Proms at St Jude’s column: Pick of the gems in this year’s festival line-up

Ron Finlay, trustee of the Proms at St Jude’s, picks out some of the gems of this year’s festival held in Hampstead Garden Suburb, in the first of a regular series of columns

The Proms at St Jude’s Music and Literary Festival, sponsored by the Ham&High, is a fantastic way of seeing top-class performances on your doorstep and all in aid of charity. Running from June 21-19 in Hampstead Garden Suburb, there’s something for everyone.

At the Literary Festival on the first weekend, June 21-22, the chefs at Honey & Co will divulge the secrets that led to their winning Best Newcomer in the Observer Food Awards. The BBC’s Hugh Pym will talk about his book on the Banking Crisis. And historian Richard van Emden presents his insights into the experiences of the average ‘Tommy’ in the First World War.

For high quality chamber music, choose from acclaimed violinist Tasmin Little playing Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, which topped the Classic FM poll this year; or local cellist Robert Max with the Barbican Piano Trio playing Schubert and Schumann; or the renowned Endellion String Quartet with a programme including Mozart and Haydn.

For jazz lovers, Keith Ball and his Jazzmen play a tribute to Kenny Ball. And the award-winning Maria Friedman will entertain with songs from Bernstein and Sondheim musicals.

For children and families, we have free lunchtime concerts each Saturday: Peter and the Wolf and other wild tales on June 21, and the Musical Mystery Tour on June 28. There’s also a guided walk around Hampstead Garden Suburb free for kids on the second Saturday morning.

We have guided heritage walks nearly every day and free recitals at lunchtime by rising musical stars. There’s a fantastic atmosphere as everyone mingles, tries the home-made cakes or just picnics on leafy Central Square.

Last year, we were able to donate £50,000 to the North London Hospice and Toynbee Hall. Come and help us increase that – and enjoy yourself at the same time!

For more details or to book tickets, visit promsatstjudes.org.uk or call 020 3322 8123.