Dubbed Camden at 60: The Big Street Party, the event saw the iconic high street cleared of vehicles and turned into a lively public space filled with music, dancing, and community spirit.
Camden High Street stepped into a new era on Bank Holiday as thousands gathered to mark the launch of an ambitious pedestrianisation trial with a vibrant street party celebrating 60 years of the borough.
Dubbed Camden at 60: The Big Street Party, the event saw the iconic high street cleared of vehicles and turned into a lively public space filled with music, dancing, and community spirit. It was the inaugural event in Camden Council’s new cultural programme for Camden High Street, which aims to animate the area with local creativity and provide a fresh experience for both residents and visitors.
Camden’s bold move to pedestrianise the High Street marks the start of an 18-month trial period in which the famous strip will be closed to motor vehicles. The trial is designed to make the street safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable, while also encouraging active travel and supporting local businesses.
The launch event brought that vision to life with an eclectic lineup of performances and activities. The crowd was treated to a unique mix of traditional and contemporary dance from Folk Dance Remixed, a street celebration of Camden’s Irish heritage courtesy of The London Irish Centre, and the energising beats of DJ Linett Kamala and the Dig It Sound System. Families, young people, and older residents mingled freely in the newly reclaimed public space, enjoying a rare moment of calm in one of London’s busiest neighbourhoods.
Councillor Sabrina Francis, Camden’s Cabinet Member for Jobs, Culture and Young People, hailed the occasion as a powerful expression of community pride and potential.
“This Big Street Party was a fantastic showcase of Camden’s unique and vibrant spirit,” she said. “Seeing residents come together in this new public space, celebrating the diverse cultural tapestry that defines Camden Town, highlights the vital role community plays in the life of our borough. This event is just the very beginning.”
Camden Town’s popularity as both a cultural hotspot and a transport interchange has long meant that the High Street faces intense pedestrian pressure. Councillor Adam Harrison, Cabinet Member for Planning and a Sustainable Camden, said the move was a direct response to longstanding public demand.
“At peak times, as many as 40,000 people crowd onto the high street. It can be uncomfortable and unsafe. So many people have asked why it hasn’t been pedestrianised already – now we’re delivering on that call,” he said.
Throughout the trial, the council will closely monitor the impact of the changes, collecting data and listening to feedback from residents, businesses, and visitors. Issues such as traffic displacement, delivery access, and emergency services will be assessed as part of the review process. Depending on the results, the trial could pave the way for a permanent closure to traffic.
In the meantime, the Camden High Street cultural programme will continue throughout the year, with events spotlighting local fashion, art, and music. The aim is to turn the high street into a welcoming and dynamic cultural corridor, and reinforce Camden’s reputation as one of London’s most creative and diverse districts.
Residents and stakeholders can find updates on the pedestrianisation trial, traffic management plans, and upcoming cultural events via the Love Camden website and Camden High Street Commonplace, where feedback can also be submitted.
Camden has taken its first confident step towards reclaiming its streets for people – and if the spirit of the launch party is anything to go by, the future of Camden High Street could be both car-free and full of life.
