Date
Summer + Autumn 2026
Image Credits
The Music, Poetry & Lyric Writing Project is a creative heritage initiative that engages secondary students across Barnet in exploring local stories, people, and traditions through poetry, music, and interdisciplinary arts. Rooted in the borough's rich cultural and aviation history, the project invites young people to respond to the themes of Light + Flight, using them as a catalyst for imaginative expression and deeper heritage awareness.
Beginning in Spring 2026, participating schools will receive resource packs containing historical background, poetry prompts, and creative ideas. An introductory video and an online session for teachers will support the development of classroom activities, helping students craft original poems and lyrics inspired by Barnet's past and its connections to flight, innovation, and illumination. Throughout the summer term, students will refine their writing, with selected pieces passed to a professional facilitator/composer who will set them to music. The composer's strong personal and professional ties to Barnet's cultural and musical landscape will enrich this process, ensuring the final work is deeply rooted in the borough's creative identity.
These student's written lyrics will form a new massed choral work premiered at our Secondary Singing Celebration in November 2026, alongside an exhibition showcasing poems from participating schools.
A key partnership with the RAF Museum further strengthens the project's heritage impact.
The project's legacy will continue through online archives, reusable resources, and strengthened cultural partnerships across Barnet.
"By combining heritage exploration, artistic creation, and a performance rooted in Barnet's history, the project brings the Light + Flight theme to life in a way that is meaningful, imaginative, and directly connected to the borough's cultural identity."
About Barnet Education Arts Trust
Barnet Education Arts Trust (BEAT) is an independent Charitable Incorporated Organisation and the main provider for music education for young people in the London Borough of Barnet. BEAT's mission is 'To provide the focal point for high quality musical opportunities in Barnet'. We are an education-focussed charity which enables children and young people from all backgrounds and every part of Barnet to deepen their enjoyment of music and to progress to the highest level of excellence. We do this by offering all the core roles as set out by the National Music Plan plus a wealth of extension roles. We have a robust ensemble provision through our three music academies in Mill Hill, Hendon and East Barnet, where we offer progressive routes right from our youngest members aged 4+ right through to A Level Music. BEAT works in partnership with 107 State schools in Barnet and engages with over 11,000 children and young people every year.
Light + Flight is presented by Art in Barnet. It is supported by a Cultural Impact Award, part of the Mayor’s London Borough of Culture programme. It is made possible with additional support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England.