2025 marks a significant milestone in London’s history, with 60 years since the creation of the 32 boroughs we know today following the London Government Act of 1963. Each borough has developed its own unique identity, shaped by its people, places and stories. Heritage continues to play a vital role in bringing communities together, fostering pride and a shared sense of belonging. 

Over the past three decades, we’ve partnered with local authorities to explore what heritage means to their communities. Since then, we’re proud to have supported more than 5,370 projects, investing over £1.6billion to help people connect with heritage and celebrate the rich culture of London. 

Explore some of the inspiring projects

Newham Heritage Month 

The London Borough of Newham evolved from the merging of the former Essex county boroughs of West Ham and East Ham into a brand new local authority area. 

Since 2018, we’ve supported Newham Heritage Month with £1.2million to showcase the borough’s rich cultural, social and industrial heritage thanks to Newham Council and other partners. In September, the festival returned with a vibrant programme of community-led events celebrating the borough's 60th birthday. Previous themes include celebrating Newham's industrial past and the legacy of London 2012 Olympics which transformed the borough.

Havering Unearthed  

Once part of Essex, Havering brings together Romford and Hornchurch’s rich histories. Havering London, a new cultural and placemaking organisation, is helping residents explore the borough’s rich heritage – from the ancient Tithe Barn to Rom Skatepark, the UK’s first and most complete skate complex.

With a grant of £250,000, Havering Unearthed will create a new heritage trail, events and immersive club culture archive. The ambitious two-year programme is dedicated to uncovering, celebrating and promoting the diverse and often hidden heritage of Havering.

Kingston 2025: Celebrating our past, present and future 

In 1965, Kingston-upon-Thames, Malden and Coombe and Surbiton united to form today’s borough. From a Saxon market town to a thriving suburban hub, Kingston 2025 used an award of £178,486 to mark this anniversary with a creative programme that explores its evolution. 

The six-month cultural celebration also marked the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of King Athelstan in 925AD – the first King of a united England – in the heart of Kingston.

Merton United 

Wimbledon, Merton, Morden and Mitcham came together in 1965 to form Merton. The Merton United project is a recipient of the London Borough of Culture Impact Award, and alongside our grant of £248,000, it'll fund local groups to archive stories and objects – from footballer John Fashanu’s legacy to the vibrant Ghanaian community that calls Merton home. As a result, Merton’s archive collection will better represent the modern day borough and increase accessibility to heritage. 

Barnet Light and Flight 

Created from parts of Middlesex and Hertfordshire, Barnet is celebrating its aviation, migration and film heritage.

With a grant of £250,000, Light and Flight is a year-long programme of activities that will capture and celebrate the uniqueness of Barnet. It will draw on the borough’s links to early aviation and film and what this means for the community. Highlights include a new heritage trail, an archive project with the Museum of Youth Culture and a Light and Flight Festival that will bring the celebration to a close.

Waltham Forest: Kanda Vol. 1 – Bedroom Shut, Music Up

Waltham Forest was the first London Borough of Culture. 4TY Limited are using a grant of £97,000 to tell the story of the cultural shift for African Caribbean communities in Waltham Forest during the early 2000s, focusing on the impact of urban music from that era. The project is collecting oral histories, working with young people and will result in an immersive exhibition.