Twinned towns and cultural links

Celebrating our links with the rest of Europe

We proudly celebrate our twinning partnership with France and Germany. For up to date news and opportunities on how to get involved, visit Richmond in Europe.

Reaffirmation 2025

We will be hosting an event called ‘Celebrating France and Germany’ to mark the re-affirmation of Richmond upon Thames' twinning agreement with Konstanz, Germany and Fontainebleau, France. It will take place in Richmond from 6 to 8 June 2025 and include a full weekend of activities. 

During 2025 there will be events organised by societies, organisations, clubs and networks partnered with peers in the twinned cities. Over the weekend we will host the Mayors of Konstanz and Fontainebleau along with many other visitors.

A programme of events will be published in 2025 and if you are organising an event linked to the celebration or would like to share your ideas, call 020 7627 3182.

Fontainebleau, France

Richmond and Fontainebleau have been linked since 1977. Over this time, the two towns have celebrated their cultural link through various exchanges and sporting events, including a cycle ride from Fontainebleau to Twickenham to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their twinning, and to raise money for the local charity Street Invest.

Fontainebleau's twinning organisation, ARCIF, works closely with the Council and REA. To learn more about twinning with Fontainebleau, please see the Fontainebleau Council website.

Richmond, Virginia, USA

Richmond, Virginia was named after Richmond upon Thames because of the similarity of the view of the James River in Virginia to that of the view of the River Thames from Richmond Hill. Sharing a name has resulted in transatlantic ties, including economic exchanges between the two towns and engagement in arts events. Both Richmonds also share history about Pocahontas, which was marked in a visit from her descendants to Richmond upon Thames in 2016.

Richmond, Virginia is part of Sister Cities International, working to create global exchanges for community impact, including our friendship with them.

Konstanz, Germany

Richmond's twinning with Konstanz has established several relationships which has led to exciting opportunities, including university student exchanges, Richmond students attending a youth council conference in Konstanz, and links between local tennis clubs. Konstanz is also twinned with Fontainebleau, creating deeper links between the three towns.

See more about Konstanz's twinning.

Cultural links

Beyond our formal twinning agreements, Richmond embraces its shared cultures and heritage with other parts of the world.

Belgium

Twickenham, Richmond and surrounding parts of the borough became home to 6,000 Belgian refugees during World War 1, developing a strong community.

The East Twickenham Centennial Group recovered this story through its Richmond and Twickenham First World War Belgian Refugee Project. The history has been commemorated with a stone memorial on East Twickenham Riverside outside the former Belgian munitions factory.

Chile

Bernardo O'Higgins, 1778-1842, General, Statesman and Liberator of Chile, lived and studied in the borough, creating a historical link with Richmond.

Richmond, Yorkshire

A member of Richmonds of the World, the town shares a link with Richmond upon Thames through their shared name. Henry VII named Richmond upon Thames after his favourite Earldom, Richmond in Yorkshire.

Barnes and Le Pecq

Richmond's village of Barnes is informally linked with Le Pecq in France. The two towns engage in various activities together.

Community groups

The Richmond in Europe Association (REA) is a voluntary association with over 400 members in Richmond upon Thames, Fontainebleau and Konstanz, bringing our communities together. It works closely with the Council in promoting cultural, educational and sporting links with our twinned towns. Its website provides a wealth of information about current partnerships, events and further twinning opportunities. 

Events

From 6 to 8 June 2025, Richmond will host a long weekend of festivities to reaffirm the borough's long standing international partnerships with Konstanz in Germany and Fontainebleau in France. Hundreds of guests from France and Germany are expected to attend the celebrations and activities, which will include receptions, a parade, a concert and other sporting and cultural events.

All the residents of the Richmond are invited to participate in the celebrations. Many local clubs, societies, organisations and associations already have a partner in Fontainebleau or Konstanz. However, this is not a requirement for participation.

If you would like to find out more about how your club, association or society could become involved please come to an information evening which will be held in the Salon of York House on Monday 9 September from 7pm. Email josephine.cachia@richmondandwandsworth.gov.uk to RSVP or call 020 7627 3182.

There will be a series of events in all three European towns leading up to the reaffirmation itself in June.

These will include a European Youth Conference on the Climate Emergency, which will be held in Konstanz from 4 to 8 May 2025. This will include delegates from Ukraine, Italy and the Czech Republic in addition to the UK, France and Germany. Richmond will be represented by sixth form pupils from Orleans Park School.

We are interested in particular in finding something special and long lasting to commemorate the Reaffirmation itself.

Last year the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Suzette Nicholson, went to Konstanz to christen the new environmentally friendly car ferry which crosses Lake Constance. She named the ship Richmond.

For further information on our shared culture and heritage events, take a look at Visit Richmond and Community News.

Funding

If you would like to apply to our Civic Pride Fund for a grant towards an event or activity to celebrate the Twinning Reaffirmation, you are advised to apply by 31 December 2024. This will allow us to let you know the outcome of the application in good time ahead of the deadline for inclusion in the events map and marketing material (31 March 2025).

Funds are limited and applications will be assessed against the Civic Pride Fund priorities as outlined in the Civic Pride Fund details and guidance notes, where you will also find details on eligibility and funding criteria. You are advised to discuss your project with the Voluntary Sector Team prior to applying. You can schedule an online meeting or phone call with the Community Grants Officer.

Contact

For more information, please contact partnerships@richmond.gov.uk.