This summer, the Westbourne Summer Festival and South West Fest provided the perfect platforms for our Community and Cultural Learning team to engage, educate, and celebrate with the community. These events showcased the power of communal learning and cultural exchange.
At the Westbourne Summer Festival, our team provided interactive learning experiences for families. Children and adults alike enjoyed participating in creative activities. Many parents also inquired about WAES courses, showing a strong interest in continuing education opportunities.

” I’d like to thank the formidable WAES team who supported our Family Learning stand. Giulio (WAES Learning Experience Officer) and Jassey (Community Learning Manager) who energetically answered queries – we had over 50 families engage – Nagwa (Diversity and Inclusion Tutor) and Fathiha (Maths Tutor), indefatigable on the playdough table, and Tomoko (Learning Support Assistant) and Albana (WAES Learner) painting butterfly wands and ‘new vision’ glasses. Great collaboration and so much fun even the Lord Mayor came to get involved! Thank you team!”
– Harriet Amos, Community Learning Manager-
At South West Fest, we set up interactive stations with different art activities. These activities were inclusive and designed for all ages. Workshops conducted by support staff and tutors fostered a deeper appreciation of the diverse cultures in our community, empowering individuals to take pride in their learning.

Both festivals demonstrated the importance of integrating learning into community life. By participating, our team aimed to make education accessible to all and create a more inclusive environment. Information booths and on-site registrations connected attendees with ongoing community programs and resources.
The Westbourne Summer Festival and South West Fest were catalysts for community building and cultural exchange. Our involvement reinforced our commitment to fostering an environment where learning is celebrated and accessible. We look forward to continuing our work, inspired by the enthusiasm and engagement we witnessed, and excited about future opportunities to bring learning to the heart of our community.
Through festivals like these, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future where everyone has the opportunity to learn and grow, Find out more about Community Learning at WAES.