Streets Fest in Finsbury Park

A FESTIVAL for people experiencing homelessness returned to Finsbury Park for its sixth year this week.

Combining free support services with live music, creative workshops and food, this year’s Streets Fest was another triumph of solidarity and fun.

Run by homeless organisation Streets Kitchen and in partnership with Islington and Haringey councils, Tuesday’s event offered showers, haircuts, meals and manicures.

There were also NHS stalls running liver checks and charity stalls offering sexual health advice.

Council leader Councillor Kaya Comer-Schwartz has attended every year and said it was a “really good outreach opportunity” but she also loved the fun creative activities put on for people as well.

She said: “Sadly in a society where people have become homeless for a variety of complex reasons, they are disregarded. It’s wonderful to have a big marking of people with dignity and value so that’s why I’m always very passionate about going down to Streets Fest.

“Every time I’ve been out with our street homeless team I’m struck by how they put dignity of the people they work with at the forefront.”

Jon Glackin of Streets Kitchen said: “The day breaks down the boundaries and is so important. We need more events like this.”