Richmond upon Thames will be celebrating a major milestone in its international relationships from 6 - 8 June, as it hosts a Twinning Reaffirmation Weekend to mark 65 years of friendship with Fontainebleau in France and Konstanz in Germany.

The celebration, rooted in decades of cooperation and exchange, will bring together residents, schools and community groups for more than 50 events across the borough.

These include joint concerts, school twinning activities, sporting fixtures, exhibitions, heritage tours, and informal gatherings – all designed to reflect the depth and diversity of Richmond upon Thames' international links.

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council, said: "Town twinning is far more than symbolic – it's practical, personal and profoundly important.

"It strengthens shared learning between communities, creates opportunities for young people, and connects our borough to a wider global story of collaboration, peace and friendship.

"This summer's reaffirmation weekend will be a visible and vibrant celebration of everything we've achieved together – and everything we're still building."

While this June's Twinning Reaffirmation Weekend reaffirms the formal commitment between the councils, it also celebrates the many grassroots connections that have flourished over the years.

The bond between Richmond, Fontainebleau and Konstanz extends far beyond official exchanges – with local chess and bridge groups, polo and tennis clubs, and schools all maintaining deep, long-standing relationships with their counterparts abroad.

Events will be taking place across the borough — from Orleans House Gallery to local schools and public spaces. Highlights include:

• Civic ceremonies with official delegations from France and Germany
• Performances by local schools and youth groups
• Joint concerts, exhibitions and cultural exchanges with international guests
• Community showcases led by clubs, societies and residents who have built lasting ties with their European counterparts

Cllr Roberts added: "Twinning is about building connections, bringing together towns and cities from different countries to share ideas, celebrate culture and support one another.

"Richmond's ties with Fontainebleau and Konstanz, both established in the 1950s, are among the longest-standing and most active partnerships in London."

Earlier this month, Councillor Roberts visited Konstanz as a guest of the city's Mayor, a trip generously funded by the City of Konstanz, reinforcing the ties first established between the towns in the aftermath of World War II.

That visit included exchanges on youth engagement, environmental policy and civic planning, underscoring the ongoing value of international partnerships in addressing shared challenges.

Richmond's twinning programme continues to evolve, with the June celebrations acting as a springboard for deeper collaboration in areas such as education, arts, sustainability and community wellbeing.

The Twinning Reaffirmation Weekend is just the start, with further twinning-related events taking place across the summer.