KINGSTON 2025 - Celebrating our past, present and future

In 2025 Kingston will mark the 1100th anniversary of the crowning of King Athelstan, the first King of England, with a borough-wide celebration. Launching in early May and ending in October 2025,  Kingston 2025 will help to develop our understanding of Kingston’s heritage, identity and sense of place.  It will help us to engage more deeply with Kingston’s communities uncovering and sharing more diverse and inclusive stories. The six month programme is an opportunity to do new things, but also to amplify some of the great things that are already taking place. 

Over a millennium ago Athelstan was crowned the first King of England in the heart of Kingston, uniting the Kingdoms of Wessex and Mercia. Today the borough is home to many different nationalities and communities that bring an extraordinary richness to our heritage and cultural life; our sense of place, purpose and identity. With our history of innovation, commerce and creativity, a thriving student population and many distinct neighbourhoods spanning town and countryside - let’s make 2025 a year to remember.