LONDON, UK — Bruce Castle Museum & Archive has announced a diverse programme of free heritage, history and community events taking place throughout late July and August, with activities celebrating South Asian Heritage Month, local history and inclusive community engagement.
The programme also marks Disability Pride Month, observed every July, by recognising the contributions of disability rights campaigners who helped shape Haringey’s community.
Disability Pride Month Recognised
First observed in 2015, Disability Pride Month celebrates the voices and achievements of people with disabilities while highlighting the importance of tackling discrimination and ableism.
Bruce Castle Museum & Archive is commemorating two prominent figures from Haringey’s history.
Pamela “Pam” Anne Moffatt MBE (1937–2018) dedicated much of her life to improving opportunities for people with disabilities. She served as chairperson of the Haringey Disability Association, received an MBE for her services and was selected as an Olympic torchbearer during the London 2012 Olympic Games route through Haringey.
The museum is also recognising Katherine “Kath” Gillespie Sells MBE (1951–2023), a psychotherapist, writer, former nurse and campaigner for disability and LGBTQ+ rights. In 1989, she founded REGARD, a volunteer-led national organisation supporting disabled LGBTQ+ people through advocacy, awareness and community support. Her brother, Vince Gillespie (1948–2025), was also a long-standing advocate for disability and LGBTQ+ rights and represented the Haringey Disability Association as a councillor.
South Asian Heritage Month Events
A series of events celebrating South Asian heritage will take place on 26 July, beginning with a guided historical walking tour of Turnpike Lane from 11:00am to 12:30pm.
Led by Deborah Hedgecock, Curator of Bruce Castle Museum, the circular walk will explore local places, personal stories and the history of South Asian communities in the area.
Later the same day, from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, local artist Sunbul Akhtar will lead a Truck Art embossing workshop, introducing participants to the colourful South Asian tradition of decorating trucks, buses and rickshaws. Visitors will create embossed metal artwork inspired by their own personal stories.
Both events are free to attend, although advance booking is recommended.
Heritage Activities Continue Throughout July
The museum’s Sensing a Place programme returns on 23 July from 10:30am to 12:30pm, offering a relaxed heritage session for people living with dementia and their carers. The July theme, “The Great Outdoors,” invites participants to explore museum collections, share memories and enjoy refreshments. The programme forms part of Bruce Castle Museum & Archive’s involvement in Dementia Friendly Haringey and the NCL Dementia Friendly initiative.
History enthusiasts can also attend the Munch & Listen lunchtime talk on 27 July at 12:15pm, where local historian Val Crosby will explore the story of The Rectory, also known as The Moated House. Built in 1636 within Tottenham Park, the mansion once stood opposite Bruce Castle before the area later became Tottenham Cemetery.
Evening History Walk Through Bruce Castle Park
On 29 July, visitors can join Deborah Hedgecock and Val Crosby for the Hear, Here evening walking tour, running from 7:00pm to 8:30pm.
The guided walk will trace more than 700 years of history in Bruce Castle Park, exploring its evolution from the Manor of Tottenham to pleasure gardens and eventually a public park, while highlighting important moments in local social and political history.
Tottenham’s Historic Coaching Inns Explored
The programme concludes with the Pubs Through Time heritage walking tour on 8 August, led by local historian Oona Kelly.
Running from 11:00am to 1:00pm, the walk follows Tottenham High Road’s historic coaching inn route, examining the role pubs and inns played in supporting travellers, local businesses and community life. The tour also explores Tottenham’s brewing history and the families who operated many of the area’s historic public houses.
The event is free to attend with advance booking required. Voluntary donations made during the walk will support the Friends of Bruce Castle and help fund future educational activities at the museum.
Bruce Castle Museum & Archive encourages visitors to check its events calendar for the latest programme updates as preparations continue for London Borough of Culture 2027.