Hey Neighbour,
This week’s read is a quick 5-min loop around the boroughs:
Wembley’s gearing up for a packed weekend — here’s your detour plan
Chelsea in Bloom is back and the florals are floralring.
Could The Bees finally return to Barnet? The locals are buzzing
And yes — we’ve got new mayors.
Alright, let’s get into it.
— Maryam Bitege
Borough News
📍 Camden
Highgate Gets a New Community Centre: This new space is finally open — complete with a sports hall, cookery school, youth services, and family support, all under one roof. It’s built for connection, creativity, and good ol’ community use. Take a look.
📍 Enfield
There’s a new major in town: Cllr Margaret Greer has just been sworn in as Enfield’s new Mayor. She’s got a background in social care and community support — and says she’s focused on making sure local voices are heard.
Phone Ban Incoming at Enfield Schools Starting this September, 22 local schools will phase out mobile phones during the school day. The goal? Fewer distractions. More focus. Better mental health. But will teens revolt? Stay tuned Read more here.
New Family Hubs Are Coming to Enfield: Three new hubs are launching to give parents and carers easier access to support all under one roof. From childcare to health advice. See where they’ll be.
📍 Brent
Up to £5K for Local Green Projects: Live in Brent and have an idea to make your area greener? The council’s giving up to £5,000 in funding to support local residents, community groups, and grassroots projects tackling climate change. Learn more here.
Brent’s youngest-ever Mayor just got sworn in. 26-year-old Cllr Ryan Hack, born and raised in the borough, is stepping into the role with a focus on food access, youth, and community connection. Read more here.
📍 Barnet
The outdoor pool at Finchley Lido reopens on Saturday 24 May — just in time for summer. You know the drill, bring sunscreen and an umbrella.Find out more.
📍 Haringey
Haringey’s New Mayor Makes History: Cllr Ahmed Mahbub has become Haringey’s first-ever Mayor of Bangladeshi heritage. Born and raised in the borough, he’s focused on unity, representation, and giving back to the community that shaped him.
📍 Islington
Go Africa Takes Over the Black Cultural Centre : Go Africa is now the lead operator of the Black Cultural Centre in Islington. Their new programme blends African culture with workshops, food, and support for Black entrepreneurs and small businesses. Learn more.
Source: Islington Council website
📍 Harrow
Cllr Anjana Patel is Harrow’s new Mayor — and the first British Tanzanian/Indian woman to take the role. Her theme for the year? Kindness, caring and respect. Read more
Beyond the Borough
For the events outside of North London
Late Night at the Palace (of Westminster, that is) (£)
On 13 June and 11 July — Parliament’s staying open late. Wander the halls, see rare WWII exhibits, and hear stories from the people who shaped democracy during the war. No tour. No MP. Just you and the corridors of power. Book your ticket here.
🌸 Chelsea & Belgravia in Bloom
The streets of Chelsea and Belgravia are dressed up in floral displays for Chelsea in Bloom and Belgravia in Bloom.
🧵 This year’s themes?
• Chelsea: Flowers in Fashion
• Belgravia: Seasons (spring, summer, autumn, winter)
🗓️ Displays run all week until Sunday 25th / Monday 26th May.
💐 Bonus Tip
If you’re around on Saturday 24th May, head to Chelsea Bridge Road from 4pm — it’s when the Chelsea Flower Show wraps up, and visitors leave with armfuls of flowers they’ve just bought from the show. A real sight.
@MYNORTHLONDONDIGEST
📸 @londonpubmap - The Marquess Tavern, ( on Thursday obviously…)
Tag @MyNorthLondonDigest and use hashtag #MyNorthLondon to get your photos in the newsletter.
Local Sports News
Source: Barent FC website
Could Barnet FC Finally Come Home?
There’s growing momentum to bring Barnet FC back to its old ground in Underhill — and locals are speaking up. The club left back in 2013, but many say it’s time to bring match days back to where they belong.
Fans, councillors, and community groups believe a return could boost local business, revive the area, and reconnect the club with its roots. Right now, Barnet FC plays in Edgware — but the feeling is, it’s never quite felt the same.
Nothing’s confirmed yet, but the council is listening. If you want to see Barnet FC — aka The Bees — back in Barnet, now’s a good time to make your voice heard. Read more here.
The Noticeboard
⚽ Wembley Play-Offs: Road Closures & Big Crowds Incoming
Heading to Wembley or passing through this weekend? Here’s what you need to know:
🗓️ Match Days
Sat 24 May – Sheffield United vs Sunderland
Sun 25 May – Charlton vs Leyton Orient
Mon 26 May – AFC Wimbledon vs Walsall
🚗 Road Closures
From 11am (Sat & Mon) and 9am (Sun)
Parking: 8am–midnight on mains, 10am–midnight on residential (permits required)
🚫 Street Drinking Ban
Olympic Way + nearby streets are dry zones (PSPO in place)
🎟️ No ticket? Best to avoid the area — it’ll be packed all weekend.
Mark Your Calendar
Future events, exhibitions & local happenings you’ll want to plan for.
Because no one wants to hear “you just missed it.” For a complete list of all events, you'll have to wait for future editions!
JUNE 6-7: The Great Exhibition Road Festival
JUNE 7-8 : London Open Gardens 2025 (£)
JUNE 15: Raver Tots Outdoor Festival Barnet 2025 (£ tickets available now)
JUNE 18 - 22: Taste of London Food Festival (£)
JUNE 21- 22: West End LIVE ( Free but ticket required)
JUNE 30 - 13 JULY: Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships (£)
What’s On: 22-28 May 2025
Your guide to what’s happening in North London this week.
Events marked with (£) require a ticket in advance.
Half Term Activities
Free Swimming Lessons (School Holidays) | Various Dates
Location: Archway Leisure Centre, Cally Pool, Highbury Leisure Centre & Ironmonger Row Baths
Description: Islington Council and Better leisure centres are offering free swimming lessons over the school holidays. Open to families, children aged 4–16, and under-4s with an adult. Lessons are led by qualified teachers and focus on building confidence and water skills in a fun, supportive setting. Check timetable & book here
Story Explorers: British Library Kids Exhibition | Free with booking
Book your visit
Location: British Library
Description: A free interactive exhibition for curious kids aged 2–9 (and their grown-ups). Explore the British Library’s treasures through four themed zones — a space station, jungle, ocean floor, and magical library. Expect Victorian animal sounds, moon photography, monster maps, and elephant-filled Thai manuscripts. Includes play trails, tactile books, a chill-out corner, and objects from every continent.
Spaces are limited to 30 people per slot — online booking recommended.
Family Fun
Islington Festival of Cycling | Sunday 25 May
Location: Highbury Fields, Islington
Description: Free community cycling event with something for everyone. Expect two guided rides (one family-friendly, one inter-borough), free bike checks with Dr Bike, e-bike security tips, all-ability cycling taster sessions, and a 50km group ride (for confident cyclists). Plus: lawn games, e-cycle taxi rides, and food from local favourite The Dusty Knuckle. Learn more here.
StrEATlife: Street Food & Craft Beer Festival | 24–25 May
Location: The Terrace, Alexandra Palace
Description: Ally Pally’s legendary street food weekender is back. Expect over 20 of London’s tastiest vendors, cocktails, craft beer, DJs, and live music to keep the vibes flowing. All ages welcome.
Insect Safari at Highgate Wood | 10:30AM, Saturday 25
Location: Meet at the Information Hut by the café, Highgate Wood
Description: This free, family-friendly nature walk invites curious minds of all ages to explore the hidden world of Highgate Wood’s mini-beasts — from butterflies to beetles.
No booking required. Just show up and follow the trail!
Special Events / Comedy
Enfield Pageant of Motoring | 24–25 May
Tickets
Location: Enfield Playing Fields, Great Cambridge Road
Description: A North London classic. Expect 100s of vintage cars, military vehicles, hot rods, mini railway rides, motorbike stunts, a dog show, live music, and a craft market. There’s even beer, bannock (okay, just food stalls), and a DJ. Family-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Friday Night Funnies: GO LARGE! | Friday 30th
Tickets
Location: Rayne Theatre, Chickenshed
Description: Resistance Comedy takes over the main house with a laugh-out-loud lineup headlined by Aurie Styla. Also featuring Lateef Lovejoy (MC), President Obonjo, Samantha Day, Junior Booker + many more!
Bank Holiday Weekend
(Who knows, maybe these ones might actually be worth leaving North London for.)
Greenwich Dog Show 2025 | From 10AM, Sunday 26
Location: Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich
Description: A tail-wagging day out with pet bakeries, boutique dog hotels, and a paw-some competition. Free festival celebrating all things canine. 🐾 Learn more.
London Cycling Festival | Sunday 26, various times
Location: City-wide
Description: Pedal-powered fun across the capital with 30+ guided rides, BMX demos, bike markets, Dr Bikes, and even a bicycle ballet. Free and open to all ages. Learn more🚲
The Leadenhall Vintage Furniture & Flea Market | 12–5PM, Sunday 26
Location: Leadenhall Market, Monument
Description: Shop mid-century, retro, and vintage furniture in one of London’s most atmospheric markets. Bonus: it doubled as the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter. 🛍️✨ Book here.
Bank Holiday Party + Connect 4 World Record Attempt | 12PM–1AM, Sunday 25
Location: Big Penny Social, Walthamstow
Description: DJs, BBQ, and a shot at breaking the world record for the biggest Connect 4 tournament (250+ players needed!). Live band + late-night DJ set to keep the party going 'til 1AM. Free entry — sign up if you want to play!
Sign up to take part
Thanks for reading My North London! Let’s chat again next Thursday!
Maryam