As East Barnet gears up for its very own weekend-long festival, Leïla Davaud talks to Emma Hawkins, the festival’s event manager and stalls co-ordinator

People in a field at a festival with a tent in the background — Credit – East Barnet Festival

“It seems really hard to foster community spirit these days”, says Emma Hawkins, East Barnet Festival’s stalls co-ordinator. “However, this lovely community event manages to pull people together every year.”

And she has experienced it first-hand. Nine years ago, Emma ran her first-ever stall at East Barnet Festival, showcasing her handmade, hypoallergenic chainmaille jewellery business, Trinket Fairy Designs.

She recalls the supportive atmosphere and dedication of the volunteers, encouraging her to join the organising committee. “It can be really tough starting out in a creative business on your own, but if you meet the right community, what you come away with are amazing memories and a really positive outlook,” Emma says. “This festival is where you can meet those people. We aim to foster that inclusive, friendly spirit into every part of the weekend and evolving community.”

Just like Emma, many local artists will be given the chance to exhibit their work. The festival will welcome roughly a hundred stalls and over 150 performers, from young dancers to established acts on the main stage. The East Barnet Community Festival prides itself on being a family-focused, inclusive event with a diverse range of activities and entertainment.

Emma highlights some exciting features for this year’s 26th edition: “You can’t miss the fancy dress parade led by the mascot at 11.30am on Saturday. The ever-popular dog show, delighting families and their four-legged friends and the car show, organised by the Barnet Classic Car Club.”

Brand new this year is the costume karaoke in the Big Top on Friday night, promising “fabulous flamboyant fun” from 7pm to 9pm.

“Without this community, that’s been built around the festival, we simply wouldn’t exist and could not continue to run,” she says. “The core committee is supported by approximately 15 additional volunteers from local businesses, and this year’s weekend volunteer team has grown significantly to around 35 people, up from 20 last year.”

The festival costs nearly £60,000 to put on each year. Thanks to thousands of volunteer hours and the generous support of local businesses and sponsors, the event remains completely free to attend.

Whilst it’s too late to volunteer for this year’s event due to training requirements, Emma encourages locals to get involved with the planning committee for future years. “Ideally, I’d love to double the size of the planning committee for next year.” The more people involved, the less work for everyone. “I don’t expect that anyone local would want to miss it,” Emma assures.

For full details on the East Barnet Festival 2025, including event schedules and stalls, visit eastbarnetfestival.co.uk.

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