Urban Synergy, the chosen charity of Lewisham’s Mayor for 2024/25, has achieved a major victory at the London New Year’s Day Parade (LNYDP), marking the first win for the borough since 1998. Despite the challenging weather conditions, Urban Synergy’s float – “A Brighter Tomorrow: Powered by Youth and Innovation” – impressed both judges and spectators with its display of creativity, talent, and community spirit.
Viewed by millions around the world, the parade saw the vibrant float, designed by independent and local artists from Goldsmiths University, come to life thanks to the efforts of Mahogany Carnival Arts, Lewisham Youth Theatre, local community groups, and SQS, who generously provided the parade lorry.
This win comes with a significant prize, which will go directly towards supporting Urban Synergy’s mission to help 50,000 young people by 2027 through mentorship, skills development, and work experience programmes.
Leila Thomas, CEO and Founder of Urban Synergy, expressed her excitement at the win: “Winning this prestigious prize is an incredible way to kick off the year. Despite the pouring rain, our young people, artists, and community partners showed their resilience and determination. This win is not just for Urban Synergy, but for Lewisham and young people in urban areas as a whole. We’re excited to use this prize to create more opportunities for people aged 9-24 years old to reach their full potential.”
Brenda Dacres, Mayor of Lewisham, also shared her joy at the victory: “This win is a triumph for Lewisham! It’s a reflection of our borough’s creativity, resilience, and community spirit. Urban Synergy has done us proud, and I’m thrilled that this prize will help them continue their vital work with our young people.”
Victoria Shaskan, CEO of Lewisham Youth Theatre, expressed her delight at the young performers leading the parade entry: “Lewisham Youth Theatre is a charity that raises young people’s ambitions and empowers their voices through creativity. We were thrilled for our young performers to lead the parade entry – like bursts of sunshine on a wet day – bringing their energy and passion to help Lewisham win.”
The Urban Synergy float celebrated a brighter future powered by youth, featuring a bold design and performances that highlighted innovation and ambition. The parade’s organisers praised the float for its energy and creativity, standing out even in challenging weather conditions.
The float was a collaborative effort, with artists, dancers, local supporters, and sponsors, including SQS, Lewisham Youth Theatre, and Goldsmiths University, coming together to create a memorable entry. Special thanks were given to artists Morgan Tucker, Yumeng Kuai, Alma Tischlerwood, and Saskia Olde Wolbers, as well as Ces Serventi of Inkwood Studios and young broadcaster Garima Ojha for capturing the excitement of the day.
Together, the team has kicked off the year on a high note for Lewisham’s young people.
For those looking to support Urban Synergy, donations can be made through their website, while those interested in Lewisham Youth Theatre can visit their website for more information.
Urban Synergy is a mentoring charity that has supported over 33,000 young people from underrepresented communities, equipping them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to achieve their full potential. For further information, visit www.urbansynergy.com.
Lewisham, a vibrant and culturally diverse borough, boasts a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world. As the borough plans for a fairer, greener, healthier, and more economically sound future for its residents, it continues to champion the rights of refugees and migrants, earning the title of the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary.
The float designed by Goldsmiths University and independent artists Morgan Tucker, Yumeng Kuai, Alma Tischlerwood, and Saskia Olde Wolbers, with an overall brief developed by branding expert Rochelle Bond, showcased innovation and ambition for young people in Lewisham and urban areas. The colourful float, featuring young performers and multi-generational performers from across the borough, stood out with its stratospheric costumes and explosion of colour and geometric patterns, symbolizing Lewisham’s diverse and youthful population.
The float also featured the logo of Lewisham council, elevated with multicultural patterns, to illustrate the borough’s values of inclusion and harmony. The playful colourful frame, representing the global inter-connectivity across cultures in Lewisham, was designed by local artists and students. Molecule Man, made from recycled local elements, represented the uniqueness and influence of every individual in the borough and beyond.
The success of the float would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of the brilliant drivers on the day, Will and Dean, and the sound wizards, Daniel Hibbert
