by LAUREN CODLING
A LABOUR MP has spoken of her delight as her Brent constituency won the “London Borough of Culture 2020” on Tuesday (27).
Dawn Butler, who represents Brent Central and is the shadow minister for women and equalities, celebrated with other members of the local community as London mayor Sadiq Khan announced the winner at a ceremony in City Hall.
Butler said she was “thrilled” by the news and congratulated everyone who backed the campaign.
“I have backed Brent’s bid from the beginning and it is wonderful to see Brent recognised for our great talent, creativity and vibrant culture throughout the borough,” the MP said.
“Brent is the most diverse constituency in Europe. I have always said that our unity is our strength, and it is celebrating that diversity and strength that has been key to our successful bid.”
The borough submitted its formal application to Khan last December. During the process, supporters shared selfies and videos from the range of cultural activities taking place in Brent to help back the bid.
The mayor’s office said £1.35 million of funding will be awarded to each of the winning boroughs –Waltham Forest also won London Borough of Culture for 2019 – and will be used to deliver a programme of cultural activities.
“I look forward to seeing all of the great plans and activities come to fruition in 2020. I encourage everyone in Brent to get involved, celebrate our local culture and help showcase our fantastic borough to the country,” Butler enthused.
Brent Central incorporated seven elements to their bid. These included hopes to work with local producers to see a major Reggae music festival in April 2020 for 12,500 people and a research project, learning how best to put young people in charge of their cultural future.
Khan praised the boroughs for their “superb” bids and stated he was confident both would deliver work that would benefit communities and make the whole city proud.
“I am particularly happy to see both bids have placed such importance on young people.
“It’s vital that young people get access to culture, regardless of their background, so they can aspire to be our performers, artists, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders of the future,” he added.
In total, 22 different boroughs submitted bids to be London Borough of Culture.
A protestor is detained by the police during a demonstration against the proposed site of the new Chinese Embassy, outside Royal Mint Court, in London. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso. 
