Wandsworth Heritage Festival 2024: A Journey into the Heart of Local History and Wellbeing

From 18 May to 9 June, this annual celebration sheds light on the borough’s historical ties to health and wellbeing. Recognised as one of the happiest places in the UK, Wandsworth owes much to its historic sites and green spaces.

The festival, organised by Wandsworth Heritage Service and supported by local societies, is part of the build-up to becoming the London Borough of Culture in 2025. The programme is packed with engaging activities that reveal the uniqueness of Wandsworth.

Attendees can enjoy a variety of events:

• Cemetery Walks: Discover stories hidden among the headstones.
• Folklore Finds: Explore Wandsworth’s legends through its flora and fauna.
• Woodfield Pavilion Heritage Day: Enjoy talks, walks, and book sales at this restored landmark.
• Health and History Talks: Explore how local education and health sectors have intersected.
• Ram Street Beer Tastings: Savour local beers with expert guidance.
• Ancestral Discoveries: Join workshops on black ancestry and the history of Tooting market.
• Hospital Histories: Learn about the untold stories of local medical facilities.
• Beating the Bounds: Participate in this ancient tradition in Tooting Graveney parish.

The festival also marks significant milestones and celebrates local heroes, with St Anne’s Church observing its bicentenary and the unveiling of plaques to honour notable community figures.

For younger visitors, the festival offers library storytimes and a craft and archaeology workshop, making history fun and accessible for all ages.

With a broad array of activities, the Wandsworth Heritage Festival not only honours the borough’s past but also its vibrant community spirit. Don’t miss this enriching historical experience that connects Wandsworth’s history with its present. Mark your calendars and join the festivities!