Haringey is set to host a vibrant year of cultural events in 2027, bolstered by a significant grant of £2.1 million from the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Arts Council England. The borough was awarded the title of London Borough of Culture 2027 by the Mayor of London in April 2024.
The funding will support the borough's designation as London Borough of Culture 2027 and the associated Liberty Festival, a celebration of D/deaf and disabled artists. The programme, themed Rebel Borough,
will highlight Haringey's working-class heritage, history of activism, and diverse communities. The Rebel Borough
theme will explore Haringey's working-class heritage, strong history of grassroots changemakers, and everyday rebels, highlighting its role in battling discrimination and celebrating equality. The programme is also guided by six principles: 'WE ARE REBELS', 'WE ARE VIBRANT', 'WE ARE OPEN', 'WE MAKE MUSIC', 'WE ARE ON AN ADVENTURE', and 'WE BUILD'.
Councillor Emily Arkell, Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, formally approved the acceptance of the grant at a meeting on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. The decision enables Haringey to deliver over 500 events, ranging from large-scale spectacles to community-focused activities and commissions from local artists. The programme will deliver 'community events rooted in Haringey and created by residents,' featuring '30+ commissions and presentations of medium to smaller scale projects/events encompassing all genres of art that celebrate the diversity, heritage and rebellious DNA of Haringey across all 21 wards.' Specific examples include 'Made By Tottenham,' a collaboration with residents from the Broadwater Farm Estate, and community-led exhibitions like 'War Inna Babylon.' A significant community grants programme is also planned to ensure funding reaches grassroots communities.
Key events planned include an opening event in partnership with Alexandra Palace and a closing event at Spurs Stadium. The year-long programme will start in May 2027 and run until May 2028. The opening event is planned for May Day, and the closing event is referred to as 'Haringey Homegrown.' Exhibitions such as War Inna Babylon
and Return of the Rudeboy
are also set to feature. The Liberty Festival, curated by Bobby Baker, will focus on mental health and empowerment. Baker plans a programme focusing on 'mental health and power with a throughline of celebration, hope, survival and how art helps communicate knowledge, experience and power.' Specific initiatives include 'Rebel Joy Day,' a disabled takeover featuring music, poetry, interactive workshops, and Bobby Baker's 'Roving Diagnostic Unit' critiquing the mental health system. The 'Cake Trolley Club Conference' will explore themes like the 'neurology of power,' and practical sessions on accessing support will be led by Disability Action Haringey.
The grant is comprised of £1,350,000 from the GLA for the London Borough of Culture programme, £70,000 for the Liberty R&D programme, and £75,000 for the Liberty Festival. Arts Council England is contributing £350,000 towards the London Borough of Culture and £145,000 towards the Liberty Festival. Additionally, a £175,000 grant is allocated towards a youth programme.
The Haringey Culture Collective, a council-controlled charity established to manage the programme, is also actively seeking further investment. They are actively fundraising for additional investment from Trusts and Foundations, sponsorship, and other sources such as Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy. They have already secured £250,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, £20,000 from Art Fund, and £60,000 from Wembley Community Foundation, and are in the second stage of a multi-year Esmee Fairbairn funding application. The decision to accept the grant aligns with the council's commitment to cultural development, as outlined in its Arts and Culture Strategy 2024-28. Refusing the grant was considered but deemed detrimental to the council's commitments and reputation.
See the Printed minutes 17th Mar 2026 for more details. The Acceptance of GLA Grant for LBOC CMS DRAFT document provides further information on the grant acceptance.
