Kingston's Tamil community is preparing to celebrate its heritage at the Kingston Tamil Heritage and Harvest Festival, supported by a recent grant from Kingston upon Thames Council.

The South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee approved a Neighbourhood Community Grant of £825 for the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group to support the festival, scheduled for Sunday 25 January 2026 at Richard Challoner School. The grant will specifically support the festival's operations.

The festival will showcase Tamil culture and heritage through traditional music, dance, and various cultural performances.

The Kingston Tamil Heritage Group comprises four Tamil organisations: the Centre for Community Development, Tamil Information Centre, ITC Kingston Tamil School, and Surrey Tamil School. The festival aims to celebrate the harvest season and Tamil culture.

Beyond the Neighbourhood Community Grant, the Kingston Tamil Heritage Festival receives funding from several sources:

  • RBK - New Malden Neighbourhood: £1,100
  • RBK - Surbiton Neighbourhood: £1,100
  • Contribution from Tamil community and partner organisations: £1,500
  • Sponsors: £600

The grant was approved during the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee meeting on Wednesday 5 November 2025, where Councillor Lorraine Dunstone (Chair - South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee) and other committee members reviewed applications for Neighbourhood Community Grants (NCGs). The committee approved grants for Man & Boy and Oxygen, in addition to the Kingston Tamil Heritage Group.

  • Man & Boy supports families that have experienced relationship breakdown to reach positive outcomes and improved family relations through inclusive camping, enrichment activities courses, and mentoring.
  • Oxygen provides a range of services, support and interventions aimed at changing the lives of marginalised, disadvantaged and isolated young people.

The Public Reports Pack indicated that the grants support the 'Fairer' priority of the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Plan. The Community Grants Programme is designed to support local voluntary and community activity.

According to the Decisions Progress Update, after these grants are approved, the SotB NCG would be in deficit by £1,815.

The Work Programme 5 November 2025 outlines the committee's ongoing commitment to the Community Grants Programme, with applications reviewed at each meeting as required.