The logo for the first ever Borough of Culture has been announced after dozens of artists, businesses and students across Waltham Forest entered a competition.

Richard Vickers’ design was chosen as the winning entry and will now become synonymous with the identity of the borough’s year in the spotlight.

Waltham Forest was this February crowned the first ever London Borough of Culture by Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, who awarded it a grant of £1.35 million.

The winning logo is based on the concept that culture and creativity are often at their strongest when one or more disparate things connect to form something original and fresh. The dots on the logo connect in a lava lamp style to form a W, for Waltham Forest.

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Richard, who works as a graphic designer, said: “I’m very happy that my logo has been chosen, it’s a real honour knowing it will be used across the whole of London and beyond as London’s first ever Borough of Culture.

“As a Waltham Forest resident and owner of a young design agency it is great to have the opportunity to be involved right from the start.”

Waltham Forest Council received more than 70 entries for the competition which was open to everyone living in the borough.

With only six months to go before the big year, an exciting list of cultural events is being finalised and people are being encouraged to sign up to volunteer.

The logo will be rolled out across the summer, starting with the Walthamstow Garden Party on Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15.

Cllr Clare Coghill, leader of Waltham Forest said: “It was very difficult to select a winning logo from so many excellent designs, but the panel were unanimous with Richard’s winning concept, which is brilliantly vibrant, and represents different cultures coming together perfectly.

“Our year as the first ever London Borough of Culture will welcome people of all backgrounds and cultures to experience events that will leave memories that will last a lifetime. “

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said the programme would be a “game changer” for the capital which will offer all Londoners, particularly those in outer boroughs, the opportunity to discover the city’s hidden cultural gems.

He said: “I want to take this chance to say huge congratulations again to Waltham Forest for its superb bid to become the London Borough of Culture 2019.

“Waltham Forest’s programme of installations and events will improve the lives of people in their local communities and deliver a programme of work that will make our whole city proud.”