Brent Council has secured £110,000 from the Mayor of London’s 'Summer Streets' fund to enhance al fresco dining and community events across the borough. The initiative targets high streets in Wembley, Kingsbury, and Willesden Green, aiming to attract more visitors and support local businesses during the warmer months.
Funding allocation and key locations
Wembley High Road, Ealing Road, and Kingsbury High Street will share £100,000 for larger projects, while Willesden Green receives £10,000 for a smaller 'pocket scheme.' The funding is part of a nearly £500,000 seasonal pot awarded to 13 London boroughs by Mayor Sadiq Khan, who aims to make this summer the biggest for outdoor dining in London’s history.
According to Brent Council, the programme will combine cultural performances, live music, market stalls, and outdoor dining to animate town centres and support local hospitality businesses. The goal is to extend trading hours and encourage residents and visitors to make the most of the summer and autumn.
Community events and cultural activities
A series of themed activities will take place across Brent’s town centres, including more than 40 community-led events. Ealing Road will celebrate Brent's Little India with Bollywood dance performances, Indian musicians, mehndi artists, and market stalls. Wembley High Road will feature street dance, buskers, football shoot-out challenges, and family-friendly activities. Kingsbury will host community-focused events designed to encourage people to spend more time in the town centre and support local businesses.
Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, Cllr Matt Kelcher, said: 'The Summer Streets programme is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Brent's vibrant town centres, diverse communities and thriving hospitality sector. By creating welcoming outdoor spaces and supporting local businesses, we're encouraging more people to spend time in our high streets, enjoy cultural activities and experience everything Brent has to offer during the summer months.'
Support for local hospitality
The programme will work closely with local restaurants, cafés, takeaways, and food retailers to encourage special promotions, dining offers, and outdoor eating opportunities. A key objective is to increase footfall, dwell time, and customer spend, supporting the local hospitality sector.
In Willesden Green, the pocket scheme will introduce movable planters, temporary hay-bale seating, decorative bunting, and lighting between Willesden Green Tube Station, Station Parade, and Poplars Avenue to encourage people to pause, sit, and stay longer into the evening.
Council leadership response
Brent Council Leader, Cllr Muhammed Butt, said: 'We are thrilled to be one of the London boroughs receiving new Summer Streets funding from the Mayor of London, which will bring new energy to Wembley High Road, Ealing Road, Kingsbury and Willesden Green. With an exciting programme of activities on the horizon, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy al fresco dining, live music, cultural performances, market stalls and family-friendly events from 2027.'
