Music in the Gardens brings community together in North London

Throughout July, the gardens of Muswell Hill Methodist Church in North London were transformed into a vibrant community space as hundreds of people gathered every Sunday for the church's annual Music in the Gardens.

What began as a simple idea several years ago has become one of the church's most significant outreach events, with between 250 and 300 people attending most Sundays. Families, neighbours and visitors of all ages filled the gardens, many returning week after week while new faces continued to arrive throughout the month.

The programme celebrated an impressive variety of musical styles. Audiences enjoyed performances from the English Jazz Orchestra, the London Metropolitan Brass Band, a lively ceilidh, David's Harp Gospel Singers, rock and pop musicians, sea shanty singers, as well as talented members of the Muswell Hill Methodist Church congregation. The diversity of music reflected the diversity of the local community and created an atmosphere where everyone could feel at home.

The church's beautiful gardens became a place of welcome and hospitality. Visitors relaxed with refreshments, homemade cakes and ice lollies, while many brought picnics to enjoy with family and friends. Over £1,500 was raised on refreshments, which will go towards All We Can and the North London Hospice. As well as enjoying the music, people were invited to explore the church building, discover the church's prayer garden and community garden, and learn more about the life of the congregation.

Church members shared their own stories of faith by distributing leaflets featuring short personal testimonies answering the question, "What does church mean to me?". These sparked many conversations with local residents who wanted to know more about the church's activities and its role within the community. For many visitors, it was their first opportunity to step inside the building and discover all that happens there throughout the week.

The Revd Matt Lunn commented, "Our Music in the Gardens gets bigger every year, and it's a great opportunity for us to share our story with the community. We had engaging conversations with members of the local community. We are blessed to have our church and gardens as part of the North Bank Estate, and it's wonderful that the community enjoys them. We want more people – including the wider Methodist Church – to know and love our gardens."

Matt continued, "Music in the Gardens began as a simple idea, a few people, a little music and opening our garden to the community. It wasn't designed to be spectacular; it was simply an act of hospitality. Yet look at what God has done. Conversations have begun. Relationships have formed. People who might never enter a church building have experienced genuine welcome. We are truly blessed to have such supportive church members who volunteer at this important missional opportunity."

The event also provided an opportunity to promote the church's forthcoming Eclipse Viewing Party, demonstrating how community events can become gateways into the wider life of the church.

Music in the Gardens is a powerful reminder that mission often begins with simple acts of welcome. By opening its gates, sharing music, offering refreshments and creating space for conversation, Muswell Hill Methodist Church has shown how hospitality can help build relationships, strengthen community and offer a glimpse of God's love beyond the church walls.