ActiveCommunities

Ashmore Road Comes Alive: Play Day Was A Roaring Success!

Ashmore Road Comes Alive: Play Day Was A Roaring Success!

Bikes, ball games, chalk art and an epic tug of war! Ashmore Road Play Street was buzzing, last Wednesday 5th August, as ActiveWestminster and Play England and Play Their Way brought free, open-air fun to families across the community!

Ashmore Rd Play Day Play Street - Change 4 Life Team - Back of t-shirt
Ashmore Rd Play Day Play Street - Little boy and girl sitting on the road next to each other
Ashmore Rd Play Day Play Street - Activity on the road
Ashmore Rd Play Day Play Street - Children doing tug of war
Ashmore Rd Play Day Play Street - Children interacting with EA Staff

A street full of play

No sign-up, no fuss, just local families turning up, joining in and making memories together. From scooters whizzing past to pavement art taking shape, the street transformed into a playground for the afternoon, proving that all you really need for a brilliant day out is some open space and a sense of fun.

A huge thank you to our partners Everyone Active, Cycle Confident, Change4Life and Play England and Play Their Way, who brought the energy, activities and expertise that made the day so special.

Days like this matter more than ever. Play England, alongside Play Their Way, is calling on the government to revive a National Play Strategy, making the case that free, accessible play needs long-term investment and support, not just one day a year. Ashmore Road is a small snapshot of what that could look like across the country. Read the full press release here to find out more.

Bring play to your street

Loved what you saw at Ashmore Road? This is Active Streets in action, turning everyday streets into spaces for play, connection and community. Find out how you could bring a session like this to your own street!

Still Time To Run From The Mall To The Palace – Grab Your FREE Spot!

Still Time To Run From The Mall To The Palace Grab Your FREE Spot!

There’s still time to bag a FREE spot at the Vitality Westminster Mile this September – one of the most iconic routes in the country, starting on The Mall and finishing right outside Buckingham Palace!

community wave poster
One mile, one iconic route. Are you in?

From the Mall to the Palace

This September, runners, walkers, families, schools and communities from across Westminster will come together for a day of energy, achievement and unforgettable Westminster spirit. Starting on The Mall, looping around St James’s Park, and finishing right in front of Buckingham Palace, this is a rare chance to take on a world-class route while soaking up some of London’s most famous landmarks.

Whether you’re chasing a personal best, taking on your very first event, or after a fun day out with family and friends, there’s a place for everyone. Run it, jog it, walk it or wheel it – your mile, your way. Open to all ages and abilities, every single step counts.

Free for Westminster residents

Thanks to our partnership with London Marathon Events, Westminster residents can claim a FREE spot in the Westminster Community Wave, plus every participant takes home a souvenir medal to mark the achievement. With 500 free places available, spaces are filling up, so don’t wait too long! Schools, clubs and community groups can also get involved through dedicated event waves.

Secure your FREE spot

The Mall. St James’s Park. Buckingham Palace. This is one mile you won’t want to run anywhere else. And with limited free places left, now’s the time to claim yours. Sign up today, get your friends and family on board, and get ready for an unforgettable morning of Westminster spirit.

Street Play Session Set to Take Over Bravington Road

Street Play Session Set to Take Over Bravington Road

Bravington Road will be transformed into a giant outdoor playground this Friday, as ActiveWestminster and Learn Together and Enjoy Together CIC bring a free Street Play Session to the community, with scooters, chalk, football and non-stop fun on the agenda.

Bravington Rd Play Street Full Flyer with details
Friday 14 August: Bravington Road is closed for play, open for fun!

What’s Happening

The session runs from 5:00 – 7:00pm, this Friday 14 August on Bravington Road, with the road closed to traffic and opened up for children to play, create and connect right on their own doorstep. Expect hopscotch, hula hoops, pavement chalk art, football and plenty of opportunities for new friendships to form, all in a safe, traffic-free space designed purely for fun.

Why Outdoor Play Matters

Sessions like this offer far more than an afternoon of entertainment. Outdoor play supports children’s physical development, boosts confidence and creativity, and encourages social skills through unstructured, imaginative play. Closing the road to traffic also brings neighbours together, turning an everyday street into a shared community space where families can connect and children can simply be children.

All are welcome, no booking required, simply turn up and join in.

 

Unity in the Community: Round Two, Bigger Than Ever

Unity in the Community: Round Two, Bigger Than Ever

Westminster’s biggest community football celebration returns this September, calling every player, team and supporter to be part of something bigger than the game itself.

Unity in the Community event flyer. Blue background with black text with event details
One weekend. One community. One ball. September 5–6.

One weekend. One community. One ball.

This September, pitches across Paddington Recreation Ground come alive for Unity in the Community – our free grassroots football tournament that’s been bringing Westminster together for years. This isn’t just a competition. It’s neighbours becoming teammates, strangers becoming supporters, and a whole community showing up for each other on and off the pitch.

Mark your calendar: Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 September 2026

Here’s what you can expect:

Saturday 5: Kicks off with – a girls-only development session – skills, confidence and non-competitive matches in a fun, supportive space, backed by United Dragons FC.

Sunday 6: Brings the main event – a mixed-gender tournament open to U10, U12, U14 and U16 teams, all battling it out for medals and bragging rights on Westminster’s finest start of the art pitches.

Whether you’re rallying your five-a-side regulars, pulling together a squad from your school or club, or just showing up solo to be placed in a team – there’s a spot on the pitch with your name on it.

 

This is what community sport looks like. No fees. No barriers. Just people coming together to play the game they love.

Spaces are limited and filling up fast – so tag your teammates, share the tournament and sign up. Let’s fill every pitch.

Register your team and find full details via the button below.

Second Time’s Even Better: ActiveWestminster Weekend Returns This August 22 & 23

Second Time's Even Better: ActiveWestminster Weekend Returns 22 & 23 August

Westminster’s leisure centres throw open their doors for the second free activity weekend of 2026, inviting residents and visitors of all ages to try something new.

ActiveWestminster Weekend Flyer with orange background and black text providing event details. There also pictures of people doing different activities
Free grassroots football for the whole community - bring your team, 5-6 September 2026.

Fancy trying a new sport, rediscovering an old favourite, or just getting the family moving? ActiveWestminster Weekend is your excuse.

On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August, Everyone Active leisure centres across Westminster open their doors for a weekend of free activities for residents, families, children and visitors alike (some age restrictions may apply).

Running twice a year, this is the perfect chance to explore facilities on your doorstep, whether that’s a class you’ve always meant to try or a return to a sport you haven’t picked up in years. No pressure, no cost, just a weekend to get active, on your terms.

Make the Most of Your Visit

Sign up for the ActiveWestminster Card – a free card for anyone who lives or studies in Westminster, giving access to discounted activities including group exercise classes, swimming and racquet sports. You can also find out more about Everyone Active memberships on the day.

No membership, no experience, no excuses, just turn up and get moving.

Mark Your Calendar: Saturday 22 & Sunday 23, get full details of participating centres and what’s by clicking on the button below.

We can’t wait to see you all there!

New summer basketball sessions launch for young people in Churchill Gardens

New summer basketball sessions launch for young people in Churchill Gardens

The new weekly sessions are a great opportunity for young people to stay active during the school summer holidays, learn new skills, build confidence and enjoy playing basketball in a fun and welcoming environment.

LBA Summer Basketball Sessions banner

Young people aged 11–16 can enjoy free basketball sessions this summer at Johnsons Place MUGA in Churchill Gardens, delivered by the London Basketball Association.

Open to all abilities, the mixed sessions will include basketball skills, drills and games, giving participants the chance to develop their skills while meeting new people and having fun on court.

Session details

  • Activity: Basketball
  • Location: Johnsons Place MUGA, Churchill Gardens
  • Every Wednesday from 29 July to 2 September 2026
  • Time: 4pm–6pm
  • Age group: 11–16 (mixed sessions)
  • Delivered by: London Basketball Association

Whether you’re new to basketball or already enjoy the sport, come along and get involved this summer.