Jordan Gray bringing his energy, skill and inspiration at the basketball scrimmage
 
Residents, families, children and visitors came together to try something new, revisit old favourites and enjoy getting active in a fun, welcoming way.
From sports and swimming to family-friendly sessions, it was a brilliant celebration of movement, leisure and local community.

Westminster turned up the energy

Everyone Active leisure centres across Westminster opened their doors for two days of free activities, giving people the chance to explore what’s on offer and get active their way.

Champions of the Future ambassadors in action

Our Champion of the Future athletes brought skill, inspiration and plenty of feel-good moments to ActiveWestminster Weekend, joining sessions across Westminster and encouraging residents to get involved.
 
Jordan Gray, basketball KoTT Tournament winner, took part in Gym Tasters at Moberly Sports Centre on Saturday before joining the Basketball Scrimmage at Church Street Community Leisure Centre on Sunday. Zarah Butt, Taekwondo World Champs bronze medallist, joined Pilates at Paddington Recreation Ground on Saturday. Ismael Berkoun, 2x ISKA British Champion, brought the action to HIIT and Muay Thai at Porchester Centre on Sunday.
 
A huge thank you to our champions for helping make the weekend even more memorable and inspiring people across Westminster to move, try something new and have fun. Find out more about how our Champions of the Future scheme, supports talented local athletes to inspire our communities.

 Keep it moving

Missed out this time? ActiveWestminster Weekend will be back next spring and again in summer/autumn, with more free activities and chances to get moving. 

In the meantime uou can also explore your local leisure centres to see what’s available near you, from swimming and fitness classes to sports sessions and family-friendly activities. And don’t forget Westminster residents and students can sign up for the FREE ActiveWestminster Card to access discounts on activities including group exercise classes, swimming and racquet sports.

Celebrate Silver Sunday In Westminster!

The Countdown To Silver Sunday Is On!

Silver Sunday is almost here, with more than 50 free or low-cost events for over-60s across Westminster. Get ready to meet new people, reconnect with familiar faces and enjoy something special from 28 September.

Three older ladies of different ethnicities walking in nature
Celebrate connection, community and fun this Silver Sunday in Westminster.

What’s happening

The countdown to Silver Sunday is on! From 28 September, Westminster will host over 50 free or low-cost events for residents aged 60 and over.

There’s something for everyone, from walking tours, afternoon tea and dancing to gallery tours, a visit to London Zoo and much more. It’s a brilliant opportunity to meet new people, make friends and catch up with familiar faces.

How To Get Involved

Find out what’s on in Westminster Plus Magazine or on the council’s website. You could also be in with a chance to win a pair of tickets for The Play That Goes Wrong!

Help Shape The Future Of FREE Fitness In Westminster

Help Shape the Future of FREE Fitness In Westminster

FREE fitness equipment could be coming to a park near you. Westminster City Council is exploring two innovative outdoor activity options – Swing Fitness Boxes and Equip Boxes – bringing FREE, flexible workouts to parks, community centres and public spaces across the borough. Help us decide where and how.

Equip Box in use
FREE workouts. Zero barriers. Could this be coming to a local park near you?

Two new ways to move

Both offers unlock via a simple mobile app, giving residents the freedom to train solo, join a group session, or follow a coach-led workout – no membership required, no barriers to entry.

Your feedback shapes the outcome

This is a second consultation process, and your input will directly influence where these boxes are placed and how the service is designed. Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or just looking for an easy way to get started, this is your chance to have a say.

Have your say

The survey takes just a few minutes to complete and will close on 28 September 2026. 

Don’t miss the chance to shape a more active Westminster