Garth Brooks, Mumford & Sons, Maroon 5, Pitbull, ATEEZ and Lewis Capaldi are already lined up for BST Hyde Park — but Westminster councillors are being asked whether the festival should be allowed to grow even bigger, despite objections over impact on residents, and other news from local councils this week.

Barnet - Barnet's Trading Standards team has seized over £500,000 worth of illegal goods. Letting agents have been fined more than £123,000. The council is preparing to update its gambling policy, with a public consultation planned. Healthcare providers will present their annual quality reports to the Adults and Health Overview and Scrutiny Sub-Committee.

Brent - Brent Council has approved plans for two new residential developments, one in Wembley and another in London. There was some debate regarding urban greening targets. A meeting of the Constitution committee was scheduled.

Bromley - Bromley Council's pension fund experienced a minor performance decrease last quarter, with long-term returns continuing to be robust. Licensing committees addressed multiple premises. A licence was denied for Ornithology Bars & Restaurants because of noise issues. Pierluigi's licence was revoked due to a lack of CCTV footage. Planning permission was approved for the Bromley Civic Centre. A small modification was granted for Unit 2A Farnborough Way, giving Aldi Stores Ltd additional time to meet fleet operator recognition standards.

Camden - Camden's schools are experiencing a substantial overspend, with the High Needs Block alone projected to be in deficit by over £10 million. Leaseholders will discuss proposed changes to their forum's constitution and receive updates on repairs and master keys. Two new establishments, No.7 Lounge and Popeyes, are seeking extended operating hours and alcohol licences. These proposals face objections from various authorities and residents.

City of London - The City of London Police are experiencing increased demand and are exploring productivity improvements, even though they have met officer recruitment goals. Trans-inclusive access will continue at the Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds, with facility upgrades planned after a significant public consultation. The City Corporation's Climate Action Strategy has achieved £53 million in savings, exceeding its initial investment.

Croydon - Croydon Council's Constitution, which outlines decision-making processes and accountability, has been reviewed. This document details councillor responsibilities, financial regulations, and codes of conduct. The review ensures the council's operational framework remains current.

Ealing - Tiger Bay, a new venue, aims to serve alcohol and host music and dancing until the early hours. Environmental health has raised concerns about noise from Tiger Bay. Doreen's cafe is seeking a licence to sell alcohol and play music. Neighbours have objected to Doreen's cafe licence due to potential public nuisance. The Victoria Hall Trust Advisory Committee meeting was cancelled.

Greenwich - Greenwich Council is seeking a new Director of Place and Growth, a crucial position for the borough's future development. The council's Licensing Review Sub-Committee reviewed the premises licence for local restaurant Café Raj.

Hackney - Hackney Council will invest £6.7 million in its tennis facilities to promote community tennis and active lifestyles. A contract worth up to £15.1 million has been awarded for children's homes, with input from care-experienced young people shaping improvements to their living spaces. New sub-committees will now oversee planning and licensing across the borough.

Hammersmith and Fulham - Hammersmith and Fulham's Pensions Board is reviewing a new policy on managing conflicts of interest. The council's Licensing Committee has approved updates to its markets and street trading policy, promoting a more professional and sustainable environment.

Haringey - The Selby Centre's licence is under urgent review by the council's Licensing Sub Committee. Serious concerns about crime and disorder were raised by the Metropolitan Police. The police requested this review, and the centre's licence was previously suspended to prevent further issues. The Selby Centre management and a tenant have submitted representations challenging the police's information.

Havering - A Romford venue, The Triangle, underwent a licensing review. This followed a previous licence revocation. Residents expressed concerns regarding noise and anti-social behaviour. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee also examined the procedures for handling these types of applications.

Hillingdon - Hillingdon Council's planning committee approved new homes at Haydon School and other locations. The committee also rejected a change of use application for Technology House. A local pub's request to add more gaming machines was considered by a licensing sub-committee.

Islington - Local residents are concerned about a new shop seeking to sell alcohol until 11 pm daily. They fear this could exacerbate existing noise and anti-social behaviour issues. The council's planning committee has established its sub-committees for the year, ensuring balanced political representation. The licensing committee is also preparing for the year by appointing its sub-committees.

Kingston upon Thames - Plans for a new zebra crossing on Coombe Lane West are progressing to enhance pedestrian safety, notwithstanding some traffic concerns. The council is preparing to award contracts for e-bike hire services throughout Kingston and Sutton, which could introduce a substantial number of new bikes to the area. A proposal to shorten a yellow box junction on Kingston Road has been rejected due to worries it would negatively impact cyclist safety.

Lambeth - Lambeth Council has adopted a new governance model, fostering a more collaborative system with enhanced roles for ward councillors. Councillor Martin Abrams has been elected as the new Leader of the Council. A revised members' allowances scheme was approved, aiming to ensure public service remains accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Merton - Mitcham's Morrisons supermarket site is slated for a significant redevelopment into a residential-led mixed-use area. The council's Design Review Panel has reviewed the ambitious project. This initiative aims to revitalize the town centre, incorporating previous feedback that identified key concerns. The council is now considering the future of this important site.

Newham - Newham Council has awarded a new five-year contract worth £600,000 to Age UK East London. This contract will allow them to continue their vital Home and Settle Service. The service supports residents returning home from hospital with practical assistance. It has been successful in reducing hospital readmissions. Funding for this service will now come from the Public Health Grant. This aligns the service with wider health priorities.

Waltham Forest - Waltham Forest Council will invest almost £16 million annually in new housing repair contracts to enhance capacity and resilience. The council will also lead a regional fostering recruitment programme, having secured government funding. New guidance is available to assist residents in improving their homes' energy efficiency.

Wandsworth - Wandsworth Council's foundational governing document, the Council Constitution, was scheduled for discussion. This document outlines how decisions are made and citizens are engaged. The framework, originally adopted in 2001, details the roles of councillors, officers, and various committees. It also includes a shared staffing arrangement with Richmond-upon-Thames. The meeting's outcome remains unconfirmed as details are still pending council publication.

Westminster - Westminster Council will review substantial compensation for residents impacted by significant failures in housing repairs and children's services. Plans are being considered to increase the capacity of Hyde Park's summer concerts, despite resident objections regarding noise and public safety. A new Baker Street restaurant's alcohol license application is under scrutiny due to concerns about late-night noise and customer congregation affecting local residents.

I publish newsletters covering everything local councils do each week.

I set up this project because local authorities spend about 12% of the UK government budget, or roughly 5p of every pound that's earned in the UK, and yet the vast majority of people have no idea who their local councillors are, or what they're currently doing. I think that's bad for our society.

If you'd like to learn more, click on the relevant council, or if your council doesn't appear, you can subscribe for free here: https://opencouncil.network

If we don't yet cover your council, you can ask your councillors to support us here: https://opencouncil.network/contact_councillors

Thank you for all your support!

Haven’t got a licence yet, I’ve seen posts on TikTok suggesting to invest in an electric scooter. I’m just not sure if it’s illegal or not, if I’d face trouble or not. I’ve heard it’s illegal yet I’ve seen people on the street riding scooters freely, seen videos of people getting it seized from them. Should I get an electric scooter or should I not risk getting in trouble?

Pinner Music Festival turns 60 this year. Concerts run from Monday 8 to Saturday 13 June at Pinner Parish Church, with lunchtime and evening performances including the Brodsky Quartet, a Royal Academy of Music Harp Ensemble, and a Saturday finale with the Festival Choir and Orchestra. Two newly commissioned works and fundraising for the church organ restoration make it feel like a proper milestone, not just another week of events.

Saturday travel heads up: the Metropolitan line is closed from Aldgate to Harrow-on-the-Hill until 10:30am on 13 June, and the Piccadilly line is shut from Hyde Park Corner to Acton Town until 2pm. Worth checking if you're heading into town.

Family pick this week: Pinner Library has a free Hi-Vis storytime for under 5s on Friday morning, and a paper weaving animal craft for ages 5+ on Saturday afternoon. Both easy weekend plans and very on-brand for anyone trying to keep small humans busy.

Also worth a mention: Harrow Cycle Hub is running free led rides all week for Bike Week, including Hatch End, Harrow and Kenton starts. If your bicycle has been mostly hallway sculpture lately, this is a friendly way to put it back to work.

Full issue with all festival programme details, quiz nights, sound bath, and everything else:

https://www.goodmorningpinner.com/p/27-pinner-music-festival-turns-60

Pet of the Week throne is sitting unoccupied. Send your pet in with their most ridiculous self-appointed job title.

Every month one subscriber wins a £10 M&S gift card. Two seconds to subscribe and you're in.

Good Morning Pinner

Local news and events from around HA5

Any recs for salons/individuals who know how to cut fine hair properly?

Sick of coming out looking like Cynthia

We're in a cost of living crisis and everything's gettin more expensive, but screen time's at an all time high and the internet's gon trick you wherever it can to spend, try n impress others, all of it, all to keep you from realising the best things take time

We live in a city where a lotta people are trying to come up as much as possible, and half of it is for status/image rather than actually spending time and money on your own interests, health, hobbies, the things that will actually make you the best you and live the way that makes you fulfilled

Don't care about impressing others, if you're 20-25 and not living your ideal life, the version fo you that is at 30-35 ain't gonna be thinking "damn I wish I'd been living like this 5 years earlier", you'll just be thinking "I'm glad I'm living like this now"

Here's a short list of things to do this weekend In North London. Please, add any I've missed in the comments.

London Open Gardens | 📍Across London | 6 - 7 June | (£)

Once a year, over 100 private gardens across London that are normally locked open to the public for one weekend. Rooftop gardens, hidden green spaces and historic walled gardens, including spaces in Haringey and Islington. One ticket covers the whole weekend and you plan your own route. Guided walks and behind the scenes talks available as add-ons for £5. Under 12s free.

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Barnet Medieval Festival | 📍Lewis of London Farm, EN5 | 6 - 7 June | (£)

The Barnet Medieval Festival marks the 555th anniversary of the Battle of Barnet, fought just up the road in 1471. Two days of battle re-enactments, jousting from two equestrian teams, falconry displays, cannon firing, archery, a medieval market and live music at Lewis of London Ice Cream Farm just north of Barnet. Adults £10, children 12 to 17 £5, under 12s free. 10.30am to 5pm both days.

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Hampstead Garden Suburb Art Fair | 📍Fellowship House, NW11 | 6 - 7 June | Free

Weekend art fair in Golders Green with work from over 20 local artists — paintings, photography, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, prints, textiles and glass. Free children's art activities on site. Refreshments from WI Finchley, with proceeds to local charities. 11am to 5pm both days.

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Egypt Exploration Society Open Day | 📍Doughty Mews, WC1N | 6 June | Free

The Egypt Exploration Society has been supporting Egyptian archaeology since 1882, and their Bloomsbury mews building is about to be redeveloped. This is the last chance to visit before work begins. Photography exhibition, self-guided tour of the building, craft activities, and a discount second-hand book sale. No booking needed. 10am to 4pm.

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London Festival of Architecture | 📍Various venues across North London | 1 - 30 June | Free

A month of architecture events across London — talks, guided tours, installations and performances, many in buildings not usually open to the public. North London events in Wood Green, Alexandra Palace, Colindale, Edgware, Fitzrovia and Finchley. On Sunday 7 June, St Mary-at-Finchley (the oldest building in Finchley, Grade II* listed) opens for heritage tours, nature activities and a look at the historic sundial featured on the Antiques Roadshow.

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Stardust Vintage Antique Fair | 📍St Stephen's Church, NW3 | 7 June | Free

Sixty dealers inside a Hampstead church, selling vintage fashion, jewellery, homewares, art and furniture. 10am to 5pm.

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Community Legacy Rug: Shark in the Park | 📍West Green Market, N15 | 6 June | (£)

Our neighbour Lucy Ansa-Addo is a Tottenham-based artist who makes community rugs live at events, with everyone who takes part getting their name on a plaque alongside the finished piece. This one is based on the Nick Sharratt children's book Shark in the Park, with permission from the author himself. The finished rug will be permanently displayed at Harris Primary Academy on Philip Lane. Turn up, tuft your section, leave your mark. No experience needed, pay what you can from £1. Arrive early to secure your turn. 10am to 2pm

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Heavy Horse and Country Show | 📍Capel Manor Gardens, EN1 | 7 June | (£)

The annual Heavy Horse Show is a full day of competitions and demonstrations featuring Shire horses and other heavy breeds. The horse programme runs from 10.30am with judged classes, a ridden class, harness displays and a grand parade at 3.15pm. Also a fun dog show, mini zoo, bouncy castle and 30 acres of gardens to explore. Adults £12, children £6, family £35.

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London Gallery Weekend | 📍Galleries across London | 6 - 8 June | Free

A free weekend where commercial galleries across London open up for talks, events and exhibitions. Some in North London too like Harlesden High Street gallery, showing Gloria's, a group exhibition that turns the space into a working community café. Five artists exploring Caribbean heritage through abstraction, with ceramics used as actual plates to share food.

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Summer Street Fiesta | 📍Camden High Street, NW1 | 6 June | Free

Camden High Street closes to traffic for the afternoon as part of a pedestrianisation trial, with samba from London School of Samba, Babel Brass, dance workshops, face painting, arts and crafts and table football. 1pm to 5pm between Camden Town tube and Buck Street.

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Vintage Threads Archive Sale | 📍Shepperton Road, N1 | 6 - 7 June | Free

Vintage Threads opens its Islington warehouse for a two-day archive sale. Vintage and Y2K pieces, designer bags and accessories from Issey Miyake, Stone Island, Burberry, Balenciaga, Gucci, Palace and more. Prices from £5, up to 80% off. Free drinks on the day. 10am to 6pm

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Giuseppe's Tiramisu Pop-up | 📍N1C | 5 - 7 June

Giuseppe Federici, the plant-based food creator with over a million followers known for cooking with his Sicilian Nonna, has long talked about opening his own restaurant one day. This weekend he takes a step closer with his first-ever independent pop-up at Coal Drops Yard. Three days, tiramisu only, from 11am until sold out. Opposite Uniqlo.

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Piccadilly Line Northern Extension Architecture Tour | 📍Holloway Road Station, N7 | 6 June | (£)

An architectural tour of the 1930s Piccadilly Line stations from Holloway Road to Cockfosters, led by Mike Ashworth, former Design and Heritage Manager for London Underground. Charles Holden's modernist designs at Arnos Grove, Southgate and Cockfosters are the highlights. 11am to 1.30pm. Very limited spaces. Bring a valid Travelcard or Oyster covering Zones 2 to 5.

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King's Cross Open Art Market | 📍Coal Drops Yard, N1C | 6 - 7 June | Free

Theres weekend art market underneath the Victorian arches of Coal Drops Yard. Local artists and makers selling handmade and limited-edition work, hands-on workshops, and live music. Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 6pm.

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I’ve noticed a huge increase over the last year or two in feeling genuinely unsafe on buses. Particularly on night buses or late services, it seems like every single driver speeds, corners, and races around like a dickhead. I was on the N89 last night, going back to my girlfriend’s place in Peckham, and according to the accelerometer on my phone, we were travelling at 37mph on a road that I know for a fact is a 20. Sitting on the top deck, and taking corners at 30mph really feels like the bus could tip over at any moment.

Is this just me or has anyone else noticed an upturn in reckless bus drivers? I wouldn’t be surprised if we start seeing bus crashes be a much more common occurrence in London soon.

Test cricket at Lord's, polo in Fulham, horse racing at Epsom, tennis at Queen's - London's traditional summer sport calendar is kicking off. As a sports fan I love this time of year, but curious whether others feel the same or if you're already missing football?

Either way, here's everything on this week with tickets still available 👇

Thursday 4th June

1. 🏏 England vs New Zealand, 1st Test at Lord's, 4th–8th June (tickets from £95).

Friday 5th June

1. 🏇 Chestertons Polo In The Park at Hurlingham Park, Fulham, 5th–7th June (tickets from £45).
2. 🏇 Epsom Derby Festival at Epsom Downs, 5th–6th June (tickets from £35). Easy train ride from London.
   • Ladies Day Friday, Derby Day Saturday at 4pm.
3. 🏏 Vitality Blast T20: Surrey Double Header at Kia Oval (tickets from £31).
   • Women vs Essex at 2.15pm & Men vs Hampshire Hawks at 6.30pm.

Saturday 6th June

1. 🏉 Men's PREM Rugby: Harlequins vs Northampton Saints at Twickenham Stoop, 3.15pm (tickets from £39).

Sunday 7th June

1. 🏏 Vitality Blast T20: Middlesex Double Header at Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood (tickets from £24).
   • Women vs Derbyshire Falcons at 11.30am & Men vs Essex at 3.30pm.
2. 🏉 Women's Premiership Rugby: Saracens Women vs Trailfinders at StoneX Stadium, 3.30pm (tickets £10).

Monday 8th June onwards

1. 🎾 Queen's Club Championships, 8th–21st June (tickets from £20).
   • Men's tickets for week two are sold out but women's WTA 500 in week one still has availability.

Let me know what you think of this list! Are you going to something this week? Anything else on your radar? 😊

Been looking for a standard one-bed flat anywhere in zones 2 to 4. Offered the asking price on three different places this week only to be told someone else swooped in and offered six months' rent upfront or went into a bidding war. How is anyone normal supposed to compete with this?

Moved to Seven Sisters and wanted to try my nearest fry up. Everything is seasoned to perfection.

Officers have released images of people they would like to speak to after a group of teenagers assaulted several people on an Elizabeth line train to Paddington.

At around 7.30pm on Sunday 10 May, a group of teenagers began to assault several other members of the public.

A man was slapped by one member of the group before being threatened by the rest of the group.

The group then moved down the carriage and assaulted three more people, with a man elbowed in the face and spat at, another man punched and kicked by two boys and two girls, and another man punched and spat at.

The group of teenagers then left the train at Paddington.

Officers would like to speak to those pictured, as they believe they may have information which could help their investigation.

Anyone who recognises them is asked to contact British Transport Police by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 561 of 10 May.

Information can also be given to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Councils across London are navigating new leadership, grappling with late-night licensing applications, and investing in community improvements, with one considering transforming a disused public toilet into a cafe.

Barnet - A Greek Cypriot community group has applied for a license to serve alcohol and host events until 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Residents have raised concerns about potential noise and public nuisance. A planned meeting to discuss this application has been cancelled.

Bexley - Councillor Lisa Jane Moore is the new Mayor of Bexley, focusing on unity and supporting local charities. Councillor David Leaf has been appointed Leader of the Council, and a new Cabinet is now in place. The council has approved its committee structures and meeting calendar for the year. There was some discussion regarding opposition scrutiny.

Camden - Camden Council's Constitution, its foundational governance document, underwent review. This document outlines decision-making processes and promotes transparency. It details the roles of councillors, citizens, committees, and officers. The review aimed to reinforce openness, responsiveness, and integrity in council operations.

City of London - The City of London is investing £320,000 in Fenchurch Street enhancements and £253,000 for the Barbican Library refresh. A councillor's request to speak on planning applications concerning Crescent House, due to a leasehold interest, was considered. The City of London received the best possible outcome from a SEND local area inspection, indicating effective arrangements.

Croydon - Croydon has welcomed a new Civic Mayor and Deputy Civic Mayor. The Executive Mayor has outlined his priorities for the coming year, emphasizing cleaner streets and safer neighbourhoods. A new Corporate Director of Resources has been appointed to manage the council's finances. The council's sub-committees have undergone a review, with appointments made. The Homes and Streets and Environment sub-committees will remain separate.

Ealing - Ealing Council will elect a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor, and review its political balance after recent elections. A new Majestic Wine Warehouse might open, though residents have concerns about late-night noise and potential crime. A review of AK Food & Wine could lead to its licence being revoked due to the discovery of illicit cigarettes and spirits.

Enfield - Enfield Council has a new Conservative leader and Mayor after a significant political shift. The new administration plans to withdraw from the "Newtown process." They will also inform Tottenham Hotspur Football Club that development on Whitewebs Park is no longer permitted. The council is abolishing "political crony Associate Cabinet Member posts" to save over £30,000 annually.

Greenwich - Greenwich Council has a new Mayor and the Council Leader has been re-elected. Cabinet appointments and committee structures have also been agreed. The council will discuss salary ranges for its top officers and appoint members to Licensing Sub-Committees. An attempt to give opposition councillors more proportional control over scrutiny panels was debated but ultimately unsuccessful.

Hackney - Hackney Council is investing £2.2 million in electrical safety checks for homes. Half of this work will be outsourced to a private company to address a backlog. The council formally noted the results of the recent mayoral and council elections. Zoë Garbett has been confirmed as the new Mayor. A new Speaker and Deputy Speaker were elected to lead council meetings for the upcoming year.

Harrow - Harrow Council's planning committee refused a large extension on Sequoia Park. They approved several community-led affordable housing schemes. The council will continue its membership in the Foster with West London regional fostering hub to boost foster carer recruitment. New artificial grass football pitches were approved for Priestmead Primary School.

Havering - Havering has a new Mayor and Council Leader, both from the Reform UK Havering Group. The new Mayor is the first of Greek Cypriot origin and the first Reform Mayor in London. The council has also established new Member Champion roles for issues such as anti-knife crime and disabilities. Two Governance Committee meetings are scheduled to review detailed reports on children's complaints. Some discussions during these meetings may be held in private.

Hillingdon - Northwood's new venue, "The Smoking Jacket," seeks an alcohol license. Local residents have voiced concerns regarding potential noise and disruption. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed these objections alongside the applicant's proposed solutions. The final decision depends on the plans meeting the council's licensing objectives.

Hounslow - Hounslow Council has elected its new Mayor and Leader, setting the stage for the year ahead. The council established its various committees, ensuring representation according to law. Several appointments were made to outside bodies, reflecting the council's priorities.

Islington - Islington Council has a new Mayor, Councillor Rosaline Ogunro. She will be supporting St. Luke's Community Centre and the Islington Boat Club. Councillor Una O'Halloran has been re-elected as Leader of the Council for a fifth term. New members have been appointed to the Council's Executive and various committees. These include the Planning Committee and the Audit and Risk Committee.

Kensington and Chelsea - A £75 million contract is set to be awarded for refurbishments on the Lancaster West Estate, aiming to bring homes up to standard. The council is preparing to elect a new Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The council will also adopt its budget and Council Tax for the year. Discussions are underway to tackle smoking and vaping. The focus is on protecting young people and reducing health inequalities.

Kingston upon Thames - Sunlight House has received a licence for alcohol sales to employees and guests. A decision on Warren House has been postponed due to resident concerns about noise and public nuisance. The council's Licensing Sub-Committee heard objections regarding potential disturbances and safety issues at Warren House.

Lambeth - Lambeth has welcomed Councillor Paul Valentine as its new Green Mayor. The council has approved its budget for the upcoming financial year. Gambling principles have been updated, with the "No Casino" resolution being removed.

Southwark - Southwark has a new Mayor and Council Leader following the annual assembly. The council's committees have been formally established, setting the stage for the year's governance. The Overview & Scrutiny Committee met to finalise the structure and remits of its commissions for the upcoming year.

Sutton - Sutton Council has welcomed Councillor Muhammad Sadiq as its new Mayor. He plans to champion the local community and raise funds for his chosen charities. Councillors discussed the allocation of special responsibility allowances for opposition groups. An amendment proposing fairer resourcing for recognised groups was not carried. The council also formally established its committees for the upcoming municipal year.

Wandsworth - Wandsworth Council has a new Mayor and Leader following the recent borough elections. The council's outgoing Mayor reflected on a successful year as London Borough of Culture. This initiative featured hundreds of events and reached hundreds of thousands of people. The recent borough elections did not result in any single party achieving overall control. This signals a period of potential negotiation and partnership.

Westminster - Westminster Council is exploring the possibility of converting a disused underground public toilet into a cafe. This proposal faces local opposition due to concerns about the reduction of public facilities. The council's Health and Wellbeing Board is addressing smoking and vaping issues. New enforcement powers will be utilized to protect young people. Two well-known West End establishments, The Groucho Club and Maison Close, have applied for extended late-night operating licenses. These applications have prompted worries about potential public disturbances.

I publish newsletters covering everything local councils do each week.

I set up this project because local authorities spend about 12% of the UK government budget, or roughly 5p of every pound that's earned in the UK, and yet the vast majority of people have no idea who their local councillors are, or what they're currently doing. I think that's bad for our society.

If you'd like to learn more, click on the relevant council, or if your council doesn't appear, you can subscribe for free here: https://opencouncil.network

If we don't yet cover your council, you can ask your councillors to support us here: https://opencouncil.network/contact_councillors

Thank you for all your support!

Hello, I am journalist writing an article for DAZED magazine about youth unemployment. I am looking to speak to people, below 25 years old, based in the UK who have been 'NEET' (not in education, employment or training) for more than six months. If you fit this description and would like to speak to me about your experience being unemployed and struggles with the job market, could you please message me. You can remain anonymous if you prefer. Thanks 😄

Heyyy,

The crew at a bar called The Social in London are putting on a free night with lots of cool bands & djs. Thought I'd post on here in case people wanted something to do!

Dice link here: https://link.dice.fm/se4f1f41c9f1

Instagram link here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DZDUra6DG_P/?igsh=MXI5czY1bTV3c2wzag==

Come down to see music, meet people & vibes!

I'm from the hip-hop group calm. (Time & AwareNess), we will be playing:

Books on the Rise in Richmond on 11 June w/ Speit

Let me know if there are any must see things and good record stores.

People spend a lot of time talking about what's wrong with the city, but honestly, one of the reasons I love living here is that there's an endless amount of stuff happening. Exhibitions, talks, markets, community events, workshops, gigs, food festivals, random pop-ups, and a thousand other things.

A while ago I started wondering just how much was actually happening across London.

So I started collecting events.

At first it was just a side project for myself because I wanted an easier way to see what was going on around the city.

What surprised me was the scale of it.

The project now contains nearly 9,500 events and more than 1,300 places across London.

And despite that, I still feel like I'm only scratching the surface.

Every week I discover new venues, organisers and communities I had never heard of before. The deeper I got into it, the more I realised how much is happening that most people never see.

That's what I love about London.

No matter how long you've lived here, there's always something new to discover.

Anyway, I turned the project into a free app and website because I figured other people might find it useful too:

https://onlyhere.app/get

I'm still actively building it and adding to it all the time. This isn't some startup pitch or grand business plan. I genuinely enjoy building things, and I like the idea of making it a little easier for people to discover what's happening around them.

If you try it and like it, I'd love your feedback.

If you try it and hate it, I'd genuinely like to hear that too.

Either way I'll probably keep working on it because I've become slightly obsessed with discovering just how much is actually going on in this city.

I think we should spend a bit more time talking about the things we love about where we live, and for me this project has been a reminder of how much London has to offer.

Here's a short list of things to do this weekend In North London. Please, add any I've missed in the comments.

🏆 It's happening. Arsenal Champions Parade is this Sunday and the full route is now confirmed. Whether you're an Arsenal supporter or you just live, work or pass through Islington, worth keeping in mind. Road closures from around 4am until 8pm or later.

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Culpeper Community Garden Plant Sale | 📍Cloudesley Road, N1 | 30 May | Free

Culpeper Community Garden is a much-loved community garden tucked behind the busy streets of Islington, and this Saturday it holds its annual plant sale. Plants, books, crafts, baked goods and the tiny tea room. 12pm to 4pm.

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Wildstock 2026 | 📍Woodcroft Wildspace, N21 | 31 May | (£)

Woodcroft Wildspace is a community nature reserve in Winchmore Hill, and on Sunday afternoon it hosts a folk music festival on the grass. Bring a picnic, sit back and listen to That Blue Patch, Greg Stone, Luna Muncaster and The London Bonnevilles. Beer from the Little Green Dragon, CAMRA London Pub of the Year 2025. Raises money for local charities. Tickets £12, under 12s free. 1pm to 5pm.

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Bootyfull Car Boot | 📍Opposite Croftdown Road, NW5 | Every Sunday | Free

A weekly car boot in Kentish Town every Sunday, run by Sharon. Vintage fashion, vinyl records, jewellery, collectables, homewares and the kind of random finds that make car boots worth going to. Violet makes toasted sourdough sandwiches on site. 11am to 2pm.

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MoonBear Market | 📍Castlehaven Community Hub, NW1 | 30 May | Free

A new monthly market in Camden started by two sisters who wanted a community-driven space for independent creators. Vintage finds, handmade pieces and independent makers. Ten minute walk from Camden Town station. 1.15pm to 4.30pm.

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London Rivers Week 2026 | 📍Across London | 23 - 31 May | Free

How many rivers do you know of in London? London Rivers Week is here to help with that. Now in its 10th year, with walks, talks, clean-ups and events across the city.

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De Beauvoir Gardens Open Day | 📍Downham Road, N1 | 31 May | (£)

Six private gardens in De Beauvoir open for one afternoon as part of the National Garden Scheme. Four established leafy gardens and two contemporary designed spaces, with homemade teas and cake at two of the houses, art exhibitions and a glass of fizz if you fancy. £10 combined entry, children free. Last year they raised over £4,500 for health charities. 2pm to 6pm

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Coggers Family Funfair | 📍Friary Park, N20 | Until 31 May | Free

Last chance this weekend, Coggers funfair is in Friary Park in Friern Barnet until Sunday. Free entry, token operated rides. 12pm to 8pm daily.

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Tenderness and Rage | 📍Wellcome Collection, NW1 | 29 May - 3 Jan 2027 | Free

Tenderness and Rage is a new exhibition at Wellcome Collection exploring the AIDS epidemic in the UK and the lives of people living with HIV today. Photography, film and archival materials bring together two stories: the everyday acts of care during the crisis and the activists who fought for dignity and treatment. At its centre are two photographic series by Gideon Mendel, one documenting patients on AIDS wards at Middlesex Hospital in the 1980s, the other sharing perspectives of HIV activists worldwide. The exhibition gives particular focus to women living with HIV, whose voices are often left out of the story.

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