Pictured is ‘Switch On Your Happiness’ co-organiser Danny Hibbert (in black t-shirt)
Singers, dancers, rappers and poets will go head-to-head in their bid to spread some joy in Hammersmith Park on Sunday 28 July.
The new talent competition is just one part of the exciting new ‘Switch On Your Happiness’ summer festival. It’s being organised by long-time White City residents Danny Hibbert and Okiemute (also known as Ox) Akpoghenta with the support of H&F Council.
While renowned comedian and actor Lateef Lovejoy will MC the free community day in White City.
“It’s fantastic to see local residents like Danny and Ox bringing the White City community together,” said Cllr Max Schmid, H&F Cabinet Member for Finance and Commercial Services. “We look forward to seeing everyone at the festival for a fun day of food, drink, music and sport.”
The Happiness festival will also feature live DJ sets, music, food, drink and entertainment for all the family. The organisers will be running a stall at this Sunday’s (21 July) Community Day where you can find out more about their festival.
What’s on?
The fun kicks off at 9.30am with a jam-packed morning of sport.
There will be a mini football tournament, one-on-one basketball shoot outs, a spot of tennis and a SWITCH Sport demonstration - a new hybrid sport created by Danny which combines football, basketball, netball, volleyball and handball all rolled into one.
Femi Fem and DJ Stringz will be on the decks throughout the day with live music performances from the likes of Predz UK and Asha Heights from midday.
Young innovators will be able to test their creative skills at a maker challenge stall run by Imperial College London, who have a campus in White City.
Charity Key4Life, which helps young people in prison and those at risk of going to prison, will also be in attendance on the day.
“We want to bring all the community – both young and old – together,” said Danny. “This is a fantastic way to inspire local young people and let them know about the opportunities they have in the borough.”
To find out more about the one-day festival email switchsportsuk@gmail.com
Man of the community
Festival co-founder Danny has a long history with the local community in White City.
After growing up on the White City Estate, he then became a coach at QPR, where he worked for 10 years, before he founded his own local football club called Shepherds Bush United FC.
Danny also went on to develop a school holidays programme - The Whole Picture – which offered sports and creative arts activities for local children in White City.
In 2012, the local resident came up with the idea for SWITCH while watching the London Olympic Games.
He now runs free sessions every Monday at Play Football in South Africa Road with participants aged from nine to 18 years old taking part from the local community.
Find out more by visiting the Switch website.
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