Community and Collaboration:
Building Better Futures
What feeds a thriving, resilient community? How can collaboration spark real change? This session will explore the power of collective action, bringing together thought leaders, practitioners, and community voices to discuss how working together can overcome challenges, drive innovation, and create lasting impact.
As Greenwich Peninsula and Design District continue to grow, we reflect on 10 years of Urban Village Fete and the importance of legacy in shaping inclusive, connected spaces.
From grassroots initiatives to large-scale regeneration, this session will explore how communities come together, grow, and create meaningful change—now and for the future.
Meet the Panellists
Host: Robert Elms
Broadcaster, writer and proud Londoner, Robert Elms has spent decades capturing the spirit of the capital. His long-running BBC Radio London show is a love letter to the city—celebrating its music, culture, history and ever-evolving style.
From documenting the ‘80s creative scene for The Face to penning four books including The Way We Wore, Elms continues to shape and reflect London’s cultural landscape.
This year, he returns to Urban Village Fete as host of Creative Conversations in Design District—leading a day of thought-provoking talks with some of the city’s most exciting creative voices.
Mark Freeman
Creative director, entrepreneur and community builder, Mark Freeman is the founder of LOOSE.FM—London’s independent radio platform, soon to launch a new live studio in Design District.
With a background working with global brands like Coca-Cola, Disney and VW, Mark’s focus has always been culture and connection. His work sits at the intersection of creativity, community and digital innovation—building spaces, both physical and virtual, where people come together and feel heard.
At Creative Conversations, he’ll bring his insights into how grassroots platforms and creative collaboration can drive real, lasting change.
Tamzyn French
Tamzyn French is CEO of Kinetika Bloco, a youth-led charity blending music, dance and carnival to empower the next generation. Since joining in 2004, she’s helped shape the organisation’s values, led its transition to charitable status, and secured its place in Arts Council England’s National Portfolio.
With a background in music and early experience at the National Youth Music Theatre, Tamzyn now oversees Kinetika Bloco’s strategic direction, international tours and flagship programmes—driven by her passion for giving young people the tools to thrive.
Ore Abiona
Ore Abiona is London Marketing Lead at On—the high-performance sportswear brand known for its innovation and sustainability. With over eight years’ experience across luxury retail and sport, Ore leads the brand’s city strategy, shaping how On connects with Londoners through bold, meaningful experiences.
Blending creativity with strategic thinking, she brings a deep understanding of how to build brand presence and spark genuine connection in a fast-moving city.
Your ticket comes with 1 x non-alcoholic drink from Bureau Restaurant. Make sure you check into the 15 minutes talk early, retrieve your drink token, then grab your drink at Bureau Restaurant before finding a seat. If you are unable to arrive early, you can grab a drink token and head to bureau once the talk is over.
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