Did you know there is an Islington Community Art Festival bringing together people from all ages,
diversity and ethnicity, and the first one is this month?
A free week-long community arts festival launches at Whittington Park Community Centre on Saturday 10 October 2026.
A new Islington Community Arts Festival is bringing together local artists, creatives, families and residents to celebrate the rich diversity, creativity and lived experiences of people across the borough. The free festival opens on Saturday 10 October 2026, from 10am to 5pm, at Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road, Archway, Islington N19 4RS, with artwork remaining on display throughout the following week.
The festival provides a welcoming space for local artists to have their work seen and to share the stories, experiences and perspectives behind their creativity. The exhibition brings together artists from different backgrounds, cultures and generations, with artwork spanning a range of styles and approaches.
Healthy Generations believe that every artist has a unique story to tell. The festival celebrates the many cultures, identities, perspectives and lived experiences that make up Islington, while providing an opportunity for both emerging and established artists to connect with their local community.
The opening day will be a lively, family-friendly celebration, with free creative workshops, talks, poetry, food and drink, alongside the exhibition. Visitors can drop in throughout the day and take part in as much or as little as they wish.
Opening Day – Saturday 10 October
The day begins at 10am with welcome drinks, followed by a programme of creative activities and
speakers.
● 10:00 Doors Open, welcome drinks
● 10.30 – 10:35 Welcome to the Festival, organiser Tonia Thorne
● 11:00 – 11:30 Craft Workshop, Textile Artist, Kizitta Anning* exhibitor
● 12:00 Special Guest arrives with speech at 12:15
● 13:00 – 13:30 Speaker Elizabeth Lydiate “From Artist to Where”
● 14:00 – 15:00 Collage Workshop Jairo and Nicola, collaborative multi-disciplinary artists* exhibitor
● 15:15 – 15:45 Poet Billy Dury, shares his poetry
● 15:45 – 16:15 Speaker Davood Mahoozi talks about his photography* exhibitor
● 16:30 Closing speech and thank you’s
● 17:00 Doors Close. Thank you for coming.
The artwork will then remain available to view during the following week, giving local residents further opportunities to visit the exhibition. It has been confirmed on 5/10/26 that Her Worship The Mayor of Islington, Councillor Rosaline Ogunro will be attending the event.
Something for everyone
The festival is designed to be accessible and welcoming to everyone: including families, children, local residents, artists and anyone interested in discovering the creative talent within Islington. Artwork will be displayed in the Paul Howard Room and Café, while workshops, talks and refreshments will take place in the Lounge.
Whether visitors come to discover new artists, take part in a workshop, enjoy some food, meet local people or simply look around the exhibition, the festival aims to create a relaxed space where creativity can bring people together.
Islington Community Arts Festival
Opening: Saturday 10 October 2026
Time: 10am–5pm
Exhibition: Artwork remains on display for one week
Entry: Free
Venue: Whittington Park Community Centre, Yerbury Road, Archway, Islington N19 4RS
The festival is organised by Healthy Generations in partnership with Whittington Park Community Association and is funded by The Arts Society.
For more details contact Samuel Tomlinson: 07981 142376
Or head to the website. You can make donations here.
