Brent has claimed victory as winner of the 2020 Borough of Culture Award.

There were whoops and rounds of applause in the Civic Centre in Wembley Park this morning as the Mayor of London’s announcement came through by video link.

The council has been given approximately £1.3m for a programme of events which will showcase the borough’s cultural story, beating more than 20 London boroughs who also competed to win.

Navin Shah London Assembly member for Brent and Harrow, said: “I am thrilled Brent has been picked as the 2020 London Borough of Culture. This opens up so many exciting opportunities for local people, and I can’t wait to see the £1 million award go towards unlocking the huge talent and creativity in our community.

“Brent Council’s bid includes a huge summertime street party for 200,000 people with 16 pop-up visual arts, dance, theatre and music commissions.

“It also includes a large-scale not for profit media pilot project called Brent Lives and there are plans to turn Brent into an open-air museum for 2020 for local people, Londoners and tourists from further afield.

“This a true recognition of Brent’s rich diversity and the excellent record it has as a leading borough when it comes to culture, arts and innovation.”

Dawn Butler, MP for Brent Central, said she was “absolutely thrilled” that the borough won adding: “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.

“Brent is the most diverse constituency in Europe and 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. High profile celebrities backed the bid including Rogue One star Riz Ahmed and England football star Raheem Sterling when the scheme was announced last summer.

A dedicated website to capture selfies and videos were sent in by supporters of the borough’s wealth of cultural activities.Waltham Forest won Borough of Culture 2019.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khansaid: “Huge congratulations to Waltham Forest and Brent for their superb bids. I know that both will deliver a programme of work that will benefit residents 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 that they can aspire to be our performers, artists, entrepreneurs and cultural leaders of the future.”