A charity which supports young people from under-represented communities has been selected to represent Lewisham at the iconic London’s New Year’s Day Parade.
Urban Synergy is a mentoring charity based in Lewisham Hill which has worked with more than 30,000 young people aged between nine and 24.
Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham, said: “Urban Synergy was named my Mayoral Charity for 2024 earlier this July, and I couldn’t be prouder to support such an incredible organisation.
“Urban Synergy inspires, guides, and empowers young minds, connecting them with mentorship, role models, and opportunities that open doors to dreams they might never have imagined.
Costume fittings for Urban Synergy ahead of NYDP (Picture: Urban Synergy)
“Their work is about lighting a spark of possibility in every young person they touch, building confidence, ambition, and a brighter future for the next generation.”
London’s New Year’s Day Parade takes place in the centre of town each year, when a procession of bands, dancers, and artists will march through the streets lined by thousands of viewers.
The capital’s boroughs can choose a representative to take part in the parade.
Urban Synergy will have their own float, themed “A Brighter Tomorrow: Powered by Youth and Innovation,” to highlight the talents, creativity, and resilience of Lewisham’s youth.
Leila Thomas, founder of Urban Synergy, and Lewisham Mayoress (Picture: Urban Synergy)
Supported by Goldsmiths University, Lewisham Youth Theatre, and artists from Lewisham Arthouse alongside the Queens’ Walking Group and the Skaters’ Cabal, the float will offer a vibrant display of music, dance, and design.
Leila Thomas, founder of Urban Synergy, and Lewisham Mayoress, said: “So often we hear about the cost of living crisis, food banks and crime.
“We’ll be kick starting 2025 by celebrating young people in urban areas and their mentors, role models and our corporate supporters who are creating safer, happier communities.”
The float, designed and built by artists from Goldsmith University, will be driven through the streets atop a lorry donated by SQS Limited.
Pictured top: Urban Synergy prepares to represent Lewisham at NYDP (Picture: Urban Synergy)