Sangeeta Weatherley and Dunwoody from Trotters open the Young Art Competition with Torin Douglas, Green Days MC
Young football fans and budding artists are being encouraged to get creative as the Bedford Park Festival launches its new Young Art Competition on the theme of the World Cup 2026.
The competition was officially kicked off during Green Days by Sangeeta Weatherley, the artist who will judge the entries, alongside Dunwoody, the popular pig mascot from Trotters in Turnham Green Terrace.
Children are invited to create artwork on the theme of the World Cup, with prizes available in three age categories: 0-4 years, 5-8 years and 9-11 years.
As part of the competition, Trotters is donating book prizes for the winners, while a selection of the best artwork will be featured in a special book produced by Books Bespoke, a new publishing company founded by Chiswick mum and journalist Lucy Grey.
The competition has been sponsored by Orchard House School and is also being supported by Snapdragon in Turnham Green Terrace.
Entry forms are now available from both Trotters and Snapdragon, and organisers are encouraging children across the community to get involved and showcase their creativity.
The competition will run throughout the Group Stage of the World Cup and will close at 5pm on Saturday, 27 June 2026, shortly before England's final group match against Panama.
With the excitement of the World Cup set to capture imaginations this summer, organisers hope the competition will inspire childrent o combine their love of football and art, with the chance to win prizes and see their creations published in print.
To find more about the competition visit www.bedfordparkfestival.org/e/381/young-art-competition-world-cup-2026
The competition's closing day forms part of a football-themed finale to the Bedford Park Festival. At 6pm on Saturday 27th June, The Chiswick Cinema will host a special screening of the film Sixty Six and a Q&A session with Chiswick actor Eddie Marsan. Marking 60 years since England's World Cup triumph, the charming comedy-drama stars Marsan and Helena Bonham Carter and tells the story of a boy whose bar mitzvah falls on the day of the 1966 FIFA World Cup Final.
Meanwhile, visitors to the festival can also see a painting by Sangeeta Weatherley in the Bedford Park Summer Exhibition at St Michael & All Angels Church. The exhibition is open from noon until 6pm on Friday. Sangeeta will also be taking part in the Artists at Home open studios event from Friday to Sunday, 19-21 June 2026.
Now celebrating its 60th year, the Bedford Park Festival is one of West London's most popular arts and community events. Running from 12 to 28 June 2026, the festival features concerts, talks, walks, film and theatre, art and photography exhibitions, and open-air events for all ages.
The festival is organised by St Michael & All Angels Church and raises funds for the church and its chosen charities for 2026. Profits will support the church's arts and community outreach work, as well as The Upper Room, which helps vulnerable people in Shepherd's Bush; The McCabe Educational Trust, which supports health and education projects in the Holy Land; and The Mulberry Centre, which is celebrating 25 years of supporting people affected by cancer.
For more information about the Bedford Park Festival and to book tickets, visit www.bedfordparkfestival.org.
