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Step Up, Join In: Dance Westminster Heats Are Almost Here!

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Step Up, Join In: Dance Westminster Heats Are Almost Here!

Three free heats. One unforgettable celebration. Your Dance Westminster journey starts this October.

Dance Westminster 2025 - Heat 1 - College Park School - Young Disabled People. Young participant practicing their routine with their dance partner
Last year brought the heat - now it’s your turn!

Dance Westminster is back, bringing disabled residents, workers and students together through movement, confidence and fun. Whether you are trying dance for the first time or ready to take centre stage, everyone is welcome—no experience needed.

Choose your heat and take the floor

Join a free workshop, learn a routine with professional instructors and, if you are ready, audition on the spot. Perform the routine or freestyle your own—the choice is yours.

  • Heat 1: Wednesday 7 October, 10:30am-12pm: Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee School, Kennet Road, W9 3LG – For disabled children and young people aged 11-17
  • Heat 2: Friday 9th October, 2:30pm-4pm: Forrester Court Care Home, Cirencester Street (Off Harrow Road), W2 5SR – For older disabled people aged 50+
  • Heat 3: Wednesday 14th October, 10am-12pm: North Paddington Youth Club, 229 Lanark Road, W9 1EA – For young people and adults aged 50+

Start at the heats, shine at the grand final

Ten finalists will be paired with professional dance partners for one-to-one coaching before taking the stage at Porchester Hall  on Tuesday 1 December. Join us from 12:30pm–3pm, with the show starting at 1pm, and help choose the People’s Champion alongside a celebrity judging panel.

Ready to move? Sign up for a heat and take your first step. Not dancing? Come along to support the performers, feel the energy and cheer them on at the Grand Final. 

Share this with someone who would love to take part or join the crowd. 

For help, email ibannister@westminster.gov.uk, or contact active@westminster.gov.uk for more information.

 

Make Your Move

The Vitality Westminster Mile Delivers An Iconic, Record-Breaking Day

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The Vitality Westminster Mile Delivers An Iconic, Record-Breaking Day

 
Over 8,000 finishers. One iconic route. A world-record pyjama party.

The 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile filled the heart of the capital with family fun, record-breaking moments and an unforgettable celebration of movement.

The 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile took over central London, with more than 8,000 finishers completing the iconic route around St James’s Park from The Mall to a spectacular finish outside Buckingham Palace.

The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Karen Scarborough, got the day under way as starter for the first wave, while Councillors Robert Rigby and Ben Sewell were among those joining in and celebrating the occasion.

The Mall became the world’s biggest pyjama party as hundreds of children, parents and families tackled the mile in PJs, stripes and fleecy onesies. From toddlers in buggies to three generations crossing the line together, the day captured what this London 2012 legacy event is all about: making activity fun, accessible and inclusive.

The buzz continued at the free Vitality Wellness Festival in Green Park, with cricket, basketball, dance, martial arts, crafts and high-energy Guinness World Record challenges. Olympians Chris Thompson and Montell Douglas joined the fun, before Cameron Boyek won the men’s BMC Bannister Mile and Kate Axford equalled the women’s course record in 4:23.

Run Back The Highlights

What an amazing day! A huge thank you to the organisers, sponsors, partners and volunteers who made it all possible, and to every participant who brought such incredible energy to the course. Together, you made the 2026 Vitality Westminster Mile an iconic, record-breaking celebration that Westminster will never forget.

Ready for another unforgettable mile? Entries for the 2027 Vitality Westminster Mile on Saturday 25 September are now open.

Lock In Your 2027 Mile

Access More Free Training This Autumn

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Access More Free Training This Autumn

ActiveWestminster’s Foundation Training Programme continues this autumn with two more FREE workshops at North Paddington Youth Centre this Autumn.

Yellow, Blue and Green Foundation Training Flyer with yellow and and white text with offer details, and a picture of female football coach with female footballer
FREE training to build safer, more inclusive sport in Westminster.

Coaches, volunteers, teachers, youth workers and community organisations can build practical skills to help make sessions safer, more welcoming and accessible for everyone.

The Emergency First Aid at Work course on Monday 5 October is now fully booked. Thank you to everyone who signed up — it is great to see such strong interest in gaining life-saving skills.

Upcoming training

Safeguarding and Protecting Children Workshop
Wednesday 7 October, 6pm to 9pm
North Paddington Youth Centre, 229 Lanark Road, London, W9 1EA

Build confidence in recognising concerns, responding appropriately and creating safe, supportive spaces for children and young people.

Inclusive Coaching Workshop
Wednesday 4 November, 6pm to 9pm
North Paddington Youth Centre, 229 Lanark Road, London, W9 1EA

Learn how to adapt activities so disabled people can take part with confidence in more accessible and inclusive sessions.

Places are limited, so sign up now and bring new skills back to your club, group or community session.

Book Your Place

Just Turn Up And Get Moving

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Just Turn Up and Get Moving

Free, fun and pressure-free multisport sessions are landing at Paddington Recreation Ground for young people aged 11 to 16. No trials, no stress, no need to be sporty, just turn up, move, play and have a laugh.

Just Turn Up flyer - Black and White photo of 4 young black youths sitting together, neon yellow boarder and black text with initiative details.
Move, play, try something new. No pressure, just fun.

FREE sessions every week

Just Turn Up gives 11 to 16 year olds a welcoming space to get active, try different activities and enjoy time with others at their own pace.

Sessions take place every Wednesday and Thursday from 4pm to 5pm at Paddington Recreation Ground. Meet on the MUGA by the track and get ready to move, play and see what you enjoy.

No pressure, just play

These open, inclusive multisport sessions are all about having fun in a safe and supportive space. You can join in, try something new, build confidence or simply enjoy being active with others.

You do not need experience, fancy kit or a perfect game plan. Come as you are, bring your energy and have a go – everyone is welcome.

Ready when you are

Whether you want to run around, learn a new skill, meet people or shake off the school day, Just Turn Up is a simple way to get involved without any fuss.

Just turn up and join the fun. Free sessions run every Wednesday and Thursday, 4pm to 5pm, on the MUGA by the track at Paddington Recreation Ground.

Football, Fun And Community Spirit Take Centre Stage

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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.
Get the Full Lowdown

ActiveWestminster Weekend Ends Summer on a High!

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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.

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