North London's largest and liveliest free festival - the East Barnet Festival - now in its eighth year, promises to be bigger and better than ever in 2002. With the weekend of June 29th and 30th as the confirmed dates, now's the time to make a 'not to be missed' note in your diary.

Rock and folk bands, singers, dancers, sports fayre, women & girls football, jugglers, family funfair, six-a-side junior soccer, childrens activities, processions, golf tuition, unicyclists, food stalls, flower and horticultural displays, beer tent, complementary therapies tent, craft stalls, you name it and it'll be there.

"As always, our main aim is to provide a good time for everyone" says the Festival's Mike Young. "It's all-round entertainment for all the family, for all ages, for all members of our community".

And it's a pretty big community too. Nearly 20,000 visitors regularly pour into Oak Hill Park, East Barnet, to join in the two days of fun, enjoyment and relaxation.

Visitors are drawn from the whole of north London, south Hertfordshire, adjoining areas and even overseas. "Which we're very pleased about" says Mike "but we work hard to make sure it's always a local event with local people at its heart"

Rapidly taking shape is a colourful programme of activities and entertainment designed to top all previous festivals. "Commonwealth Carnival" is the theme running through the planned events, which will include plenty of get-involved arts sessions and workshops for youngsters, with making costumes, dressing up, parades and processions.

Larger main stages and sound systems are to be used for both days, to ensure the best presentation of all the live music and dance talent taking part.

"This year we've got our strongest music programme, ever, and that's saying something" says Festival music-supremo and performer, JJ Dunne, who also runs the successful Barnet Folk Club at the Bull Arts Centre. "With Saturday focussing on a wide range of modern "Folk & Roots", and Sunday devoted to the brightest and best in "Rock 'n Roll" over the years, we've got two exciting days of music that will be hard to beat. And it's all free" he adds.

Heading Saturday's main music bill will be an international star originally from Ireland, the talented singer/songwriter Fil Campbell, who will be performing with her percussionist husband, Tom McFarland.

Other highlights are to be Springett Booth, Barry 'the Pirate' , with JJ Dunne and Sarah Nash, keeping the programme swinging along.

Music on Sunday will feature the up-front energy and musicianship of Crafty, who have the same instrumental line-up and all the enthusiasm of the early WHO. Crafty have appeared recently at The Torrington and Camden's famous Dingwalls venue. Sunday will also see the return of one of last years's great local band successes, The Faze (formerly The Firm). Completing the strong Sunday bill are Magnificent 7, The Intentions, and the Warren Band.

And it's not all happening on stage either. Some of the other perennial music-making favourites around the park have been confirmed, including the Enfield-based Conchord Big Band - with its rousing musical repertoire of Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Stan Kenton, associated numbers and others from the 'Kings of Swing' era. So jitterbugging is definitely in.

It is planned that the music will be matched by a dazzling display of dance, in various forms, formats, and groups, from traditional Irish to kilt-swirling Scottish, from classical Indian and modern stage show production numbers through to sensual Egyptian belly dancing.

All this plus the magnificent Hammonds family funfair, with a wide spread of rides and amusements that appeal to everyone from out-and-out thrill seekers to tender tiny tots. The funfair will run from Thursday through to Sunday, with special money-saving incentives on the opening evening.

For 2002, participants are encouraged to feature the rich potential of "Commonwealth Carnival" in their contribution to the Festival, from Caribbean food to African drumming or native Australian didgeridoo recitals.

Initial enquiries have been substantial but the wide open spaces of Oak Hill Park can accommodate everyone. New helpers and supporters are always welcome, so don't hesitate to call the Festival hotline, 07071 791 745, or email your enquiry to eastbarnetfestival@btinternet.com