A bright and sunny welcome to the summer edition of the Camden Magazine!
Check out page 5 for news on the exciting changes and events underway at Camden High Street.
The Summer in Camden guide is back with free and low-cost seasonal activities on pages 6-11
Support and advice is available throughout the magazine, whether that’s help with finances (page 12) or preparing to head back to school (page 13).
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Published by Camden Council. Distribution from 7 July 2025. All content correct at time of print.
photograph by Crispian Blaize
Looking after our parks together
Summer in Camden: our guide to free and low-cost events in the borough
This publication was designed and produced by Camden Creative Services. We offer a not-for-profit service to organisations and businesses. If you are interested in finding out more about us, please contact ros.daniel@camden.gov.uk
We Make Camden in the spotlight
The We Make Camden Missions are long-term goals for the future of the borough and hundreds of residents, community partners and businesses are joining us to work towards achieving them. Learn more about our Missions at wemakecamden.org.uk
Focus on food
Our Food Mission is for everyone to eat well every day by 2030. We’ve proudly partnered with Lifeafterhummus, a local food aid provider, to launch a new community café in the heart of King’s Cross. Farrah tells us how the café is tackling food waste by transforming surplus food from Somers Town businesses and partners into nutritious, affordable meals. Farrah tells us more: This initiative is about so much more than just food - it’s about tackling food waste head-on and, most importantly, bringing our community together.
“By using surplus food and offering a platform for local residents to try their hands at being community chefs or get work experience, we’re not only providing affordable, healthy meals but also building confidence, communication skills, and stronger community connections.”
Visit the café
Tuesday to Saturday, 12pm to 5.30pm
Pancras Square Library, 5 Pancras Square,
Find out about work experience opportunities at lifeafterhummus.com
Paid opportunity: Camden Community Wealth Fund’s Diversity Panel
Camden Community Wealth Fund will invest in local businesses making a positive impact in Camden.
The Diversity Pilot will invest £2m in businesses led by a diverse group of people. If you’re 18+, apply to join the 1,000 person Diversity Panel by 6 August and help decide how we invest this money. Apply at camden.gov.uk/apply-diversity-panel or complete a paper application form at any Camden library.
The Youth Pilot will invest £2m in businesses empowering young people. Applications for investment will be open during August and September. To learn more, come to one of our free business support sessions. Sign up at CamdenCWF2025.eventbrite.com
Farrah, Lifeafterhummus
Looking after our parks
In Camden, we take pride in maintaining our public parks and green spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you’re taking a moment to pause in nature, socialising with others, or exercising outdoors – we believe our parks are at the heart of community life. We want our parks to be welcoming spaces for everyone. That’s why we have dedicated teams working around the clock to look after our green spaces and keep them tidy.
On sunny days we all like to get outside and enjoy the weather in our parks, but we kindly ask you to leave the space how you found it – so others can enjoy it in the same way.
“There are lots of ways you can get involved in working with us and the community to help look after our parks. Check out your local ‘friends of’ park groups for organised litter picking, social gardening projects, and planning new ideas to help our parks thrive.”
Louie, Green Space Partnership Officer
Visit camden.gov.uk/parks-open-spaces to find out more about your local park groups and community initiatives.
If you see an overflowing bin, please dispose of your rubbish responsibly and report it via Love Clean Streets app
Rediscover Camden High Street this summer
We’re carrying out an 18-month pedestrianisation trial of a section of Camden High Street, aiming to create a safer and healthier Camden Town for residents, businesses, and visitors.
As part of this trial, we’re delighted to present Camden High Street Live, a fantastic programme of events on our iconic high street that celebrate 60 years of creativity, artistic brilliance and cultural innovation in Camden. From music to fashion and unique cultural experiences, there’s something for everyone and we’d love to see you there! Read about our Culture and Community events on pages 10 and 11
Share your views!
Scan the QR code to head to our dedicated Commonplace page to leave your feedback about the pedestrianisation trial. You can also sign up for email updates directly to your inbox. If you’d prefer to fill out a paper feedback form or need information on the trial in any other format (for example, another language or large print) please get in touch.
This summer, let’s come together to support our local high streets across Camden - in particular independent outlets. Every visit and purchase can help make a difference in sustaining the unique character of Camden’s varied and distinct neighbourhoods, and that can only be a good thing.”
Alexander Jan, Chair of Central District Alliance (one of Camden’s Business Improvement Districts)
Summer in Camden
There’s so many free and low-cost activities and events for all ages in Camden this summer. Here’s a taster of what’s on. For more ideas, visit wemakecamden.org.uk/ summer2025 or scan the QR code, call 020 7974 4444 or visit any Camden library.
From social groups to volunteering, and support if you need it, get ideas to meet new people at camden.gov.uk/connect
Physical activity and wellbeing
Cycling training
13, 26, 27 July and 2, 3, 10 August (adults), and 5 to 8 August (children)
Free cycling sessions for all ages, from beginners to building road skills.
Haverstock School, 24 Haverstock Hill, NW3 2BQ camden.gov.uk/cycle-skills-and-training
Wellbeing walks
Free walks in parks and green spaces for all ages and abilities, including for people with health conditions or mobility issues, and carers.
camden.gov.uk/wellbeing-walks-in-camden
Outdoor gyms
11 outdoor gyms across Camden, free for everyone aged 14+ to use.
Bikeworks all-ability cycling
Wednesday 16, 23 and 30 July, 10am to 1pm
Free cycling sessions for disabled people and people with health conditions, using adapted cycles. Booking needed.
The Garden Lodge, Inner Circle, Regent’s Park, NW1 4NR bikeworks.org.uk/all-ability
camden.gov.uk/outdoor-gyms
Over 60s swim for free Weekdays before 12 noon
Free swimming for Camden residents aged 60+ at our Better leisure centres with a pay and play membership (£6.65 per year).
camden.gov.uk/swimming-for-older-people
Parks and green spaces volunteering
Help to look after Camden’s special green spaces, meet new people and get active.
• The Conservation Volunteers’ Camden Green Gym
Every Tuesday and Thursday, 10.45am to 2pm
Various locations
gg-camden@tcv.org.uk tcv.org.uk/camden
• Friends of Waterlow Park
Every Monday and Thursday morning Waterlow Park, N6 waterlowpark.org.uk/the-park/ volunteering
• Russell Square Volunteering Group
Russell Square, WC1B russellsquarefriends@gmail.com friendsofrussellsquare.org
Active for All
Free and low-cost opportunities for people with disabilities to get active in Camden, from swim sessions to multisports.
camden.gov.uk/disability-activities-in-camden
Camden in Bloom gardening competition
Categories from best front garden (including window box or balcony) to food growing. Enter by Sunday 31 August.
camden.gov.uk/camden-in-bloom
NOTHGILTOPS
Explore the new public art trail on Regent’s Park Estate
Journey through the Story Trail, an outdoor art experience where you can uncover a meadow-inspired mural, an AI-powered talking tree, and a clay bookshelf celebrating an old library, dotted across the estate in Euston.
Produced by Old Diorama Arts Centre, in partnership with Camden Council, Fitzrovia Youth in Action, UAL Central Saint Martins and Regent’s Place, the Story Trail celebrates the diversity and creativity of the local community.
Each artwork reflects the imagination and identity of those who call the estate home, thanks to estate residents and ‘Neighbourhood Curators’ Rukshana, Bahja, and Chrissie (pictured) who helped to get over 1,600 residents involved in the project.
The trail, free and open to all, begins in front of Bucklebury House on Stanhope Street, NW1 3LB. Find out more at odac.uk/stories
Activities for children and young people
Sports and physical activity holiday programmes
Wednesday 23 July to Friday 29 August
Free and low-cost activities for children and young people aged up to 18 (up to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities), including multi-sports and gymnastics schemes, Girls Get Moving sessions and more.
camden.gov.uk/sports-children-youngpeople
Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme
Wednesday 23 July to Friday 29 August
For children and young people aged five to 16 in Camden who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. Free activities from arts and crafts to sports – meals included.
youngcamdenfoundation.org.uk/haf
Camden Summer University
Thursday 24 July to Friday 22 August
13- to 19-year-olds who live or go to school in Camden can choose from over 70 free courses in creative arts, media, fashion, sports, cookery, and work and life skills.
cmdn.co.uk
Play schemes
Wednesday 23 July to Friday 29 August
Low-cost holiday play schemes for children aged four to 12, offering a range of activities and trips.
camden.gov.uk/play
Find activities for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at families.camden.gov.uk/send-local-offer/ events-and-activities
Youth programmes
Youth centres and voluntary sector youth projects run a range of free and low-cost activities for young people aged 13 to 19 (up to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities).
camdenrise.co.uk/youth-clubs-and-projects
Drop-in activities for under fives
Our libraries offer a range of free rhyme time, story time and baby bounce sessions.
Our Children’s Centres and Family Hubs run free stay and play sessions, including for children with developmental delays.
Before 10am during school holidays and weekends all year round at our Better leisure centres. Children under eight need to be accompanied by an adult who is also swimming – they do not need to have a membership. camden.gov.uk/swimming
Get reading this summer!
Summer Reading Challenge
Children aged four to 11 can take part in the Summer Reading Challenge by visiting a Camden library.
This year’s theme is Story Garden: Adventures in Nature and the Great Outdoors. Read up to six books with your child over the summer holidays – comics and audiobooks also count. Children can earn stickers, and will receive certificates.
For book recommendations and more, visit summerreadingchallenge.org.uk
Shared reading groups
Adult residents can join our shared reading groups:
Mondays, 11am to 12 noon at Camden Town Library, 218 Eversholt Street, NW1 1BD
First and third Wednesday of the month, 11am to 12.30pm at Kilburn Library, 12-22 Kilburn High Road, NW6 5UH
Find your nearest library: camden.gov.uk/libraries
Culture and community events
Unearthed: The Power of Gardening
Until Sunday 10 August
Exhibition celebrating gardening as a force for creativity and connection. Camden residents visit for £1 with proof of address.
British Library, 96 Euston Road, NW1 2DB bl.uk/unearthed
A free Unearthed panel exhibition tours libraries in partnership with the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network:
Until Thursday 17 July: Kilburn Library, 12-22
Kilburn High Road, NW6 5UH
Monday 21 July to Sunday 10 August: Queens Crescent Library, 165 Queens Crescent, NW5 4HH
Wednesday 13 August to Saturday 30 August: Highgate Library, Chester Road, N19 5DH
South Asian Heritage Month
Friday 18 July to Sunday 17 August
Free art exhibitions, performances and more across Camden. lovecamden.org
Films for the family
Weekend mornings, additional weekdays in school holidays
Screenings are ‘pay what you can’ so you can pay as much or as little as you can afford. On Sundays, films are followed by free activities for children.
The Garden Cinema, 39-41 Parker Street, WC2B 5PQ
thegardencinema.co.uk/season/films-for-thefamily
Camden at 60: Summer Sounds
Saturday 12 July, 12 noon to 6pm
Free live music celebrating 60 years of Camden’s musical heritage and local grassroots talent.
Camden High Street (between Buck Street and Jamestown Road), NW1 lovecamden.org/camden-high-street
Somers Town Festival
Saturday 12 July, 12 noon to 6pm
Free music including lovers rock star Janet Kay, stalls and funfair rides.
Chalton Street, NW1 somerstownfestival.co.uk
Camden New Town Community Festival
Saturday 12 July, 3.30 to 7.30pm and Sunday 13 July, 12 noon to 7pm (family day)
Free performances, arts and crafts, and activities for children and young people.
Free performances, interactive arts, stalls and games.
Outside Old Diorama Arts Centre, NW1 3FE olddiorama.com/festival
Fitzrovia street party and community dinner
Saturday 16 August, 1 to 5pm
Event organised by local young people, with free performances, activities and food.
Warren Pitch and Play Area, Whitfield Street, W1T 5JU fya.org.uk/youth-led-community-events
Inverness Street Bloc Party: Celebrating Camden’s Club Classics
Saturday 23 August, 12 noon to 6pm
Celebrate Camden’s 60th anniversary with legendary DJs spinning club classics. Free.
Inverness Street, NW1 lovecamden.org
Be Camden Proud this summer
London Pride was 5 July – but you can still represent, or show your support as an ally to, Camden’s LGBT+ community in upcoming Pride events in the capital.
London Trans+ Pride
Marking seven years of protest, visibility and community.
The world’s largest free Pride event for LGBT+ Black people.
Sunday 10 August, 12 noon to 8pm
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, Stratford, E20 ukblackpride.org.uk
Visit camden.gov.uk/CostOfLiving
Call us 020 7974 4444
Look at our EasyRead wiki camden.gov.uk/ER
Register with Money Advice Camden to see if you’re eligible for cost of living support –including payments from our Cost of Living Fund camden.gov.uk/MoneyAdviceService
MoneyAdvice@camden.gov.uk
Are you receiving all the benefits you should be?
• Do you have a low income?
• Do you have a health condition or are you disabled?
• Do you regularly spend time caring for someone?
• Do you have children?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you may be entitled to benefits. Check what you’re entitled to today using our Better Off Calculator camden.gov.uk/BetterOff
If you’re disabled, Camden Disability Action can give you advice and help you apply for benefits. Call their advice line on 020 3833 1125, text 07543 572793 or email advice@camdendisabilityaction.org.uk
Did you know?
Our Money Advice Service helps hundreds of residents every year to increase their income, reduce their debt and apply for all the support they are entitled to. With consent, we also introduce residents to other services and local organisations who can help them.
Moving to Universal Credit – look out for a letter
If you receive Housing Benefit or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), the government will soon write to you and tell you to move to Universal Credit. You’ll then have 3 months to apply, and you must meet this deadline –otherwise your benefits will stop. Don’t apply before you receive the letter, or you could end up with less money each month.
For more information: Visit ucmove.campaign.gov.uk
Call the government’s Universal Credit helpline 0800 169 0328
Call the Citizens Advice helpline 0800 144 8444
Back to school
Moving on to secondary school
Camden’s secondary schools are high achieving and ambitious for all students, with GCSE results consistently above the national average. All our schools have ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted outcomes.
Like Camden, our schools are vibrant and diverse, offering tremendous opportunities to prepare students for successful futures, including partnerships with world-class businesses, academic institutions and cultural organisations.
Our secondary schools are committed to creative and vocational learning, with our unique Camden
Camden School Reports
To help parents make an informed choice on schools, Camden Learning has developed new, mobile-friendly School Reports, covering primary, secondary and special schools.
These personalised reports provide a clear picture of each school, including not just academic performance but also broader aspects of school life – such as approaches to special educational needs and inclusion, the curriculum offer, and what makes the school unique.
STEAM offer (science, technology, engineering, arts and maths). Every Camden school offers a supportive approach to pupil wellbeing, including pastoral teams to ensure that children feel safe, happy and ready to learn.
Applications for Year 7 places for September 2026 open on 1 September and parents need to apply by 31 October 2025.
Visit camden.gov.uk/admissions
Each report includes the latest Ofsted inspection findings, national data on academic performance, and feedback from students, parents, teachers and professionals.
Visit camden.schoolreport.org.uk or scan the QR code
In May 2026 there will be local elections for the election of Camden councillors. Here’s how you can get prepared for these elections and future elections.
Annual Canvass
Camden’s Electoral Services will contact every property either by email or post to find out if there are any changes to the household so they can remove the people who no longer live there and invite new residents to register to vote.
If you get an email, it will be from electoral. services.camden.council@notifications.service. gov.uk with the subject line: ‘Annual canvass 2025’. This will provide you with the security codes you need to complete this online.
If you receive this information by post, you’ll receive a pink or green form.
Pink form – someone from your household must reply to this form. Check the details printed on the form and follow the instructions about how to confirm that the information we have is correct, or let us know of any changes needed, for example, if someone has moved out/in.
Green form – someone will need to check the details are correct but you only need to advise us if you need to update any information, for example, if someone has moved out/in.
Registering to vote
Completing the Annual Canvass form does not add you to the Register of Electors. To register to vote, complete an application at gov. uk/register-to-vote or contact the Camden elections team for a paper application.
Postal votes
If you have a postal vote, we may be in contact. We are required by law to ask you to refresh your postal application every three years, so to keep your postal vote for future elections, please reply supplying the information we need.
If you don’t have a postal vote, you can now apply online at gov.uk/apply-postal-vote or contact Camden Electoral Services for a paper application.
You now need to bring valid ID to vote. Visit camden.gov.uk/voterid-at-polling-stations for more information.
CAMDEN
You can get Council news and information every fortnight by signing up to our e-newsletter. Sign up today for free to get local news, events, support and more straight to your email inbox by scanning the QR code to the right.
A brand-new community centre has opened in Highgate
The centre features a range of youth and children’s services, a multi-use sports hall, cookery school and activities for the whole community. Managed by Highgate Newtown Community Partners (HNCP), the community centre also has a café, hairdressers and laundrette, alongside services including money advice, specialist mental health support and courses for parents and carers. Why not pop along? Visit hncp.org.uk
Swiss Cottage Open Space celebrates reopening
LATEST NEWS
The Swiss Cottage Open Space has reopened following the first phase of a series of improvements. Over the next few years, expect to see an additional play area for older children, chess and table tennis equipment, a new outdoor gym area, skating plaza and greening improvements to Eton Avenue Market. Find out more swisscottageopenspace.commonplace.is
Share your views on our Holborn Liveable Neighbourhood project
If you live, work, or spend time in Holborn – we want to hear from you about the area and our ideas to make it thrive.
We want Holborn to be a place for people to enjoy healthy, accessible, and safe streets with cleaner air. Have your say on ideas including a park on New Oxford Street and cycle lanes on Theobalds Road. Visit holbornln.commonplace.is
If you have a query or want to get in touch with one of our services, head to our website or give us a call.
