๐ The Book Fair and Barbican Nights bring people together through affordable books, live music and community events in the heart of the City.
Responding to the rising cost of books and the decline of affordable live music spaces, the project creates a welcoming and accessible place where residents, workers and visitors can connect, discover new interests and enjoy high-quality cultural experiences.
The quarterly Book Fair provides an opportunity for people to buy and exchange affordable books, helping to make reading more accessible while giving unwanted books a new life. Alongside this, Barbican Nights offers free-entry live music evenings featuring a diverse range of performances including jazz, folk and classical music. The events provide a platform for emerging musicians, including Guildhall students, while creating a relaxed social space where people can enjoy music without the pressure of spending money.
Based at St Gilesโ Cripplegate, the project supports the churchโs ambition to remain a cultural hub that is open and welcoming to everyone. By combining heritage, creativity and community connection, the Book Fair and Barbican Nights create opportunities for people to meet neighbours, reduce isolation, build confidence and experience culture regardless of their background or budget.