Surbiton among country’s happiest places to live
#43: Kingston publishes new strategy to support people with autism and ADHD, Malden Centre to host Kingston Cancer Conference, Rupert Bear arrives at Surbiton Station, Kingston’s ‘unfair parking charges’ petition reaches 1060 signatures, The Big Bahooey at Hampton Court Palace, Celebrate Chessington this May, The Elmer Adventure at Rose Theatre, half-term fun at Hawker, New Malden’s Good Food Green Fair, DanceWest Fest Kington 2025 at Rose Theatre, Joe Wicks Festival is back at Kew Gardens, Kew the Music returns in July, open air spectacular music concerts at Hampton Court Palace, Hay Festival, al fresco swimming, and more.
Hello and thank you for reading Love Kingston. With the start of the ‘summer season’ and the May half-term upon us, this week I bring you a slightly longer than usual newsletter featuring sure-to-sell-out festivals and concerts as well as free community-based events from across the borough. Enjoy! AH
START WITH A SMILE: Stuff to cheer us up
💚 China’s sizeable CO2 output shrinks over the last 12 months: According to analysts at Carbon Brief, a climate reporting website, China’s emissions contracted by 1% in the last 12 months. And this isn’t because of a recession or Covid lockdowns but because of its growing use of renewables. While China remains the world’s largest polluter, the country brought more green energy projects online last year than the rest of the world combined, leading to a 5.8% drop in its power sector emissions, which offset rising demand for energy. So while a net 1% fall is small, it’s potentially a major milestone in the race to decarbonise if the trend continues.
LOCAL STORIES: Stuff you need to know
🏡 Surbiton among The Guardian’s pick of the country’s happiest places to live: Open green spaces, great food and vibrant culture as well as efficient public transport, low crime and good health services are some of the factors The Guardian looked at to create its list of Britain’s happiest places to live. When the data was crunched, Surbiton North came in as the second happiest place to live in London, behind the Ridgeway, Enfield. With the River Thames on its doorstep, lovely parks and green spaces and lots of tree-lined streets where you can hear birdsongs as you stroll along them, The Guardian said:
“The Surbiton North neighbourhood still feels like a place for anyone looking to escape the urban bustle, but it’s also perfectly located for those who need quick and easy access to the Big Smoke. One of its biggest selling points is its speedy commuting time into Waterloo: the fastest trains take just 15 minutes.”
👪 Kingston publishes new strategy to support people with autism and ADHD: Kingston Council announces the publication of its new five-year all-age strategy to improve support for autistic people and those with ADHD. All Ages Autism & ADHD Strategy, produced with contributions from more than 240 people including autistic people, people with ADHD, and those who support them as well as professionals, sets out four distinct priorities:
quicker access to diagnosis and support
better mental health care
greater awareness in schools, healthcare and workplaces
support to live independently and succeed at work.
The full document is available here.
👩⚕️ The Malden Centre to host Kingston Cancer Conference: On Thursday 29 May 2025, the Malden Centre in New Malden is to host a major conference ‘Beyond the Postcode: Making Cancer Care Accessible for Every Community in Kingston’. This free-to-attend conference is organised by Croydon BME Forum whose mission is to ensure that every person, regardless of their background, can access equitable, culturally sensitive cancer care and support. The day will explore key challenges like unequal access, late diagnosis, and inconsistent outcomes. And will bring together experts and community leaders to share solutions, highlight local success, and shape more effective, equitable care across the capital. More details on the conference and how to secure your free place is available here.
🧸 Rupert Bear arrives at Surbiton Station: A new mural depicting iconic children’s comic strip character Rupert Bear has been unveiled at Surbiton Station. Ten stunning panels were installed to celebrate the famous bear and his writer and illustrator Alfred Bestall who lived in Surbiton for 40 years. Located along the walls of the footbridge to the left of the main entrance to Surbiton Station, residents can enjoy the tribute to Rupert and its creator at any time.
🛌🏻 Mayor of London announces plan to end rough sleeping by 2030: Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan has launched a new plan of action to end rough sleeping in London for good by 2030. Working with central government, London Councils and boroughs, and with the help of additional funding, the Mayor’s plan aims to refurbish up to 500 empty homes, open a new Ending Homelessness Hub to provide 24/7 support, and put more support workers and volunteers into community spaces like day centres and food banks. The new Rough Sleeping Plan of Action sets the framework for how the Mayor and partners will measure and track progress towards achieving it – more details on the plan are available here.
LOCAL DEMOCRACY: Stuff that affects your neighbourhood
🚗 Kingston’s ‘unfair parking charges’ petition reaches 1060 signatures: A petition started by a local tutor against the ‘unfair parking charges’ that came into effect across Kingston in April, has now reached 1060 signatures, as of today, 23 May. The petition asks the Council to “support small businesses and their customers by addressing the impact of rising parking costs. These increases should not be absorbed by the community, as many cannot afford this on top of other cost-of-living challenges.” The deadline to sign the petition has also been extended to 4 June 2025 – more details are available here.
COMMUNITY, CULTURE & EVENTS: Stuff to do, experience and enjoy
🎉 The Big Bahooey at Hampton Court Palace – a day of serious nonsense for the whole family: Here’s a family day out jam-packed with lively events, fun workshops, spectacular entertainment and oodles of silliness. You can try your hand at juggling, plate spinning and wire walking. Dance yourself silly at the silent disco. Belt out a tune at the singalongs. Cheer the acrobats and jugglers. Snap a selfie with the cool creatures wandering Hampton Court Palace Gardens, and much more. With acts from all around the globe, silliness and serious nonsense takes place across the half-term bank holiday weekend, 24-26 May.
🎉 Celebrate Chessington this May: Kingston residents and visitors are invited to Celebrate Chessington on Thursday 29 May at Churchfields Recreation Ground. A great family day out with fairground rides, face painting, music, BBQ and entertainment.
🐘 The Elmer Adventure at Rose Theatre: Join three friends on a joyful jungle adventure in Tall Stories’ magical, musical adaptation of the much-loved Elmer books by David McKee. From the company who brought you The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom live on stage, The Elmer Adventure show is for all the family, everyone aged 3 and up. On at Rose Theatre from 28 May to 1 June.
💮 Flower Making Workshop at FUSEBOX: Get creative with a hands-on crafting session where children (aged 5-15) and their families can come together to create beautiful paper flower bouquets. Guided by an experienced artist and educator, you’ll learn how to design and assemble vibrant paper flowers. On at FUSEBOX (Riverside Kingston) on 24 May.
Half-term fun at YMCA Hawker, Kingston: Packed with exciting activities like messy play and arts & crafts to sports, games, and outdoor adventures, Y Kidz Playscheme brings energy, creativity and new experiences to Hawker, Kingston, from Tuesday 27 May to Friday 30 May. This is a paid-for event for children aged 4-11. More details including pricing and how to book are available here.
Quiz break: Where was the Mini Cooper designed that won the Monte Carlo Rally three times in the 1960s?
A) Birmingham
B) Coventry
C) Surbiton
(Answer at the bottom.)
🎦 Kingston International Film Festival returns in June: Kingston International Film Festival returns for a fourth year from 6-8 June, as part of Kingston 2025. This major event brings independent filmmakers, industry professionals and the local community together for three glittering days of screenings, workshops, and events, culminating with the Sunday evening Awards Presentation. And for budding movie makers among you, there is also an opportunity to pitch your short film project with a chance to win £1000 of kit hire. Full programme of events is available here.
🥗 Celebrate local food, music, and community at New Malden’s Good Food Green Fair: New Malden Town Centre Partnership invites everyone to the Good Food Green Fair taking place in Jubilee Square, New Malden on Saturday 14 June as part of the Kingston 2025 celebrations. Offering a vibrant community celebration of local food, sustainability, and creativity, this free family-friendly event will showcase how food growing, cooking, and creativity can support health and wellbeing. Expect exciting food and gardening stalls, creative family activities, and a live stage featuring an eclectic lineup of music and spoken word performances.
💃 DanceWest Fest Kingston 2025 at Rose Theatre: Ballet or bhangra, ballroom or breakdance, modern or folk – whatever your preference, West London’s most exciting community dance festival returns to Rose Theatre on Sunday, 15 June, with a variety of dance styles. Join in and celebrate the spirit of dance as part of the Kingston 2025 cultural programme.
🎉 Joe Wicks Festival is back at Kew Gardens this summer: Get ready for the ultimate wellbeing festival, hosted by the nation’s favourite fitness coach Joe Wicks. The man who inspired millions with his daily PE workouts during the pandemic returns to Kew Gardens with a family-friendly event packed with fun, fitness, inspiring talks, workshops, and all round feel-good vibes. Taking placing on 6 July, full programme and booking details are here.
🎹 Iconic outdoor concerts series Kew the Music returns in July: Travel through era-defining decades with a week-long festival of summer concerts set within the stunning grounds of Kew Gardens. Kicking off on 8 July with Craig David, the open-air concert list includes The Human League, UB40, DJ Spoony Garage Classics, Alison Moyet and Gypsy Kings. More information is available here.
🎸 Open air live music returns to the spectacular Tudor courtyard at Hampton Court Palace: In June, the iconic Tudor Palace opens its gates to welcome festival goers to enjoy the stunning palace gardens ‘after-hours’ before nightly concerts in the intimate setting of Base Court. James kick-off the season on 11 June, followed by a week of gigs by some of the biggest names in music including Rag'n'Bone Man, Tom Jones, Bananarama, 10CC, Chaka Khan, Gary Barlow and Elbow. More information and booking details are here.
SPORTS DAY: Stuff about enjoying your local teams
⚽ Chelsea Women FC: The League Cup and the league title were already in the bag when, on Sunday 18 May, Chelsea underlined the Treble by scoring three goals past Manchester United in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. Just one year in charge and Sonia Bompastor has delivered success in every domestic competition. We wish the team a well-earned rest and hope they can add that one elusive trophy, the Champions League, to their long list of achievements in the new season.
LONDON CALLING: Stuff to do, experience and enjoy in the big smoke
🏊♀️ Al fresco swimming: The capital has definitely caught the open-air bathing bug over the last few years. Whether it’s the freezing-cold lidos or the heated Sky Pool, many of our fellow citizens are enjoying outdoor swimming all year round. So, if you’d like to dip your toe or more in open-air water, here are some of the best lidos and outdoor pools in and around the capital Courtesy of Time Out.
WHAT ELSE? Stuff we couldn’t quite fit anywhere else but thought you’d still find interesting
📚 Hay Festival is back: The UK’s biggest literary event, Hay Festival, returns to Hay-on-Wye this Thursday 22 May. Running through to 1 June, the lineup includes some of the world’s most celebrated writers including Michael Morpurgo, Alexander McCall Smith and Elif Shafak. The 11-day-long festival also includes concerts, family activities, shopping and more. Explore the full programme here.
Quiz answer: C) John Cooper designed the Mini Cooper in his Hollyfield Road garage in Surbiton that went on to win the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964, 1965 and 1967.