Summer Streets programme to boost al fresco dining on Brent's high streets

Brent has received a share of nearly £500,000 to boost al fresco dining and events across the borough this summer.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has announced 15 successful Summer Streets projects across local authorities in London as part of his ambition to deliver the biggest ever summer for al fresco dining in the capital's history.

The Summer Streets Fund will support Brent Council and local hospitality businesses to deliver al fresco dining, family-friendly events and extended trading hours, helping Londoners and visitors make the most of the warmer months.

Brent has been awarded funding of up to £100,000 to support a programme of Summer Streets activities across Wembley High Road, Ealing Road and Kingsbury, alongside a separate pocket al fresco scheme in Willesden Green funded with up to £10,000.

The programme will combine cultural performances, live music, family-friendly activities, market stalls, food and hospitality offers, and opportunities for alfresco dining, helping to animate town centres and support local businesses throughout the summer.

A series of themed activations will take place across Brent's town centres. Ealing Road will celebrate Brent's Little India with Bollywood dance performances, Indian musicians, mehndi artists, market stalls and more.

Wembley High Road will feature street dance performances, buskers, football shoot-out challenges and family-friendly activities.

Kingsbury will host community-focused events designed to encourage people to spend more time in the town centre and support local businesses.

Across all locations, visitors will be able to enjoy a mix of entertainment, food, hospitality offers and opportunities for alfresco dining, supported by temporary seating areas, including hay bale seating, designed to encourage people to relax, socialise and spend longer in Brent's high streets.

The programme will also work closely with local restaurants, cafés, takeaways and food retailers to encourage special promotions, dining offers and outdoor eating opportunities. A key objective is to support Brent's hospitality sector by increasing footfall, dwell time and customer spend, while encouraging residents and visitors to discover and enjoy local independent businesses.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Planning, Councillor Matt Kelcher, said:

"The Summer Streets programme is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Brent's vibrant town centres, diverse communities and thriving hospitality sector. By creating welcoming outdoor spaces and supporting local businesses, we're encouraging more people to spend time in our high streets, enjoy cultural activities and experience everything Brent has to offer during the summer months.

" From Ealing Road and Wembley High Road to Kingsbury and Willesden Green, these improvements and events will help bring communities together, increase footfall for local businesses and create lively, family-friendly destinations that residents and visitors can enjoy throughout the season”

In addition to the larger schemes, a smaller 'pocket' scheme in Willesden Green has received up to £10,000 to deliver activities in the area.

Movable planters, temporary hay-bale seating, decorative bunting and lighting will be introduced between Willesden Green Tube Station, Station Parade and Poplars Avenue to encourage people to pause, sit and stay for longer into the evening.

Events will include programmed busking and cultural performance sessions, while lunch, after-work and evening offers will be promoted through 'Today in Willesden Green' boards.