Actors including Judi Bowker, Harry Meacher and Richenda Carey will perform readings at the author’s grave in Highgate Cemetery before drinking a toast to her genius.
And Decker, who served 490 days in prison for scaling the bridge as part of a peaceful Just Stop Oil protest, will play guitar alongside his partner the pianist Holly Cullen-Davies and actress Maggie Steed at an event titled Concerts Don’t Cost The Earth.
This year’s festival includes live music, theatre, a quiz, exhibitions, and heritage events. (Image: Highgate Festival) It’s all part of nine days of walks, talks, music, exhibitions, fairs, a quiz, heritage events and hands on workshops for the village’s annual festival – now in its eighth year.
2025 sees two Highgate institutions marking their 50th anniversaries.
Jacksons Lane throws a huge party on June 28th to mark five decades since the disused church was transformed into a community arts hub.
A circus parade, barbecue, drag and cabaret performances, workshops, exhibitions, and community stage are all part of the free day of fun.
The Friends of Highgate Cemetery will benefit from the George Eliot event.
The festival kicks off on June 21 with a Highgate History open day unveiling a pink plaque to local philanthropist Lady Gould at Highgate School Museum.
Also getting a new pink plaque to inspirational Highgate women are rapper Ms Dynamite, aka Niomi McLean-Daley, who was born in Archway, and spy chief Stella Rimmington.
Venues from OmVed Gardens to Lauderdale House, The Red Hedgehog and Upstairs at the Gatehouse are joining in the festival.
OmVed in Townsend Yard is offering nature art workshops and a session on cooking with minimal waste; there’s an exhibition of local pupils’ artwork and a family fun day at Lauderdale House with craft drop in sessions, and the Gatehouse is staging a festival singalong of Mod Musical Shout! plus two plays and a performance of Einstein’s Violin.
Heritage events include a walk exploring the life of Cold Comfort Farm author Stella Gibbons who lived on the Holly Lodge Estate, and a tour around Jewish Highgate.
A community bike ride and an exhibition of women artists at Both Gallery in Archway Road Why Am I So Hot? exploring the Menopause are also programmed alongside classical music concerts and two foot stomping sessions in Pond Square by local favourites The Archway Lightnin’ Mountain Boys and Vikas and Bob.
Budding thespians can pitch in as a mix of actors and locals put on a play in a day at The Red Hedgehog culminating in a script in hand performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
And for those tuning in from afar The Boogaloo bar’s very own radio station is hosting a session with local musos Mark Ellen and Dave Hepworth compiling the best ever TV themes.
Alicia Pivaro of the volunteer-run festival said: “The festival returns with its eclectic mix of events this year to showcase the creativity, diverse voices and sense of community in our neighbourhood.
“It celebrates everything we love about Highgate – our community, culture and history – including this year several anniversaries of amazing community groups that have saved or created vital local amenities for all.
“In particular there are some great events that celebrate the creativity and contribution that women have made and continue to make locally. We have new pink plaques recipients – Ms Dynamite, Marilyn Monk, Penelope Fitzgerald and Stella Rimington with a walk for Stella Gibbons and an event to celebrate George Eliot.
“And musician and conductor, Tim Roberts, has curated ‘She Wrote the Songs’, an evening of music by female composers and musicians from Maria Cosway to Billie Holliday to Kirsty MacColl at St Michael’s Church.
“We also acknowledge the amazing community effort to create the new Highgate Newtown Community Centre.”
Further details and timings from the festival website www.highgatefestival.org
