organisers of the Hampstead and Highgate Festival have hailed this year’s week-long music and literary event as one of the most satisfying they have staged – and are already planning next year’s.
Festival co-ordinator Helen Lawrence said it was a quirk of the area’s geography that made it all possible.
She said: “It all starts with Hampstead Heath. From way, way back, artists were drawn here because of its beauty, and they put the place on the map.
“Because it has always inspired artists and poets, it lends itself to an arts festival – and we want to continue that legacy.”
Her favourite moments included the opening night concert at St John’s Church in Church Row, Hampstead – “the architecture is amazing and each musician commented that the acoustics are lovely” – and the Façade gig at University College School in Frognal, Hampstead.
She added: “It featured some of the best soloists I have heard, and had music I wasn’t familiar with.”
According to Ms Lawrence, this ethos of promoting music few people know is what the festival is about.
She said: “Last year we had better takings on tickets. I think it is because we concentrated on Elgar, who is so popular.
“This year we didn’t because we felt we wanted something different, but it was still a real success.”
Next year’s festival performers are already being contacted. Ms Lawrence says one of her aims is to stage concerts with a world music theme, but feels next year may be too soon logistically.
She said: “We have considered introducing alternative performers such as world music, but it needs someone to come in who really knows their stuff to help make it work.”
The Literature in the Afternoon series had been partly due to the host, Piers Plowright, working behind the scenes to get high-profile guests.
She added: “It takes a lot of planning to do these things, but if anyone out there can offer us their skills, we’d gladly accept.”