Announcing exhibitions, music, workshops and a major new artwork, for 14–15 and 21–22 November.
A free arts festival across a five-storey complex, a cross-generational public artwork, an ode to Barnet-born George Michael’s hit song and a creative programme shaped by thousands of residents are among the highlights of Light + Flight, a borough-wide cultural programme bringing together artists, communities and local stories. The year-long programme of outreach, events, workshops and more is culminating this November in two special weekend-long festivals.
Light + Flight is presented by Art in Barnet. Barnet Council has collaborated with HemingwayDesign to curate and creatively produce the Light + Flight Festival, helping to lead the co-creation process that has shaped its programme with local communities, artists and cultural partners. It is fully funded by external sources–including a Cultural Impact Award, part of the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture programme, with additional support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.
Two weekends – one united vision of Barnet
The first weekend, 14–15 November, is hotly anticipated as it unfolds across Finchley Lakeside–a five-storey complex with stunning views, now opening to the public for the very first time. Reimagining the site into a temporary cultural hub, the free two-day event takes over spaces overlooking the pine-flanked lake with large-scale art installations, live music, film, performance, creative workshops, food, and the unveiling of a major new artwork: Ascendance.
Special guests for the first weekend of Light + Flight will include Barnet-born Keith Brymer Jones, ceramic designer and judge on The Great Pottery Throw Down, as part of a soon-to-be-announced participatory event.
The second weekend, 21–22 November, celebrates Barnet’s cultural hubs through true co-creation by responding to what local communities said they cherish most. From Barnet with Love takes over the RAF Museum on 21 November with a bespoke programme inspired by a historic moment of connection: Britain’s first official air mail flight from Hendon Aerodrome in 1911. And in the evening, the first performance of Lighthouse takes place at arts depot as part of the venue’s LIT/UP weekend, followed by additional performances on 22 November, including co-created work from local community members, and a family day rave with Big Beat Playground.
Food and drink
Working with local food and growing communities, the food programme uses shared meals and collective cooking as a way to bring people together through cultural exchange, storytelling and celebration.
● Black wine club:Pop-up festival bar with curated selection of wines, local beers and soft drinks set in a relaxed listening lounge.
● Communal winter stew with Chaneti Stevens:A communal dining feast and conversation led by chef Chaneti Stevens exploring culture, identity and lived experiences, inspired by her experience of being undocumented.
● Light + Flight gift shop:An alternative market and gallery gift shop featuring handcrafted homewares, art, jewellery and prints from local Barnet makers.
● Local food & beverage stalls: A curated selection of local food vendors, hot drink specialists and artisan food and drink producers.
Come and Join the Fun
Unfolding borough-wide across 2026, Light + Flight is rooted in community, creativity and co-creation. It brings together artists, communities and local stories, for a year of performances, projects and events, culminating in a major artistic commission and a free, multi-day arts and heritage festival. Light + Flight celebrates the borough as a sanctuary for people, creativity and bold ideas.The symbolism of light (hope, visibility, inspiration) and the spirit of flight (freedom, innovation and movement) reflect Barnet’s rich history and enduring identity. Light +Flight aims to illuminate Barnet’s hidden stories, contemporary creativity, diverse communities and next generation talent.
