Harlesden reggae singer Gappy Ranks thanks the community at Winter Warmer event

An international reggae singer from Harlesden thanked the community for their support during an event held at the weekend.

Gappy Ranks joined more than 200 people at the Winter Warmer family day at the Unity Centre on Church Road, Willesden, where he gave a talk on music, growing up in Brent and his path to success.

The 31-year-old, who also performed with a number of local young people, said: “I feel I owe the community my talents and anything I can do, because this is the place that took me to where I am now.

“They were the first to play my music on the local radio station and they continue to play it today.”

Organised in partnership with Catalyst Housing and The Brent Catalyst Residents Forum, the event also included go-karting, face painting and a bouncy castle for the younger attendees and a number of other activities including presentations from My Community Bank, Brent Law Centre, and Sufra Food Bank.

The day ended with an after party for younger people.

Rod Cahill, chief executive of Catalyst Housing, said: “What a fantastic turnout. The inter-generational cooking demo really summed up the feel of the whole event. There are people of all ages here and they are all interested in what’s going on.

“What really comes across is the real interest people have in improving their area, and there’s so much on offer for young people and old people.

“It’s a real privilege to be here.”