There's nothing going on in the Borough of Barnet!

 How many times have I heard this mantra? If I had a penny for everyone who'd said this I'd be a rich man. But is there any truth in it? Firstly, allow me a small diversion, to explain why I am asking the question. The new Leader of Barnet Council has asked me to help him draw up a cultural strategy with a view to a possible bid to putting together a bid for the London Borough of Culture. You may ask "How could a sleepy old Borough compete with the likes of Camden and Westminster, that have clubs, theatres, museums and all manner of other cultural assets galore.

Well lets start by saying what is the purpose of culture? It is the enrichment of people's lives. Whilst these Borough's have amazing places, when you actually look, the Borough of Barnet has an amazing cultural life. The difference is that it all operating on a hyper local level. In Mill Hill we have organisations such as the Pro Arte Choir, The Mill Hill Musical Theatre Company and The Mill Hill Music Festival that organise all manner of well attended shows. These are almost like hidden gems. The value they add in NW7 is amazing but how well known are they beyond the borders of the post code? Surely though a Borough of Culture bid should be firmly based in such groups that actually serve the community and are well established. We also have all manner of church choirs and other music groups, where ordianry people get the chance to make music and enjoy themselves on a regular basis. Such choirs are often a gateway to more serious musical endeavours, as people realise that they can do it and they get a big kick out of it. There are also some great secular local choirs such as the N12 Community Choir, who do a great selection of modern music. 

An ordinary NW7 resident probably has as many, if not more, opportunities to participate in such things as Camden or Westminster residents. We should never belittle such groups, Elvis Presley started off singing in a Church Choir. One of the greatest joys I've had was assisting St Pauls Church on the Ridgeway to stage a Concert by the London Community Gospel Choir. We also have the Hendon Band of The Salvation Army, who are absolutely amazing musicians. They have appeared many times at The Mill Hill Music Festival and are always brilliant. I'd urge anyone who has a love of singing to try a choir, even if you aren't that interested in the religious side. It is a great way to become a better singer. We are lucky to have these groups and I feel we should appreciate them far more than we do.

It is well worth keeping an eye on the Barnet Music Facebook page, that lists events. 

Being in the music industry, I know of quite a few music festivals in the Borough. I've been directly involved in programming three this year. The previously mentioned Mill Hill Music Festival, the East Barnet Festival and this weekend we have the amazing Barnet Summertime Festival. I was given the honour of programming the local heroes stage. This gives brilliant local musicians a great platform. I think it is one of the most exciting programmes you will see at any festival anywhere, with Soul, Jazz, Rock and Roll, Latin, Reggae and a whole host of other great music genres over two days. The acts on the mainstage are top notch artist. Please buy a ticket and go. 

There is far more to local culture than just music. If you are a writer then we have the amazing Greenacre writers group. They organise a writers festival, although like many things, covid has disrupted this. Then there is film, we have the amazing Phoenix Cinema, which to my mind is one of the best cinemas in the country.  We have the Arts Depot and the Bull Theatre that are superb artistic centres and have all manner of activities going on. The Arts Depot currently have a pretty damn good exhibition of work by local artists on currently.

Then there is the amazing regular programme of events at our local libraries.

Find out about #CreativeCommunitiesColindale, a great programme of free events specifically for the residents of Colindale. Check our website at https://t.co/47j618AnPH. Remember to check back at a later date as new events continue to be added! @BarnetCouncil @MillHillLibrary pic.twitter.com/FTJj6whcFC

— Barnet libraries (@BarnetLibraries) July 21, 2022

We also have great community pubs that host all manner of music and comedy. The Adam and Eve in Mill Hill has great comedy, there is an event tonight. This round up is not a comprehensive view, it was just a few things that came to mind, most of which I've had an involvement with at some time. I just wanted to make the point that when people say there's nothing going on in the Borough of Barnet, they are not looking very hard.

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