Haringey Age Well Festival launches in celebration of older residents

On 13th May 2025, over 100 people attended the launch of this year’s Age Well Festival 2025 at Alexandra Palace. The venue, which only seats 60, was packed beyond capacity with older Haringey residents from both the east and west of the borough, as well as Haringey Councillor and professionals working across health, wellbeing, and community services. 

The launch event highlighted the growing need for initiatives that empower older adults, celebrate ageing, and strengthen intergenerational bonds in the community. 

The evening began with a creative sash-making workshop, followed by a welcome address by Councillor Emily Arkell, Cabinet Member for Culture, Communities and Leisure, who touched on the collaborative spirit of the event. 

Key presentations followed from Polly Frayne, Programme Manager for Haringey Reach and Connect, and Emma Betts, Community and Partnerships Engagement Officer for Haringey Parks and Leisure Service. They outlined the goals and successes of the Age Well Festival 2024, emphasising its unique approach of being led by and for older people. 

Festival alumni also shared their experiences from last year's Age Well Festival, including: 

• Luisa Brands, CEO of Oldalone UK; 

• Lily Labonte, Active Wellbeing Officer; 

• Anita Yiannoullou of Haringey Walks.  

A closing Q&A was hosted by Councillor Lucia das Neves, Cabinet Member for Health, Social Care, and Wellbeing, who, expressed support for the event’s role in promoting active and connected ageing. 

Guests were then invited to enjoy refreshments, engage in more creative workshops, and leave personal pledges about how they plan to age well. 

The Age Well Festival 2024 has already made a measurable impact: 

• Over 600 attendees to date 

• 10 delivery partners 

• 40+ partner organisations and groups 

• 6 funders 

• 60 volunteers 

Designed as a joyful celebration of later life, the festival seeks to raise the profile of older people, showcase skills, foster social connections, share information creatively, and build intergenerational ties.