As May gives way to June, Hornsey must be one of the best places in London.

The spectacular cherry blossom displays retreat, and instead, there is a glut of arts events to look forward to.

In mid-May, Crouch End Players debuted a new play (set in Priory Park) and all the hard work of Crouch End Open Studios’ volunteers delivered another corker of an event.

Crouch End Festival Chorus’s spring concert (Thomas Tallis’ Spem in Alium) was sublime, and the extraordinary Crouch End Festival is still to come. Thankfully, Hornsey Library (suffering with the dreaded RAAC) will be available, so rejoice - although why it wasn’t sorted during the 2020 refit remains a mystery.

Other parts of Haringey will also be putting on and hosting a wealth of activities, most organised by and promoting locally grown talent. This is in addition to the events hosted by Haringey Libraries, pubs, cafes and other small venues.

With all this happening, it was a no-brainer that Mayor Khan nominated Haringey as Borough of Culture 2027. It is something to look forward to and an opportunity to show off the best of Haringey.

So, in a spirit of fraternal support, here are two suggestions that could help make 2027 a great and memorable success.

Ham & High: David Winskill is not surprised that Haringey will be the 2027 Borough of CultureDavid Winskill is not surprised that Haringey will be the 2027 Borough of Culture (Image: David Winskill)

When Cllr Peray Ahmet became council leader, she said she would “…build greater trust between the council and residents … and find new ways to share power with residents and communities.”

Sadly, since March’s formal announcement, little has been heard from the organising team.

As far as I know, none of our major arts providers has been engaged to help shape and plan the year. Haringey should cast a wide net to recruit a resident and provider reference group to tap into community knowledge and help shape the programme.

Second, why isn’t Hornsey Town Hall included as a major venue?

The handover of the Arts Centre has been postponed time and time again. Despite promises, the user steering group hasn’t even been set up and (hthartscentre.com/) continues to gather cobwebs.

Councillors must meet the HTH owners and operators to read them the riot act and demand they fulfil all the promises made in 2018.

It would be a borough-wide failure if one of north London’s finest venues didn’t feature in the Borough of Culture.

Meanwhile, strap in for the arrival of Haringey - Rebel Borough!

  • David Winskill is a Crouch End campainger.