Flags adorn Twickenham ahead of European twinning celebration

By Lucy Blackmur 15th May 2025

Flags from Richmond's twinned towns have been hung in Twickenham (credit: Lucy Blackmur)
Flags from Richmond's twinned towns have been hung in Twickenham (credit: Lucy Blackmur)

French, German and European Union flags have appeared around Twickenham as celebrations for the anniversary of Richmond's international partnerships begin.

The Richmond in Europe Association has started the celebrations leading up to the Twinning Reaffirmation weekend on 6-8 June 2025.

Richmond Upon Thames has been twinned with Fontainebleau in France and Konstanz in Germany for 65 years.

Hundreds of guests from these twin European towns are expected on the June weekend as Richmond hosts events including receptions, picnics, cycle rides, concerts and a parade.

Preparations for the celebrations have already begun, as 15 town twinning signs around the borough have been refurbished and seven new signs have been erected.

Three new information boards about Fontainebleau and Konstanz have been installed in Richmond, East Sheen and Twickenham.

The REA and Richmond Council unvelied an information board on the twinned towns in Kneller Gardens last month (credit: Cesar Medina).

REA Chairman, Alan Mockford, said: "The important thing is that this is an inclusive celebration, everyone is invited, of all ages and abilities.

"This is a celebration of all things European"

Events in the lead up to the weekend include a talk at Whitton Library by former Richmond Mayor Clare Head on the evening of 20 May.

The Richmond in Europe Association had a stall at the Richmond May fair on 10 May, and will also appear at the Rotary Fair on Twickenham Green on 26 May.

The provisional programme for the Reaffirmation Weekend begins with a reception at Orleans House Gallery on the evening of 6 June and live music at Stein's Outdoor Restaurant.

A French market, Richmond Park Parkrun, German street market and guided tour of Strawberry Hill House are also expected.

Other celebrations include a Richmond Ramblers' walk, polo match and art exhibitions.

Music events will also be happening over the weekend, including the Future Sounds Fest at Whittaker Avenue and an Eel Pie Island Museum Tour.

On 13 May, Richmond's new mayor, Councillor Penny Frost, accepted the Richmond in Europe Association's invitation to become the English Patron for her year in office.

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