Leisure

Car Free Day, celebrated globally on 22 September, is all about reimagining our streets without cars and encouraging people to walk, cycle, scoot and play in safer, healthier environments. It’s a chance to experience the benefits of cleaner air, reduced traffic, and more active neighbourhoods, while highlighting the importance of sustainable transport.

Here in Westminster, Car Free Day is a key moment in the year to showcase programmes like Play Streets, Street Play, and School Streets, which all form part of the council’s Active Streets Programme. By turning roads into spaces for people, the day helps residents see how streets can be used differently, supporting Westminster’s ambition for greener, safer, and more connected communities.

The first of this year’s new locations opened in Northumberland Place on 4 August, quickly becoming a hub of laughter, cycling, and outdoor fun. Building on this success, Kilravock Street and Ashmore Road officially joined the programme in September. To mark Car Free Day, the council also hosted Street Play sessions in Church Street and Capland Street, where young people enjoyed activities with Everyone Active coaches and Cycle Confident helped build cycling skills.

Cllr Cara Sanquest, Cabinet Member for Communities, said:

“We’re pleased to be able to launch this Play Streets scheme, which facilitates play, physical activity, leisure and sport opportunities outside for children, young people and families, literally on the doorstep of people’s homes.

There are lots of children and families who live along the same street who don’t get the chance to interact together, and these sessions allow them to do so safely and play on a traffic-free road.

This new scheme highlights the power of communities coming together to create cleaner, safer, healthier, and more active neighbourhoods across the city.”

Residents have already been quick to share their appreciation, with one parent from Northumberland Place saying:

“It has been such a good way to get the kids out of the house and active. It has also been instrumental in making friends with neighbours and building a real community spirit.”

With 33 matches across 24 days from 12 June to 5 July 2026, this is set to be the biggest summer of women’s cricket ever. And with tickets already selling fast, now’s the time to get involved and Catch the Spirit.

World-class talent on display

From global stars like Ellyse Perry (Australia), Hayley Matthews (West Indies), Lauren Bell (England) and Richa Ghosh (India), to a special campaign cameo from cricket legend Andrew Flintoff, the tournament promises to showcase the energy, passion and excitement that only a World Cup can bring.

England batter Sophia Dunkley said:

“Next summer is going to be the biggest ever in women’s cricket! Home World Cups don’t come around too often, so it’s super special – particularly with games at The Oval. It’s a ground that creates magic every time.”

Fellow England star, and ActiveWestminster Champion of the Future, Maia Bouchier, who grew up in North London, added:

“It never gets lost on me how special it is to play at Lord’s. With the World Cup here next summer, it’s going to be incredible for the team and the fans. We’re so excited for cricket to have its moment!”