Seven things you can do at the 2023 Highgate Festival

Running over eight days, there's the usual eclectic mix of events celebrating Highgate's history, culture, community, and future with many events free, and organisers promising "something for everyone".

From film screenings to concerts, exhibitions, walks and workshops, we pick seven things to look forward to at the 2023 festival.

The festival takes over Pond Square with stalls and entertainment. (Image: Courtesy of The Highgate Festival)

Fair in The Square, June 10, 12.30pm to 5.30pm.

Pond Square is taken over with stalls, music stages, food, crafts, kids activities, and street entertainers as thousands gather for the much-loved community festival - not forgetting the dog show.

The crypt of St Michael's Church in South Grove will be open to the public (Image: The Coleridge Trust)

Opening of Coledridge's Crypt, June 10 1pm to 4pm.

Kubla Khan and Rime of the Ancient Mariner poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge was a Highgate resident from 1816 until his death in 1834. Originally buried in Old Highgate Chapel, his remains, along with those of his wife, daughter, son-in-law and grandson were reinterred in St Michael's South Grove in 1961 when the vault became derelict. Fundraising plans are afoot to restore the crypt and open it to the public, but for now, festival-goers can get a rare glimpse of his last resting place. On the same day from 3pm Upstairs at The Gatehouse you can hear two of Highgate’s favourite actors, Judi Bowker and Harry Meacher, perform an anthology of Highgate poets, including Andrew Marvell, Christina Rossetti, and of course Coleridge.

Actor and playwright Steven Berkoff sees his latest play get a rehearsed reading during the festival

Corpse by Steven Berkoff, June 11, 8pm to 9.30pm.

The renowned actor and playwright's latest work gets a rehearsed reading Upstairs at The Gatehouse. Corpse sees some of the greatest actors of the 20th century - from Elizabeth Taylor to Vivien Leigh - trapped in Purgatory where they are forced to reflect on their careers, lives, regrets, mortality and legacy.

Local jazz and pop choir Take Twenty celebrate their 40th anniversary this year and play a gig at Highgate School Chapel. (Image: Courtesy of Take Twenty)

Take Twenty, June 15, 7.30pm to 9pm.

The local choir, who create bespoke versions of jazz and pop standards backed by piano, double bass, electric guitar, cello, trumpet and even castanets, are celebrating their 40th anniversary, so join them as they raise the roof of Highgate School Chapel.

The late Highgate comic Victoria Wood is included in a walking tour of pink plaques to the area's renowned women (Image: PA)

Pink Plaques Walking Tour, June 17, 1pm to 2pm.

Starting in Pond Square, local historian Catharine Wells takes a tour of the pink plaques to Highgate's famous women past and present, which have been a festival initiative of recent years. The free trail takes in healthcare pioneer Florence Nightingale, poet Christina Rosetti, comedian Victoria Wood, and journalist and activist Claudia Jones.

Highgate Village Eco-Fair June 17, 2pm to 4pm.

Enjoy stalls and activities in Pond Square from local activists fighting for climate action. Buy sustainable local products and services, learn about Highgate’s hedgehog revival project, sign up for community woodworking lessons, and bring old clothes for mending - alongside fun children's activities and second hand stalls.

Lauderdale House hosts an exhibition of local pupils' artwork (Image: Archant)

Cabinet of Curiosity, June 10-17, Lauderdale House.

Running throughout the week, this 'weird and wonderful' exhibition by Parliament Hill and William Ellis pupils is inspired by a Victorian resident of Lauderdale House. Displayed around the courtyard gallery, tea lawn and lower terrace, are scores of artworks in ceramic, bronze and print based on James Yates' collections of plants and artefacts.

For details and booking details go to The Highgate Festival.