**Centrepiece of the ‘Music for the Senses’ Art Trail
**
The guitar will go on display at Selfridges Manchester Exchange Square from early July, forming the centrepiece of the Music for the Senses art trail, a city-wide celebration of Manchester’s musical heritage. The trail will feature up to 50 guitars transformed into unique artworks by local artists, alongside other instruments donated by famous musicians.

A spokesperson for Oasis said, “We’re delighted to donate this guitar signed by Liam and Noel to help support Manchester’s grassroots music projects and kickstart the series of celebrations.”

**A Summer of Music in Manchester
**
The auction comes as Manchester prepares for a huge influx of music fans, with 1.3 million expected to visit the city over the summer as part of the Manchester Live 25 series. This includes the long-awaited Oasis homecoming gigs at Heaton Park, which are set to be the highlight of a packed summer lineup featuring artists like Charli XCX, 50 Cent, Elbow, Sam Fender, and Hacienda Classical.

**Support for Local Talent
**
The auction, part of the Music for the Senses project, is being organised by global art producer Wild in Art in collaboration with the charity Forever Manchester. The initiative aims to support the city’s grassroots music scene, with funds raised going directly to local music venues and aspiring young musicians.

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, praised the band’s contribution, saying, “To have the legends that are Oasis back in town for a supersonic string of homecoming gigs is going to be epic. A huge thank you to Liam and Noel for getting behind our end-of-summer guitar auction to help up-and-coming young artists and raise money for our fantastic grassroots music projects.”

**Guitar Donations Welcome
**
The public is also being encouraged to contribute to the art trail, with a call for new, old, broken, or well-loved guitars to be transformed into artworks. Up to 100 broken guitars will be used in a large-scale installation, Guitar Street, by Manchester artist Liam Hopkins (aka Lazarian), which will be unveiled on a city centre street later this summer. Guitars still in playable condition will be donated to local music charities, giving them a second life in the hands of aspiring young artists.

**A Boost for the Local Economy
**
The music-filled summer is expected to provide a significant boost to Manchester’s economy, with the city’s smaller music venues, hotels, bars, restaurants, and shops set to benefit from the influx of visitors. According to Councillor Craig, Manchester’s music and culture scene generated an economic impact of over £342 million last year, supporting more than 4,800 jobs.

For more information on how to donate guitars for the art trail or to get involved in the Music for the Senses project, visit musicforthesenses.co.uk.

The newly branded “Whisky Social Club” offers passengers the opportunity to participate in expert-led masterclasses from renowned distilleries including Glen Moray, Bowmore, and Glenfiddich, with special appearances by whisky expert Alwynne Gwilt, also known as Miss Whisky, who has curated signature food pairings featuring chocolate and cheese.

“Our vision for Whisky Social Club was to bring to life the timelessness and character of whisky for passengers travelling through Heathrow,” said Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow. “This immersive experience showcases the best of British and global whiskies and invites passengers to discover something new, personal and flavourful.”

Restaurants throughout the airport have embraced the festival with special whisky-inspired dishes, including wok-fried whiskey vermicelli prawns at Shan Shui in Terminal 2, Scottish smoked salmon with Woodford Reserve at Caviar House & Prunier in Terminal 3, and a Matcha Sour cocktail featuring Jameson Black Barrel at Gordon Ramsay Plane Food in Terminal 5.

Technology also features prominently in the experience, with “Lift & Learn” stations that display tasting notes and brand stories when passengers pick up featured bottles, and live engraving stations for personalised gifts.

Heathrow Rewards members can earn double points at participating restaurants throughout May and enter a prize draw for tickets to the 2025 Senior Open Championship at Sunningdale.

Even those not travelling can participate through the airport’s website, which offers exclusive guides, tasting tips, and competitions at heathrow.com/whisky.

As part of its responsible drinking message, Heathrow reminds passengers that liquor purchased in World Duty Free stores should not be consumed in the airport, supporting the wider industry “One Too Many” campaign against disruptive behaviour at airports.

The renovation project, funded by Haringey Council and Arts Council England through the Museum Estate and Development (MEND) capital works program, has significantly improved accessibility to the museum’s unique collections.

Among the improvements is the transformation of an 18th-century room into a new community space for exhibitions and public use. The renovation also addressed structural issues, improved fire protection, and repaired historic elements of the Grade 1 listed building.

Visitors to Sunday’s event will be the first to receive a new Heritage Trail leaflet and map of the Bruce Castle Heritage Quarter, designed by local artist Emmie Joanna, known for her Haringey landmark illustrations.

The day’s festivities will begin at 11am, with Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Sue Jameson, conducting an official ribbon-cutting ceremony between 11:15am and 11:30am to mark the reopening of the restored gallery spaces.

The Heritage Quarter Open Day will feature numerous activities throughout the day, including special area tours running every 45 minutes from 11:45am to 4pm. Additional highlights include a talk titled “From the Andes to N17” about John Eliot Howard at 11am, and a “Secret Spurs History” walk at noon exploring Tottenham Hotspur Football Club’s origins. All Hallows Church will open from 1pm to 4:30pm, with bells ringing at 11:45am.

Other notable sites open to visitors include the Antwerp Arms pub (noon until late), The Priory gardens (1:30pm-4pm), and Tottenham Cemetery Chapel (11am-4pm).

Councillor Emily Arkell, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, who recently toured the final stages of the improvement works, commented: “These improvement works have made the museum more accessible, open and welcoming to all and the new décor and lighting seem set to ensure that the exhibits are seen at their optical and optimal best.”

With forecasts predicting sunny and warm weather for the Bank Holiday weekend, visitors can enjoy WW2-themed refreshments at the ‘Old Kitchen Pop-Up Café’ between 11am and 4:30pm, commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) data reveals that shoplifting crime has now more than doubled since pandemic levels, with the number of recorded incidents across England and Wales surpassing half a million annually for the first time.

London’s increases are among the most pronounced nationwide, with the City of London seeing a 61% rise in shoplifting offenses, while the Metropolitan Police area recorded a 54% increase.

Retail trade union Usdaw, which represents around 360,000 shop workers, warns that these statistics reflect a troubling trend that directly impacts frontline staff safety and wellbeing.

“The scale of the epidemic of retail crime is laid bare in these shocking police recorded crime statistics,” said Paddy Lillis, Usdaw general secretary. “It is increasingly common for retail stores to be targeted by organised crime gangs stealing to order. This is in no way a victimless crime, with weapons and violence used to ensure these criminals are not stopped.”

Impact on Retail Workers

The union’s latest annual survey, covering nearly 9,500 retail staff across the country, paints a disturbing picture of conditions faced by workers. More than three-quarters (77%) reported experiencing verbal abuse within the past twelve months, while 53% were threatened by customers and 10% suffered physical assaults.

Perhaps most concerning, two-thirds of respondents indicated that incidents of violence, threats and abuse they experienced were triggered by theft or armed robbery.

“Having to deal with repeated and persistent offences can cause issues beyond the theft itself, like anxiety, fear and physical harm to retail workers,” Lillis noted.

The surge in shoplifting comes at a time when many retailers are already struggling with economic pressures, with some major chains implementing additional security measures and even reducing operating hours in high-risk locations.

Nationally, police-recorded shoplifting incidents have risen by 127% since the pandemic, climbing from 228,250 in the year to March 2021 to 516,971 in 2024, according to the ONS data.

Legislative Response

The union has been campaigning alongside retail employers for substantial measures to tackle the growing problem, and has welcomed the Government’s introduction of the Crime and Policing Bill, which received unanimous support at its second reading in the House of Commons and is currently at committee stage.

Key provisions in the proposed legislation include:

• A new law specifically protecting retail workers
• Elimination of the controversial £200 threshold for prosecuting shoplifters, which critics argue has effectively decriminalized lower-value theft
• Funding for increased uniformed officer patrols in shopping areas
• Introduction of “Respect Orders” for offenders

“We now look forward to a much-needed protection of retail workers’ law,” said Lillis. “It is our hope that these new measures will help give retail workers the respect they deserve.”

Retail industry analysts note that the rising tide of shoplifting affects businesses of all sizes, from corner shops to major supermarket chains, with smaller independent retailers often least equipped to handle the financial and security challenges posed by persistent theft.

The Crime and Policing Bill is expected to complete its committee stage within the next month before returning to the House of Commons for its third reading.

For more information on retail crime prevention initiatives, visit Usdaw’s Freedom From Fear Campaign at www.usdaw.org.uk/Campaigns/Freedom-From-Fear

Southwark councillors voted by a slim margin on Wednesday to grant planning permission for the ambitious Borough Triangle project, which will transform a 1.5-football-pitch-sized area into a complex featuring residential towers soaring up to 44 storeys high.

The £500 million Berkeley Homes scheme will deliver 892 new homes to the area, alongside office space, retail units, and a community centre. However, the decision has sparked disappointment among local residents who have fought to preserve the Mercato Metropolitano food hall, which has operated at the site for nearly a decade.

Cultural Hub Lost

The Mercato Metropolitano, housed in a repurposed paper-making factory, has grown into a thriving cultural destination attracting over 600,000 visitors annually. The market has provided a platform for 40 independent food traders, many of whom will now need to find alternative locations.

Nina Wessel, a local resident, expressed her dismay at the decision: “This market has become so much more than just a place to eat. It’s where our community gathers, where families bring their children, and where small businesses have been able to grow. Losing it will fundamentally change the character of our neighbourhood.”

Berkeley Homes has committed to temporarily rehousing up to 12 of the traders during the construction period, with plans to incorporate a new market space within the completed development. However, this offers little comfort to the remaining vendors who face uncertain futures.

Historic Buildings Lost

The development will also result in the demolition of several significant buildings, including the century-old Institute of Optometry, which holds locally listed status. Only the former Baptist church at 82 Borough Road and the façade of the adjacent property at number 83 will be preserved.

Housing Mix Questions

While the scheme meets Southwark Council’s requirement for 35% affordable housing, with 230 units offered at up to 80% of market rates and 153 designated for social rent, the development falls short on family accommodation. Only 13% of the total units will offer three or more bedrooms, substantially below the council’s 20% target for the area.

However, Berkeley Homes has concentrated family-sized units within the social housing portion, with over two-thirds of the social rent apartments featuring three bedrooms or more.

Public Realm Promises

Berkeley Homes representatives have promoted the scheme as creating a “thriving, diverse and welcoming neighbourhood with world-class architecture.” The development promises to deliver approximately 1,780 square metres of new public space in an area currently dominated by commercial buildings.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with the first residents potentially moving in by 2028. The entire project is anticipated to take up to eight years to complete.

For the loyal patrons of Mercato Metropolitano, however, the countdown to closure has already begun, marking the end of a vibrant chapter in Borough’s community life.

The Nation’s Favourites

For the second consecutive year, the British Museum has claimed the coveted title of the UK’s most visited attraction, welcoming a staggering 6.4 million visitors in 2024. With its breathtaking collection spanning ancient civilizations from Egypt to Greece, Japan to the Americas, it’s little wonder this cultural treasure trove continues to captivate travellers from across the globe.

Hot on its heels, the Natural History Museum secured second place with 6.3 million visitors. From the awe-inspiring Diplodocus skeleton in the central hall to the immersive earthquake simulator, this South Kensington institution offers a perfect day out for curious minds of all ages.

For those seeking fresh air and natural beauty, Windsor Great Park emerged as Britain’s top outdoor attraction, drawing 5.6 million visitors to its 4,800 acres of royal parkland. Home to ancient woodland, award-winning gardens, and spectacular views of Windsor Castle, this scenic expanse provides a perfect respite from urban exploration.

Hidden Gems on the Rise

While London’s cultural powerhouses dominate the top positions, several regional attractions are experiencing notable surges in popularity. The Museum of Liverpool saw visitor numbers climb by 19% last year, while Oxford’s atmospheric Pitt Rivers Museum enjoyed a remarkable 27% increase.

The National Portrait Gallery, which reopened in summer 2023 following an extensive three-year transformation, has been rewarded for its £35.5 million investment with a 36% increase in visitors. Its refreshed galleries and improved visitor facilities make it well worth a visit when exploring central London.

For families, the Young V&A (formerly the V&A Museum of Childhood) should be on your radar after being named Museum of the Year in 2024. This dedicated children’s museum in East London saw visitor numbers increase by 47% last year, cementing its reputation as one of the capital’s most engaging family-friendly destinations.

Insider Tips for Travellers

According to tourism experts, timing is everything when visiting these popular attractions:

• To avoid the crowds at the British Museum, aim for weekday afternoons or Thursday evenings when the museum stays open until 8:30pm
• Summer visitors to London should consider booking Buckingham Palace’s limited opening period (typically late July to September) well in advance, as it attracted record numbers in 2024
• Edinburgh Castle is busiest during the August festival period, so consider a June or September visit for a more relaxed experience
• Many top museums, including the Natural History Museum and National Gallery, offer free admission but consider supporting them with a voluntary donation

James Thornton, travel industry analyst, advises: “With international tourism to Britain continuing to recover, expect these attractions to be even busier in 2025. Early morning visits, advance booking where available, and exploring some of the less-known attractions on the list can make for a more enjoyable experience.”

The Complete Top 20 UK Attractions

1. British Museum (6,479,952) – Home to the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies
2. Natural History Museum (6,301,972) – Dinosaurs, mammals, and the wonders of the natural world
3. Windsor Great Park (5,670,430) – Royal parkland featuring ancient forests and formal gardens
4. Tate Modern (4,603,205) – Contemporary art in a converted power station with stunning Thames views
5. Southbank Centre (3,734,075) – Cultural complex hosting music, literature and arts events
6. V&A South Kensington (3,525,700) – World’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts, and design
7. National Gallery (3,203,451) – Western European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries
8. Somerset House (3,074,736) – Art centre hosting exhibitions, events and winter ice skating
9. Tower of London (2,902,385) – Historic castle featuring the Crown Jewels and famous ravens
10. Science Museum (2,827,242) – Interactive exhibits exploring scientific achievements
11. National Museum of Scotland (2,314,974) – Edinburgh’s treasure house of nation’s history, culture and people
12. Kew Gardens (2,273,976) – World-famous botanical gardens and Victorian glasshouses
13. Royal Museums Greenwich (2,255,753) – Maritime history, astronomy and royal heritage
14. National Galleries Scotland: National (1,999,196) – Scotland’s national collection of fine art
15. Edinburgh Castle (1,981,152) – Historic fortress dominating Scotland’s capital city
16. Royal Albert Hall (1,753,371) – Iconic concert hall hosting diverse performances
17. Westminster Abbey (1,717,296) – Historic coronation church with royal tombs and Poets’ Corner
18. National Portrait Gallery (1,578,065) – Portraits of historically important British people
19. The Barbican Centre (1,541,194) – Performing arts centre in distinctive brutalist architecture
20. St Paul’s Cathedral (1,493,184) – Christopher Wren’s masterpiece with famous dome and whispering gallery

Whether you’re planning a city break to London or Edinburgh, or seeking inspiration for exploring more of Britain’s cultural treasures, these visitor figures provide a valuable roadmap for creating unforgettable travel experiences across the United Kingdom in 2025.

INTIMATE FAMILY PERSPECTIVE ON A MUSICAL ICON

The multi-sensory John Lennon exhibition will offer visitors an authentic glimpse into the early life that shaped one of Britain’s most influential musicians. Julia Baird’s personal narrative provides a candid account of their shared childhood and the complex family dynamics that influenced Lennon’s development.

For the first time, Baird will reveal intimate details of the custody battle between their mother Julia and Lennon’s Aunt Mimi, which resulted in five-year-old John being removed from his mother’s care. Despite this separation, Baird recounts how Lennon would frequently return home, spending time with his mother and half-sisters, developing his love of music and playing guitar with his childhood friend Paul McCartney.

Particularly poignant are Baird’s reflections on the devastating impact of their mother’s death in a road accident – a tragedy that profoundly affected the entire family, especially John as he navigated his meteoric rise to fame with The Beatles.

“I’m pleased to tell the inside story of my brother John, at Live Odyssey,” says Julia Baird, highlighting the personal nature of this unique exhibition.

SIX DECADES OF BRITISH MUSIC UNDER ONE ROOF

The Lennon exhibition forms just one part of Live Odyssey’s ambitious concept – an immersive journey through six decades of British music history. This groundbreaking attraction blends state-of-the-art technology with live performances in a two-and-a-half-hour experience celebrating the nation’s most iconic sounds and artists.

Visitors will enter via The Clash steps before progressing through six different rooms, each dedicated to a different musical era. The experience recreates the sights, sounds and cultural moments that defined each decade, from the 60s through to today’s contemporary artists.

The attraction culminates in a spectacular 3D immersive journey through space, featuring star walls and visionary projections set to music by Queen’s Roger Taylor – a fittingly dramatic conclusion to this celebration of British musical innovation.

CUTTING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY MEETS MUSIC HERITAGE

Live Odyssey’s technological centrepiece is its unique Hologram Room, which will showcase icons from British music history through cutting-edge holographic performances. The Libertines will feature in the inaugural holographic show, captured partly in their iconic red military costumes to recreate their classic charm while embracing futuristic presentation.

Art plays a central role in the experience, with Live Odyssey partnering with Pop Nouveau to curate an exhibition celebrating iconic album and single covers. The space will feature a rotating collection of 3,500 original album and single cover artworks, live art installations, and exclusive prints available for purchase.

Highlights include the Lennon Wired Exhibition by artist James Wilkinson, featuring intricate pieces created using microphone leads acquired from the sale of Lennon and Yoko Ono’s Tittenhurst Park estate. Another notable collection, “The Tapes WE Left Behind,” showcases art created from Master Tapes from legendary musicians including Queen, David Bowie, Lennon, McCartney, Pink Floyd, and Radiohead.

AUTHENTIC ARTIFACTS AND LIVE PERFORMANCES

The attraction boasts previously unseen live footage and authentic photography from Britain’s vibrant music scene throughout the decades. Heritage items on display will include David Bowie’s microphone from Glastonbury and leads from Lennon’s ‘Imagine’ recording, alongside original album art from The Beatles’ “Magical Mystery Tour,” Kate Bush’s “The Whole Story,” and Rolling Stones’ “Slow Rollers.”

Live performances form an integral part of the experience, with carefully curated bands featuring top musicians paying homage to iconic artists while creatively reimagining their songs in ways that honour their legacy.

Early bird ticket prices for Live Odyssey are available until the end of this month, offering music enthusiasts an opportunity to secure their place at what promises to be one of London’s most exciting new cultural attractions.

Live Odyssey opens on 22nd May in Camden, London.

BRITISH TALENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The 2026 programme places significant emphasis on celebrating British artistic excellence, with major exhibitions dedicated to several prominent British figures. Tracey Emin, one of Britain’s most recognisable contemporary artists, will receive a landmark exhibition at Tate Modern tracing 40 years of her groundbreaking work, including career-defining pieces alongside previously unexhibited material.

Tate Britain will shine a light on British-Caribbean artist Hurvin Anderson with his first major museum show, bringing together over 60 vibrant paintings that reflect his experiences of belonging and diaspora. The gallery will also host “The 90s,” guest curated by Edward Enninful OBE, examining the seminal decade that transformed British culture through fashion, art, and photography.

British modernism will be celebrated with “Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant,” featuring over 250 works and a remarkable reconstruction of Duncan Grant’s studio from Charleston. Meanwhile, Tate St Ives will present the first major exhibition of Wilhelmina Barns-Graham’s eight-decade career, recognising her significant contribution to 20th-century British art.

INTERNATIONAL PERSPECTIVES

Alongside British talent, Tate will showcase important international figures. Tate Modern will explore Frida Kahlo as a cultural phenomenon, present the immersive works of Argentinian artist Julio Le Parc, and stage a major exhibition dedicated to Cuban-American artist Ana Mendieta, featuring works never before seen in the UK.

Tate Britain will present the largest European retrospective of American artist James McNeill Whistler in 30 years, while London-based Franco-Algerian artist Zineb Sedira will undertake the Tate Britain commission. Tate St Ives will highlight the work of Lithuanian American artist Aleksandra Kasuba in a show spanning six decades of her career.

TATE LIVERPOOL TRANSFORMATION

While Tate Liverpool undergoes an ambitious transformation, with the gallery set to reopen in 2027, the institution continues its programme of collection displays and public events at RIBA North. The transformed gallery will feature new spaces to display Tate’s collection and host world-class exhibitions, including a new art hall for larger-scale contemporary installations.

Maria Balshaw, Director of Tate, described 2026 as “a particularly exciting year for Tate,” highlighting the programme’s reflection of Tate’s commitment to offering visitors “once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see great art brought together in Tate’s galleries.”

EXHIBITION LISTINGS 2026

Tate Modern

• Tracey Emin (26 Feb – 31 Aug 2026)
• Julio Le Parc (11 Jun 2026 – 3 May 2027)
• Frida: The Making of an Icon (25 Jun 2026 – 4 Jan 2027)
• Ana Mendieta (9 Jul 2026 – 10 Jan 2027)
• Light and Magic: The Birth of Art Photography (8 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027)
• The Infinities Commission (opening June 2026)
• Hyundai Commission (opening Oct 2026)
• UNIQLO Tate Play (throughout the year)

Tate Britain

• Hurvin Anderson (26 Mar – 23 Aug 2026)
• Tate Britain Commission: Zineb Sedira (12 May 2026 – 17 Jan 2027)
• James McNeill Whistler (21 May 2026 – 27 Sep 2026)
• The 90s (1 Oct 2026 – 14 Feb 2027)
• Vanessa Bell & Duncan Grant (12 Nov 2026 – 11 Apr 2027)
• Art Now (throughout the year)

Tate St Ives

• Aleksandra Kasuba (2 May 2026 – 4 Oct 2027)
• Wilhelmina Barns-Graham (24 Oct 2026 – 11 April 2027)

The historic engine, built in 1934 and named after the Caribbean islands, will operate passenger services along the railway’s picturesque 24-mile route between Pickering and Grosmont on selected dates throughout April (5-8 and 10-13).

This special event marks the first time the Jubilee Class locomotive will operate on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience travel behind this icon of British engineering.

Paul Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering at NYMR, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming visit: “We’re thrilled to welcome No. 45596 Bahamas to the NYMR for the first time. This locomotive represents an important chapter in railway history, and its presence on our line will be a truly special experience for our visitors.”

Bahamas was designed by Sir William Stanier for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway and became a workhorse of Britain’s railway network before being preserved in the late 1960s. Following extensive restoration work by the Bahamas Locomotive Society, the engine now operates as a living museum piece on heritage railways across the country.

The locomotive will haul standard services according to the railway’s Red and Blue timetables, with tickets starting from £49.50 for adults and £99 for families. Discounts are available for advance bookings and groups.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, Britain’s most popular heritage railway, carries 300,000 passengers annually and operates as an educational charitable trust. The railway will also participate in the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations planned for 2025, marking two centuries of passenger railways in Britain.

Tickets for the Bahamas services can be booked through the NYMR website.

The prestigious venue resonated with diverse performances from local primary, secondary and alternative provision schools, alongside the borough’s accomplished Haringey Young Musicians ensembles. Among the standout groups were the Symphony Orchestra, Big Band, Guitar Orchestra, Steel Band, and the vocal ensemble Haringey Vox.

Audiences were treated to several world premieres of works by contemporary composers, including “Rocks and Stars,” a major new composition by Lucie Treacher. The festival highlighted Haringey’s commitment to nurturing artistic innovation among its young people.

In a demonstration of the festival’s inclusive approach, young musicians from special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) settings performed a specially commissioned piece, ensuring representation from across the borough’s educational spectrum.

“The Haringey Schools Music Festival showcases the remarkable talent and creativity of our young people here in the borough,” said Councillor Zena Brabazon, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools & Families.

“Music, as a creative art form, empowers them to express their emotions, ideas, and stories, fostering imagination and collaboration. It allows artists to evolve as they explore new sounds,” Brabazon added.

For many participants, the event represented their first opportunity to perform at the prestigious venue, creating what organizers described as a landmark moment in their musical development.

Ann Graham, Director of Children’s Services at Haringey Council, expressed pride in the students’ achievements: “We couldn’t be prouder of our young performers, who have worked so hard to deliver an extraordinary show.”

“Music and creative subjects can offer invaluable opportunities and inspire children to become the best versions of themselves,” Graham said. “For many of our children, this was their very first time stepping onto the stage at the Royal Albert Hall – a truly remarkable milestone in their journey.”

The festival’s success highlights Haringey’s ongoing investment in arts education, despite funding challenges facing creative subjects nationwide.