Carol Singalong

Saturday, December 16 from 5:30pm

Adventure Playground, Charlotte Terrace Entrance

Happy holidays! We’re hosting a carol singalong in the Adventure Playground amphitheatre in Barnard Park. Three choirs from Thornhill Primary School, St Andrews Church and the Church on the Corner will perform festive favourites. Mince pies and other Christmas treats will be available. The event is free to the community, but all children must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Ho! Ho! Ho

Annual General Meeting

Wednesday, November 8, 7.30-9pm

via Zoom

Our Annual General Meeting for election of the managing committee and discussion of goals. Park officials will explain the regeneration of Barnard Park now underway. Project managers will discuss the new 3G football pitch due to open in December and other improvements in Phase 2 of the project due to start in January, 2024. These features include a new hub building, better pathways for circulation, a new grass area for recreation and biodiversity planting. To join the AGM, please email us at friends@barnardpark and we will send you a meeting link. Everyone is welcome! Please also send us any questions you may have

Summer Pop-Up Party

Saturday, June 17, 11am-3pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

We’re getting ready for our summer party! Mrs H and the Sing-along Band begin the show at 11am. The children will delight in Mr Bubbles, African drumming and Martin Avril puppet show. The Adventure Playground will be open for families. Highbury Wolves will be there for penalty shoot outs and more. Bring your pup for Scruffs Dog Show where pets win prizes.

Summer Pop-Up Party

Saturday, June 11, 11am-3pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

The Pop-Up is back. Mrs H and the Sing-along Band kick off the fun at 11am. Children will love Mr Bubbles, African drumming, a big bird display and Martin Avril puppet show. The Adventure Playground will be open. Highbury Wolves will be there for penalty shoot outs and more. Bring your pooch for Scruffs Dog Show. Join us for a cake at the café.

Annual General Meeting

Thursday, May 12, 7.30-9pm

Meeting via Zoom

Our Annual General Meeting for election of the managing committee and discussion of goals. Project Officer Valentina Sbrana will discuss next steps for the park regeneration plan which has now received planning permission. There will an opportunity to ask questions. Bhupesh Thapa, area park manager, will field queries on day-to-day park issues. Everyone is welcome! To join the AGM, please email us at friends@barnardpark and we will send you a meeting link. Please also send us any questions you may have.

Annual General Meeting

Thursday, November 19, 7.30-9pm

Meeting via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions

Our Annual General Meeting for election of the managing committee and discussion of goals. Bhupesh Thapa, central park manager, will answer questions on the park. There will be a slide-show presentation looking back at 10 years of volunteer gardening in the park. Everyone is welcome! To join the AGM, please email us at friends@barnardpark and we will send you a meeting link and instructions for those unfamiliar with Zoom.

Pop-up Saturday: Play Day, Music and Bubbles

Saturday, June 8, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

It’s a super special day for kids. Activities for children in the Adventure Playground with bouncy castles, pottery and art in the park. Mr Bubbles weaves his bubble magic. Live music throughout the day.

Pop-up Saturday: Mrs H, Birds and Fun

Saturday, June 1, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

Mrs. H and the Sing-Along Band headlines. Exciting play in the Adventure Playground. The Big Bird show is back. Have a live owl perch on your hand. Watch this space for more activities.

Annual General Meeting

Monday, May 13, 7.30-9pm

Adventure Playground Building, Charlotte Terrace Entrance

Our Annual General Meeting for election of the committee and discussion of goals. Find out the latest news on regeneration, day-to-day park issues, community gardening and pop-up events in June. We’re revising our constitution. Drinks and snacks at the beginning of the meeting with copies of the constitution available. Everyone is welcome!

Pop-up Saturday: Play Day, Performance & Open Garden Squares

Saturday, June 17, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

Hey kids – it’s the Barnard Park Big Playday. Mrs H and the Singalong Band begin the festivities at 11am in the Adventure Playground amphitheatre. There will be fun for children in the Adventure Playground 12:30-3pm along with bouncy castles, pottery, face painting and other activities in the park. Live music through the day from Oxjam, Young Actors Theatre and local music charities. For the flower enthusiasts, there are self-guided tours of the park’s three volunteer garden areas highlighted on the Open Garden Squares Tour.

Pop-up Saturday: Ponies, Pets & Vets, Children’s Olympics

Saturday, June 10, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

Ponies return to Barnard Park! Think Like a Pony gives urban children a chance to make friends with ponies 11am-3:30pm. Dogs get your tricks ready for Scruffs – an agility course and prize contest noon-3:30pm. For the little ones, there’s the Children’s Olympics. The day will be hosted by Angela the park keeper.

Annual General Meeting

Wed 16 November, 8pm-9pm

Church on the Corner, Barnsbury Road and Copenhagen Street

Our Annual General Meeting for election of the committee and discussion of goals. Find out what’s happening with day-to-day park issues, next year’s pop-up events and community gardening.There will be an update on park regeneration. Everyone is welcome! Coffee and tea.

Pop-up Sunday: Open Squares, Flowers, History

Sunday 19 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

Barnard Park blooms again in the Open Squares Tour, which highlights green spaces across London. Guided and self guided tours 11am-4pm with plant lists of three garden areas created and maintained (in challenging circumstances!) by the Friends of Barnard Park volunteers. Plant sale. Mini-park history exhibition with old neighbourhood photos including the WWII bomb damaged area that became the park. Rosehip & Wild will on hand with lovely pressed-flower design fabrics. More flower power is being planned – watch this space.

Pop-up Sunday: Pets, Vets, the Queen’s Birthday Party

Sunday 12 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

It’s her majesty’s 90th birthday and we’re celebrating it with dogs and a tea party. We’re sure she would approve. Scruffs dog event 12:30-3pm. Prizes and wacky races for pups. Free advice from Zasman veterinary team of Liverpool Road. Her majesty will make an appearance to crown the canine winners. Come snap a selfie with the Queen! The Friends snack stall will be serving tea and scones for a mad hatter party. Or bring your own picnic. Photos of a 1950’s coronation party in the park and at Thornhill School will be on display. Do you have any 50’s photos of the area? And there will be croquet on the lawn. Natch.

Pop-up Sunday: Kids Big Playday, Music, Petanque

Sunday 5 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

Calling all kids! It’s another Big Playday in Barnard Park and much more. Mrs H and the Singalong Band open the day performing in the Adventure Playground amphitheatre 11am – noon with their special brand of goodtime music, puppetry and join-in songs. And that’s not all. The Adventure Playground is open with a special celebration for the whole family. Kids will love the high-rise playframe, zip wires and other bold activities at the Playground. Outside in the park for children, there will be bouncy castles, pottery, face painting and the much loved art bike! Oxjam will serenade picnickers on the park’s own painted piano with live music. More Petanque in the Park: watch international petanque players rock and roll.

Friends of Barnard Park Forum for New Masterplan

Thursday 15 October, 7:30-9pm

Church on the Corner, Barnsbury Road and Copenhagen Street

The Friends are hosting a forum to provide feedback on the new park plan produced by the Council, following extensive public comment on four options. Project boards will be on display from 7:30pm. Designer David Ireland will give a presentation explaining the new plan at 8pm and answer questions. Local feedback is needed to get it right. So do join us.

Adventure Playground Masterplan Open Event

Monday 12 October, 3-7pm

Adventure Playground Building, Charlotte Terrace entrance

Another opportunity to check out the new park plan and ask the design team questions.

Pop-up Sunday: Open Squares, Children's Olympics, Cricket

Sunday 14 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

Barnard Park opens again to the Open Squares Tour, showcasing green spaces across London. Guided and self-guided tours 11-4pm with plant lists of three garden areas created and maintained by Friends of Barnard Park volunteers. Mini-park history exhibition with old neighbourhood photos including the WWII bomb damaged area that became the park. Plant sale. Tree walk 2pm: Chris Setz of Islington Tree Wardens shares fab facts about trees. Children's Olympics 11-3:30pm serves up wacky races and games with prizes for children. Cricket: 1-3:30pm – No need to bring equipment. Games last just 20 minutes and each inning consists of 20 balls. Just turn up and have fun.

Pop-up Sunday: Kids Big Playday, Performance, Petanque

Sunday 7 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

A perfect day of play and activities for youngsters. Performance in the Adventure Playground 11am to noon - Harriette and the Singalong Band kicks off with an irresistible blend of song, music and puppetry. It’s a delight for the whole family. Two play zones for children of different ages. Play zone one: In the Adventure Playground 12.30 to 3.30pm for those aged 6-13 only. The Adventure Playground offers rope swings, zip wire, aerial walkways and climbing walls from 12:30-3:30pm. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Play zone two: In the park 12:30 to 3.30pm. For children of all ages (including the under 6's), face painting by Oxjam, bouncy castles and more. Live piano jam by Oxjam 3pm. Come enjoy the vibe. Petanque in the park: watch international petanque players compete. Magnifique!

Pop-up Sunday: Pets, Vets, Beastly Islington, Fitness and Football

Sunday 31 May, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terrace Entrance, off Copenhagen Street

Dogs, dogs, dogs – Scruffs dog event 12:30-3pm. Canine games, agility course with prizes for the winning pups. Q&A by Park Patrol. Free advice from Zasman veterinary team of Liverpool Road plus a talk on children and dogs, time TBA. There are MORE Animals to be seen in Beastly Islington – Animals in the Borough since the 17th Century, an exhibit from the Islington Local History Centre 11-4pm. Get Fit! with demos by local fitness trainers 11-4pm. Five-a-side football tournament 1-4pm, open competition, organised by Highbury Football School for ages 7-14.

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 21 April, 7.30pm-8.30pm

Church on the Corner, Barnsbury Road and Copenhagen Street

Our Annual General Meeting for election of the committee and discussion of goals. Find out what’s happening with day-to-day park issues, this year’s pop-up cafe and community gardening. No news yet on the Council’s consultation on park improvements. Everyone is welcome!

Second Friends Park Consultation Forum

Tuesday 18 November, 7-9pm

Church on the Corner, Barnsbury Road and Copenhagen Street

The Friends of Barnard Park are holding a follow-up forum to discuss the Council's improvement proposals for the park. This time the project designer David Ireland will be there to explain the proposals. Here's the details: Plan display boards will be on view from 7pm. David Ireland will give a presentation explaining the proposed options at 7:30pm. From 8-9pm, there will be an opportunity for the community to exchange views and ask questions. The first forum was a constructive and congenial get-together. So join us with the designer for another session. Major changes are being proposed for the park.

Barnard Park Improvements Public Consultation

Monday 24 November, 6:30-8:30pm

Adventure Playground Building, Charlotte Terrace entrance

Greenspace, the park department, is hosting another consultation workshop to gather public feedback for improvements in Barnard Park.

Friends of Barnard Park Improvements Consultation Forum

Thursday 23 October, 7:30-9:00pm

Church on the Corner, Barnsbury Road and Copenhagen Street

The Friends are holding an informal forum to exchange views on possible park improvements as well as give guidance on how to participate in the public consultation. The first half an hour of the forum 7:30-8pm will provide an opportunity to look at plan display boards showing possible changes. From 8-9pm, there will be a moderated discussion. Paper copies of the consultation questionnaire will be available to fill in on the spot. So come, have a drink and find out what's going on in the park.

Barnard Park Improvements Public Consultation

Sunday 14 September, noon-4pm

Adventure Playground Building, Charlotte Terrace entrance

Greenspace, the park department, is hosting a consultation workshop to gather public feedback for improvements in Barnard Park.

Pop-up Sunday: Open Squares, Local History, Football

Sunday 15 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terr entrance, off Copenhagen St

Barnard Park is now part of the Open Squares Weekend, showcasing Islington open spaces. Guided and self-guided tours with plant lists of three garden areas created and maintained by Friends of Barnard Park volunteers: 11am-4pm. Park History Exhibition: 11am-4pm. Early photos of Barnard Park and neighbourhood from the Islington Local History Centre and local residents. Raymond Watts shares his personal memories of life in a Barnard Park prefab: 2pm. Cllr James Murray speaks on the challenges of Islington housing today: 2:30pm. Five-a-side football tournament, open competition organised by Highbury Football School for ages 7-12: 1-4pm.

Pop-up Sunday: Performance, Boules

Sunday 8 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terr entrance, off Copenhagen St

Harriette and the Singalong Band return at 11am with good-time music, puppetry and sharing of instruments. A joy for all ages. Young Actors Theatre at 2pm will perform songs from Islington: The Opera, an original production. The opera is set on a midsummer’s eve when the clown Joseph Grimaldi, whose grave is in a local park, is brought back to life inadvertently. Also: Petanque in the Park, a boules tournament from 11am-4pm. Just turn up on the day if you would like to learn to play. Email us if you'd like to field a team.

Pop-up Sunday: Pets & Vets, Cricket

Sunday 1 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terr entrance, off Copenhagen St

Calling all dogs. Scruffs dog event 12:30-3pm: Q&A from the Park Dog Squad, free advice from Zasman veterinary team of Liverpool Road, free micro-chipping, doggie obstacle course and canine games. Pets win prizes. Plus: fun, fast paced street cricket 1-3:30pm. All ages played with bat, wicket and a tape-ball. No need to bring equipment and wear what you like. Games last just 20 minutes and each inning consists of 20 balls. No experience necessary just come and have fun.

Pop-up Sunday: Kid’s Big Play Day

Sunday 25 May, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terr entrance, off Copenhagen St

Play fest for young folk, with two play zones for children of different ages. For those 6-13 only, the Adventure Playground offers rope swings, high wire, aerial walkways and climbing walls from 11am-3:30pm. (Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.) For children of all ages (including the under-6s) the Children Olympics provides wacky races and games, with medals for winners: 11am-3.30pm Look out for water splash! Think-Like-a-Pony, interactive workshop for children: learn to relate to real ponies in the park. Sign up on the day. There will be a bouncy castle and face painters too.

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 3 December, 7.30pm-9.30pm

Church on the Corner, Barnsbury Road and Copenhagen Street

Our Annual General Meeting for election of the committee and discussion of goals. Find out what’s happening with park regeneration, security, next year’s pop-up cafe and community gardening. Pre-Xmas snacks too!

The Cally Festival

Sunday 8 September, noon-6pm

up and down Caledonian Road

The terrific street festival on Caledonian Road returns again to showcase music, arts, food, crafts and community fun. Activities for children. It's a great time.

Pop-up Sunday: Children's Olympics

Sunday 9 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terr entrance, off Copenhagen St

Fun and games for kids and adults from 12 to 3pm. Win medals for madcap races and games organised by Greenspace rangers. The water splash challenge race will be back! Also Adventure Playground open day 11am-4pm. Experience the amazing new play equipment and activities with playground staff, 11-4pm. Enjoy rope bridges, climbing walls, rope swings, an aerial walkway and more. For children ages 6-13. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. (Children under 6 will not be allowed on the play structures due to insurance restrictions.)

Pop-up Sunday: Cricket and Make and Bake

Sunday 2 June, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terr entrance, off Copenhagen St

Play cricket, eat cake... What's not to like? Homemade cakes for sale, and informal cricket for all ages from noon to 4pm. Presentations on the history of cricket, invented nearby, by local architect James Dunnett, 12 and 3pm. Also park birds and their universe by neuroscientist John Scholes, 12.30 and 3.30pm.

The informal cricket will take place on 22 yards of coconut matting batting strip in the Barnard Park pitch. We'll have up to 4 simultaneous games of quick-cricket and beach cricket, with quick rotation. Do bring a bat and ball if you have them, and we will form teams. Coaches: Volunteers from Access for Sport.

Pop-up Sunday: Songfest

Sunday 26 May, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terr entrance, off Copenhagen St

Performances by the Young Actors Theatre at 2pm and Harriette and the Sing-a-long Band at 11am. Adventure Playground open from 12-2pm and 3-4pm. All children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pop-up Sunday: Pets and Vets

Sunday 19 May, 11am-4pm

Charlotte Terr entrance, off Copenhagen St

Bring your puppy to the park for a day of doggie-oriented games and competitions, from noon to 3pm. Also an exhibition on Second World War bombing and the creation of the park from the Islington Local History Centre.

Eid in the Park

Friday 26 October, 10am-2pm

 

Muslim morning prayer in the park, followed by rides for the family, food and an exhibition on the basics of Islam. The celebration welcomes all communities. Free admission.

Fun Fair

18-21 October

Entrance fee £1

David Guyatt's Fun Fair. Rides and amusements for all ages. Refreshments too! Weekdays 4-9pm, weekend noon-9pm.

Pop-up Cafe: Children’s Olympics

Sunday July 15, 10am-4pm

near the One O'Clock Club

Get ready for the Big One! Fun and games for kids.

Pop-up Cafe: Plants, Wildlife and Birds

Sunday July 8, 10am-4pm

near the One O'Clock Club

The park is your garden. Come see what wildlife live here. Park wildlife tours, park bird talk 11am, Gardening Q&A 1pm by Mike Jackson, Camden Garden Centre, plant ID and advice, children’s bird table activity.

Pop-up Cafe: Make, Bake and Hockey

Sunday July 1, 10am-4pm

near the One O'Clock Club

Let’s Bake! Come to the cafe for homemade cakes for sale, decorating tips and cooking questions answered. We will also play informal hockey on the pitch from noon to 2pm. Free to play for all ages. Bring a hockey stick if you have one, and we will form teams.

Pop-up Cafe: Cricket

Sunday June 24, 10am-4pm

near the One O'Clock Club

Get back to Barnard Park’s roots; cricket was invented near here. Informal cricket for all ages. The line-up will be: an under-11 game (10am-noon), an under-15 game (2-4pm); and quick-cricket games organised for anyone to take part in, up to 4 mini groups.

Pop-up Cafe: Bees, Trees and Herbs

Sunday June 17, 10am-4pm

near the One O'Clock Club

Come enjoy nature in the park. Islington Tree Wardens talk about trees: young tree maintenance workshop 10:30-11am and park tree tour 11:30am-12:30pm. Learn about bees from Freightliners Farm, talk 1pm. Free recipes with herbs attached. Activities for children in playground herb garden.

Pop-up Cafe: Pets and Vets

Sunday June 10, 10am-4pm

near the One O'Clock Club

It’s dog day in the park. Bring the pup for Scruffs dog fun with an obstacle course and wacky dog show. Plus free advice from the Zasman Veterinary team of Liverpool Road.

Adventure Playground Community Clean-up

Saturday 31 March, 11am-4pm

Meet at the Playground, off Copenhagen St

Now that the towering play frame is built, the Adventure Playground needs your help to clean up the much-loved space. Everyone is invited! If you own any tools you think you might be able to use, the playground crew says bring 'em. Park volunteer gardeners will be there too.

Fun Fair

15-18 March

Entrance fee £1

David Guyatt's Fun Fair is back. Rides and amusements for all ages. Refreshments too! Weekdays 4-9pm, weekend noon-9pm.

Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 13 March, 7:30pm

Church on the Corner, Barnsbury Road and Copenhagen Street

This could be our most exciting meeting for a long time. Park renovation is back on the agenda, news of a possible pop-up cafe, an Adventure Playground update and even a short talk on cricket. And the usual stuff: election of the park committee.

Community Gardening Session

Saturday 3 March, 10am-noon

meet up at Barnsbury Road

Help spruce up the park for spring. Volunteer gardeners are welcome! We'll be working along Barnsbury Road mulching, sowing grass and pruning. Bring gloves and secateurs, if you have them. A garden rake would also be useful. Just turn up on the day.

Fun Fair

9-13 November

Entrance fee £1

Return engagement of David Guyatt’s popular fun fair. Big rides, children's rides, games and refreshments. Weekdays 4-9:30pm, weekend noon-9pm.

Eid in the Park

Sunday November 6, 10am-3:30pm

 

Muslim morning prayer in the park, followed by rides for the family, food and an exhibition on the basics of Islam. The celebration welcomes all communities. Free admission.

Get Fit!

Saturday 30 July, 1-3pm

Greenspace sponsors sports activity for kids and the family. Get ready for the Olympics in Barnard Park. Free for all, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Friends of Barnard Park History Day

Saturday 10 July, 10am-4pm

One O'Clock Club

Speakers from the Islington Local History Centre and local authors explain the history of the park, from eighteenth-century pleasure gardens through second world war bombing. Also coffee, tea and home made cakes.

The Cally Festival

Sunday 3 July, noon to 6pm

The Caledonian Road will be closed and host a festival showcasing music, food and crafts. Also activities for children.

Orange RockCorps Park Volunteer Session

Thursday 12 May, 4.0pm (for 16 and over)

sign up via Orange RockCorps web site

Teams of young people will build a path and do other maintenance around the park. In return, they get the opportunity to win prizes and get gig tickets. There will also be music at the event.

Community Gardening Session

Saturday 7 May, 10am to noon

meet at children's playground

Welcome volunteer gardeners! Would you like to join our gardening group for Barnard Park? Meet up at 10 in the children's playground. Bring a trowel and secateurs if you have them. The key is to turn up on the day but please email us in advance if you can so we have an idea of numbers.

AGM

Wednesday 16 March

Church on the Corner, Barnsbury Road and Copenhagen Street

Our annual meeting for election of the committee, discussion of goals, and a snack or two. Also presentations from Greenspace, the Safer Neighbourhoods Team and the Adventure Playground.