4419 Ecurban

29 Sept 2025

Urban Elephant Festival returns

We’re delighted to have supported the Urban Elephant Festival, now in its fourth year, which celebrates diversity, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in Southwark.

The festival was held on Saturday 13 September in Elephant and Castle, from midday until 9pm, with thousands of residents and visitors joining us across Castle Square, Walworth Square and Sayer Street for music, dance and performances.

We sponsored the event alongside partners including Get Living, Lendlease, Berkeley Homes, HUB, Evolve, L&Q, North Walworth Council and Southwark Council.

Soifur Rahman, our social and economic investment programme manager, was at the official opening to say a few words on behalf of Notting Hill Genesis. It was wonderful to see such a diverse mix of people and culture all in one place enjoying the atmosphere that the Urban Elephant Festival celebrates.

There was a big crowd despite the rain and strong winds, and they all cheered, danced and grooved to the many acts that performed throughout the evening.

Highlights included:

  • Grupo Lokito, who closed the evening with their infectious blend of Congolese grooves and Cuban rhythms
  • IRIE! Dance Theatre Youth Company who brought the folk tale Anansi and the Pot of Wisdom to life through African and Caribbean movement
  • Bhavan Odissi dancers showcasing the grace of classical Indian dance
  • Ilusión Flamenca igniting the stage with passionate Spanish flair

This was truly an amazing event supported by so many local partners and organisations and we’re so pleased to provide our backing. It was a fantastic opportunity to connect with residents, celebrate local talent and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to community engagement.

Photo credit: Rahil Ahmad.