Festivals

Opinion

Haringey's Rebel Borough theme celebrates decades of community activism and grassroots action (Image: Wikimedia)

Haringey's Rebel Borough will thrive if local voices lead the way

Camden Guides and singer-researcher Vivien Ellis have teamed up to lead a series of musical ballad walks celebrating the history and characters of Bloomsbury as part of the Bloomsbury Festival (Image: Elena Paolini)

Camden Guides and singer-researcher Vivien Ellis have teamed up to lead a series of musical ballad walks celebrating the history and characters of Bloomsbury as part of the Bloomsbury Festival (Image: Elena Paolini)

Sing your way through Bloomsbury on these toe-tapping history walks

Lorde headlined the Saturday at All Points East.

Lorde headlined the Saturday at All Points East.

All Points East

All Points East headliner Lorde - 'This is the best line up I’ve ever been part of'

Crouch End Festivals brought thousands of visitors to the area (Image: David Winskill)

Crouch End Festivals brought thousands of visitors to the area (Image: David Winskill)

Festival proves restored town hall can be borough’s cultural hub

Babs Savage and former Culture Club drummer Jon Moss took to the music stage at the Big Fair on Heath Street on Sunday.

Babs Savage and former Culture Club drummer Jon Moss took to the music stage at the Big Fair on Heath Street on Sunday.

Crowds gather for Big Fair at grand finale of Hampstead Summer Festival

Both traditional and not-so-traditional fun was had by the community of Highgate Primary School at their Summer Fair Saturday

Both traditional and not-so-traditional fun was had by the community of Highgate Primary School at their Summer Fair Saturday

Education Matters

Highgate Primary School

Why Summer Fair Saturday is happiest day on school calendar

Sir Michael Palin

Sir Michael Palin

Comedian and actor Sir Michael Palin to open Hampstead Summer Festival

The Kite Festival on Hampstead Heath takes place this year on Sunday, June 28.

The Kite Festival on Hampstead Heath takes place this year on Sunday, June 28.

Hampstead Heath

Kite festival returns to Hampstead Heath - exact date and timings

This year’s Crouch End Festival will feature more than 100 events

This year’s Crouch End Festival will feature more than 100 events

Crouch End Festival

Crouch End Festival to feature more than 100 events this year

The Cavalcade celebrates the best of life on London's waterways with music, stalls, children's activities and food.

The Cavalcade celebrates the best of life on London's waterways with music, stalls, children's activities and food.

The free family festival happening by the canal this bank holiday

Advertising Feature

Monster Truck Motorfest bank holiday weekend: Lingfield Racecourse, Surrey

NHS worker Alina Lau is running the Shared Spirit whisky festival at St Mary's Church in Primrose Hill.

NHS worker Alina Lau is running the Shared Spirit whisky festival at St Mary's Church in Primrose Hill.

'I was put off by elitism of whisky so I'm running a festival for people to try it'

The Idler Festival runs in the historic grounds of Fenton House, Hampstead in July.

The Idler Festival runs in the historic grounds of Fenton House, Hampstead in July.

Top TV chef headlines laidback summer festival in a hidden gem garden

Anton Lesser who appeared in the BBC's Wolf Hall will star at Proms at St Jude's 2026

Anton Lesser who appeared in the BBC's Wolf Hall will star at Proms at St Jude's 2026

Hampstead Garden Suburb

'World class' Hampstead arts festival is back - and here's the line-up

A fresh deal to extend the annual gigs in Finsbury Park to 2032 is about to be signed by Haringey Council.

A fresh deal to extend the annual gigs in Finsbury Park to 2032 is about to be signed by Haringey Council.

Call for 'flawed' five-year deal over Finsbury Park gigs to be postponed

British Nigerian star Tems will play a double headliner at All Points East with Jorja Smith on August 21.

British Nigerian star Tems will play a double headliner at All Points East with Jorja Smith on August 21.

All Points East

All Points East announces powerhouse double show with Jorja Smith and Tems

Hornsey Town Hall reopened with a day of events on December 6, 2055 (Image: Chris Arnold)

Hornsey Town Hall reopened with a day of events on December 6, 2055 (Image: Chris Arnold)

'Unfinished, unusable and overpriced - this community arts centre is a betrayal'

Kaleidoscope Festival returns to Alexandra Palace for one-day summer celebration

Kaleidoscope Festival returns to Alexandra Palace for one-day summer celebration

Alexandra Palace

'Festival like no other' to return to Ally Pally in 2026

Bombay Bicycle Club who formed in Crouch End and Hampstead 20 years ago play a headline date at LIDO Festival in Victoria Park on June 14.

Bombay Bicycle Club who formed in Crouch End and Hampstead 20 years ago play a headline date at LIDO Festival in Victoria Park on June 14.

Indie stars to headline outdoor summer gig in Victoria Park

Indie rockers Kasabian will play a huge gig in Finsbury Park in July.

Indie rockers Kasabian will play a huge gig in Finsbury Park in July.

Alexandra Palace

All the music festivals and huge acts coming to north London this summer

Songworks community choir led by Denise Dobson.

Songworks community choir led by Denise Dobson.

Cultural attractions

Thousands flock to reopening of historic town hall after eight year closure

Four Tet to headline all-day Krankbrother party in Finsbury Park

Four Tet to headline all-day Krankbrother party in Finsbury Park

Four Tet returning to London for exclusive outdoor set

Neverland at Kenwood House is a Christmas light trail on Hampstead Heath themed around the Peter Pan story.

Neverland at Kenwood House is a Christmas light trail on Hampstead Heath themed around the Peter Pan story.

We went to Hampstead Heath's Peter Pan light trail and it really was magical

Influential DJ Sammy Virji has been announced as the first headliner for the 2026 Krankbrother festival in Finsbury Park on August 7.

Influential DJ Sammy Virji has been announced as the first headliner for the 2026 Krankbrother festival in Finsbury Park on August 7.

Tree campaigners hit out at return of huge Finsbury Park dance festival

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint turns on the Highgate Christmas lights on Wednesday with the help of Santa and broadcaster Alex Zane.

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint turns on the Highgate Christmas lights on Wednesday with the help of Santa and broadcaster Alex Zane.

‘Highgatus Illuminatus!' as Rupert Grint switches on Christmas lights

The St John's Wood High Street Christmas lights were switched on by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

The St John's Wood High Street Christmas lights were switched on by the Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

'Fantastic community spirit' as St John's Wood Christmas lights switched on

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint and TV presenter Alex Zane previously switched on the Highgate Christmas lights in 2022 and return to do the honours on November 19.

Harry Potter star Rupert Grint and TV presenter Alex Zane previously switched on the Highgate Christmas lights in 2022 and return to do the honours on November 19.

Harry Potter actor and TV star to switch on Highgate Christmas lights

Alexandra Palace fireworks take place over two nights this year on October 31 and November 1 and are one of several spectacular events taking place across North London.

Alexandra Palace fireworks take place over two nights this year on October 31 and November 1 and are one of several spectacular events taking place across North London.

Alexandra Palace

All the bonfire night firework displays in North London

The fireworks display to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali will take place tonight at Gibbons Recreation Ground in Neasden.

The fireworks display to mark the Hindu festival of Diwali will take place tonight at Gibbons Recreation Ground in Neasden.

Huge fireworks go ahead despite rain as Hindu temple marks Diwali

We went to the opening night of Kenwood's first ever Halloween trail and the live actors included a headless horseman.

We went to the opening night of Kenwood's first ever Halloween trail and the live actors included a headless horseman.

We had a ghoulish time at Hampstead Halloween trail - and one figure spooked us

Neverland at Kenwood is a Peter Pan themed light trail that runs from November 21 until January 3 in the grounds of the English Heritage mansion on Hampstead Heath.

Neverland at Kenwood is a Peter Pan themed light trail that runs from November 21 until January 3 in the grounds of the English Heritage mansion on Hampstead Heath.

Tickets now on sale for new Peter Pan themed Christmas light trail

Comic Lucy Beaumont, musicians Rae Morris and The Orb and big thinkers will appear at HowTheLightGetsIn festival on Hampstead Heath.

Comic Lucy Beaumont, musicians Rae Morris and The Orb and big thinkers will appear at HowTheLightGetsIn festival on Hampstead Heath.

Final line up for festival of music and big ideas on Hampstead Heath

The fireworks display and drone show will take place at Alexandra Palace on October 31 and November 1.

The fireworks display and drone show will take place at Alexandra Palace on October 31 and November 1.

Alexandra Palace

London's biggest fireworks festival is back at Ally Pally

Halloween at Kenwood will include a spider tunnel, a headless horseman and a spooky graveyard to walk through.

Halloween at Kenwood will include a spider tunnel, a headless horseman and a spooky graveyard to walk through.

Terrifying new details revealed for Hampstead Heath Halloween trail

Martin Lewis, Lyse Doucet, Nick Clegg and Tom Hollander are among the names appearing at the FT Weekend Festival at Kenwood House, Hampstead on September 6.

Martin Lewis, Lyse Doucet, Nick Clegg and Tom Hollander are among the names appearing at the FT Weekend Festival at Kenwood House, Hampstead on September 6.

Money saving guru Martin Lewis and actor Tom Hollander at Hampstead festival

Stylish dogs and their owners will be attending the Big Woof festival in King's Cross

Stylish dogs and their owners will be attending the Big Woof festival in King's Cross

The King's Cross canine festival that puts dogs on the catwalk

$The music festival\'s stages are set to be clustered near Camden Town centre. Image: Google$ $The music festival\'s stages are set to be clustered near Camden Town centre. Image: Google$

Metropolitan Police

Met warning of Camden festival crowds being crushed to death branded 'irresponsible’

People enjoying the free music at the Crouch End Festival last month (Image: David Winskill)

People enjoying the free music at the Crouch End Festival last month (Image: David Winskill)

'Our free commununity festival lost money for the first time - it's a crisis'

Pop star Self Esteem curates special event day at Southbank Centre’s Literature Festival

Pop star Self Esteem curates special event day at Southbank Centre’s Literature Festival

London to host major book festivals featuring Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben

Zadie Smith, Naga Munchetty, and Lyse Doucet are lined up to speak at The Queen's Park Book Festival in August.

Zadie Smith, Naga Munchetty, and Lyse Doucet are lined up to speak at The Queen's Park Book Festival in August.

TV stars Naga Munchetty and Lyse Doucet appear at Queen's Park lit fest

Actor Greg Wise stage whispers the answer to a question about bees to wife Emma Thompson during her talk at The Idler Festival on Saturday

Actor Greg Wise stage whispers the answer to a question about bees to wife Emma Thompson during her talk at The Idler Festival on Saturday

Emma Thompson gets helpful offstage whisper from husband Greg Wise at festival

Cllr Emily Arkell meets people working behind the scenes at Finsbury Park ahead of last weekend's concert (Image: Haringey Council)

Cllr Emily Arkell meets people working behind the scenes at Finsbury Park ahead of last weekend's concert (Image: Haringey Council)

Cllr Emily Arkell, Haringey Council

'I've seen how Finsbury Park concerts give back to Haringey's community'

Eugenia Alexeyev with her winning painting at the Keats House art fair plus open air theatre and a garden party were all part of this year's Hampstead Festival.

Eugenia Alexeyev with her winning painting at the Keats House art fair plus open air theatre and a garden party were all part of this year's Hampstead Festival.

All the pictures from Hampstead Summer Festival

Security watches over the children's playground ahead of an event at Finsbury Park last weekend

Security watches over the children's playground ahead of an event at Finsbury Park last weekend

Anger over Finsbury Park music events that are 'Glastonbury in heart of London'

HowTheLightGetsIn festival of music and philosophy is back in the grounds of Kenwood House in September.

HowTheLightGetsIn festival of music and philosophy is back in the grounds of Kenwood House in September.

Festival is coming to Hampstead Heath with music and big ideas

Tracy Chevalier and Michael Palin were among the authors appearing at The Proms at St Jude's lit fest in Hampstead Garden Suburb over the weekend.

Tracy Chevalier and Michael Palin were among the authors appearing at The Proms at St Jude's lit fest in Hampstead Garden Suburb over the weekend.

Hampstead Garden Suburb

Monty Python legend Michael Palin and Tracy Chevalier star at lit fest

Yotam Ottolenghi cut the ribbon on the Art Fair in the grounds of Keats House on Sunday to kickstart the Hampstead Summer Festival.

Yotam Ottolenghi cut the ribbon on the Art Fair in the grounds of Keats House on Sunday to kickstart the Hampstead Summer Festival.

See how famous chef kicked off Hampstead Festival

forum+ are celebrating Pride with another Pride Picnic (Image: forum+)

forum+ are celebrating Pride with another Pride Picnic (Image: forum+)

Join in the celebrations this Pride Month

Taste of London is underway in Regent's Park with the chance to try dishes from top London restaurants alongside bars, live music and food workshops.

Taste of London is underway in Regent's Park with the chance to try dishes from top London restaurants alongside bars, live music and food workshops.

We tried dishes from London's best restaurants at this huge summer food festival

The sun shone on a weekend of music and activities at the Crouch End Festival.

The sun shone on a weekend of music and activities at the Crouch End Festival.

All the pictures from the 'best ever' Crouch End festival

The rain held off until later in the day as local schools, community groups and venues supplied the entertainment at Highgate's Fair in the Square on Saturday including the Caribe Steel Band.

The rain held off until later in the day as local schools, community groups and venues supplied the entertainment at Highgate's Fair in the Square on Saturday including the Caribe Steel Band.

Thousands attend annual Highgate Fair in the Square

Events at the 2025 Highgate Festival will celebrate George Eliot who is buried in Highgate Cemetery, and rapper Ms Dynamite who was born in Archway.

Events at the 2025 Highgate Festival will celebrate George Eliot who is buried in Highgate Cemetery, and rapper Ms Dynamite who was born in Archway.

The north London festival celebrating Ms Dynamite, George Eliot and MI5 chief

Wet weather can have a huge impact on festivals (Image: PA0

Wet weather can have a huge impact on festivals (Image: PA0

'Here's the biggest risk - and stress - for anyone planning a festival'

The reclining figure in bronze by Thomas Huxley-Jones (1908-68) welcomed visitors to the art on display at Crouch End last year (Image: David Winskill0

The reclining figure in bronze by Thomas Huxley-Jones (1908-68) welcomed visitors to the art on display at Crouch End last year (Image: David Winskill0

AI (Artificial Intelligence)

'We have some amazing local artists - but their talent needs protecting from AI'