Chuka Umunna MP

On Saturday community groups, local residents and the cream of local performing arts talent gathered for Celebrating Streatham, an event which marked the retirement of Keith Hill MP by bringing together and celebrating the continued achievements of local organizations and the people of our area.

The event included the ‘Streatham Presents…’ talent contest, with a judging panel of Mercury Music Prize winner Speech Debelle, Leo Ihenanco, singer with The Streets, and Keith Hill.

After an audience vote, the competition was won by dancer Jerayle of Urban Sport Life, who impressed the audience with his moves. After his dance, Speech Debelle asked Jerayle if he would like to feature in her next video.

On top of this, he won the event’s top prize – the opportunity to record a music video with the Generation Next Foundation, which has experience in producing short films as a major area of its work with young people.

Also taking part in the contest were runners up Streetbreakers dance group, a Jackson Five tribute dance by students from St Martin-in-the-Fields High School for Girls, a West Side Story performance from students of Dunraven School and rap duo 3DEM and D-Haz S.O.S. from the Palace Project youth
group.

Lambeth Asian Centre performed a traditional stick dance, while Gloria Bailey MBE’s Make a Difference Group performed songs and poetry.

Held at Dunraven School, the event featured stalls from dozens of local community groups, businesses and charities including homeless charity SPIRES, Sustainable Streatham, Trinity Hospice and Chilli Chutney restaurant.

Chuka Umunna, who organized the event and succeeds Keith Hill as Labour’s parliamentary candidate for Streatham, has pledged to hold Celebrating Streatham every year if he gets elected.

Hayley Rea, who set up the Aimhigher Dance Academy which performed first at the Streatham Presents contest, said: “The girls have worked really hard and being able to perform at an event like this boosts their confidence – it’s a great opportunity.”

Charles Young, Chair of Clapham Youth Centre said: “Keith Hill has been very supportive of our work over the years. This event has been a great occasion and has brought everyone together.”

Local artist Conrad Armstrong, whose painting of Streatham Common was used on the promotional posters for the event said: “Streatham is really diverse, and I think this event is a really good idea – it should be built on and encouraged.”

Chuka Umunna, who organised the event and compered the talent contest, said: “It’s been fantastic to bring the community together and take pride in our area. The day reflected the vibrancy of Streatham and the fact we are blessed with so many talented performers.”

“If elected, I would run Celebrating Streatham every year to build on the success of this year’s event.”