Brent launched its programme for its year as the ‘London Borough of Culture’, which focuses on local artists and young people.

It announced its theme for Brent 2020 – ‘this is the borough of cultures’ – at the Kiln Theatre, in Kilburn, on Tuesday (November 12).

The programme kicks off on January 18 with a group performance entitled ‘Rise’ that will take place in Olympic Way, Wembley.

Hundreds of people will take part in a mass dance, with large-scale projections lighting the walkway from Wembley Stadium.

According to Brent Council, Brent 2020 will be shaped by local residents, especially the borough’s younger generations.

It will also be set against the backdrop of the Euro 2020 football tournament which will see seven matches – including the semi-finals and the final – played at the national stadium.

Lois Stonock, artistic director of Brent 2020, said: “Our year as London Borough of Culture will show London what Brent is all about – a borough of pioneers and rebels, of trendsetters and activists, the home of great writers and thinkers, the place where reggae got its true London voice, and of course the home of English football.

“Everything you will see, hear, feel and watch will have its origins in Brent and will be developed by and with Brent’s young community, the people who make this not just the London Borough of Culture but the London borough of cultures.”

As well as the opening ‘Rise’ performance, Brent writer Zadie Smith will premiere new work at the Kiln Theatre and the MOBO Awards will be held at Wembley Arena.

Reggae artists will take over Harlesden town centre while Kilburn High Road will be transformed for a mile-long summer street party.

Artists from Brent will come together to create a “new anthem for London” and its young people will create a new charter for urban development in the borough.

Cllr Krupesh Hirani, responsible for public health, culture and leisure at Brent Council, described it as a “fantastic opportunity” for creatives in the borough.

And Cllr Muhammed Butt, leader of Brent Council, is confident the year will be a “huge success story” in keeping with the history of the area.