Hobbies take centre stage at first-ever Slough festival at Langley Pavilion

A bright and colourful Langley Pavilion will come alive this January as Slough hosts its first-ever New Year, New Hobby Festival.

Organised by Viva Slough, the free, all-ages event invites residents to kick off the new year by exploring new interests and connecting with local hobby groups, meeting local groups and kick-starting the year with something creative.

More than 60 hobby groups, creatives and clubs are expected to take part.

They will showcase everything from music, dance and drama to painting, henna art, reading, knitting, improv, cosplay and tabletop gaming.

The festival aims to put local talent centre stage while encouraging curiosity, participation and community connection.

Viva Slough is a community-led, non-profit organisation working to make Slough happier, healthier and where people are proud to live.

Through programmes spanning arts and culture, wellbeing, employability and community engagement, the organisation aims to bring people together and transform overlooked spaces into vibrant community assets.

The event forms part of Viva Slough’s Rhizome Creative Network, supported by Arts Council England, which works to nurture creativity across the borough by supporting grassroots groups and helping them connect with residents.

Jho, Art Producer and Cultural Convener at Viva Slough, said: "Whether you're looking to try something new, share your hobby, meet like-minded people, or simply enjoy something to do on a Saturday afternoon, this festival is for you.

“Creative grassroots groups and individuals are warmly invited to come along and  be part of it."

The free event, open to all ages, will take place on Saturday, January 24, from 3pm to 7pm at Langley Pavilion.

Visitors can look forward to live performances throughout the afternoon, including music, dance, drama and spoken word.

There will also be hands-on creative workshops, meet-the-group sessions, community activities and food stalls, as well as the chance to “try before you join” a wide range of hobbies.

The festival will also mark the debut of Langley Pavilion’s recent community-led refresh.

The space has been transformed into a bright, arts-focused venue designed for residents to gather, experiment and create.

The New Year, New Hobby Festival will be the first major event to showcase its new look, and is one of the flagship moments of Re-Imagine Slough, a wider movement aiming to position the town as a centre of culture, creativity and community pride.

Vineet Vijh, Director of Viva Slough, said: “This festival is a celebration of our talent and a reminder that Slough is a place where creativity lives, grows, and belongs to everyone.

“We want to spark new passions and give people a gentle push they need to keep those New Year's resolutions alive.”

Local creatives have also welcomed the initiative.

Actor and performer James Gibbons added: “Creativity is how communities heal, grow and redefine themselves. This festival feels like the beginning of something powerful.”