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World book day 2022 is celebrating 25 years this year. With live events, partnerships and of course their fabulous book tokens, children and young people all around the country can join in.

There are competitions to take part in, including fantastic prizes including the chance to win a Harry Potter trip. You can download their packs from the website to take part and don’t forget that schools often hold mufti days with children dressing up as their favorite characters from their books too.

We all know the benefits of reading as adults, the escapism and how is transports you to another world. But encouraging younger audiences sometimes takes a little more magic these days ~ especially with lots of screens around! Even as adults we can find ourselves getting too busy to read.

Where was the last time you visited a library? Bought a book? Escaped with a good read? Its a great way to really switch off.

We asked our team what their favorite book is as an adult or child and have a few suggestions on what to read as adults and children!

Memoirs of a Geisha is a historical fiction novel by American author Arthur Golden.

Memoirs of a Geisha is a classic read - with the movie adaption on screens over a decade ago. The novel is told in first person perspective and tells the story of a fictional geisha working in Kyoto, Japan, before, during and after World War II, and ends with her being relocated to New York City.

Another favorite of the team is Journey To The River Sea by Joan Ibbotson

Set in Brazil, it’s an adventure of discovery and intrigue. It’s won awards in the children’s book categories and recently had a special 20th anniversary edition published.

How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie

Journalist and British Vogue columnist Bella Mackie is a recent read from one of the team….

Described as a wickedly dark romp about class love family … and murder! How to Kill Your Family is a Sunday Times Best Seller. Bella is married to Radio one DJ Greg James who, himself is a successful children’s book author alongside co-author Chris Smith.

Kid Normal (series) by Greg James + Chris Smith

Greg and Chris are currently on their book tour with “Kid Normal” book series and are taking part in the live events with World Book Day.

Ballet Shoes (A puffin book) by Noel Streathfield is another childhood favorite for a team member (as a child)

Published in 1936, it’s become a much loved classic. A sorry about three sisters as they grow up, adopted as babies to a rich explorer who disappears…. Noel Streatfeild once said that Ballet Shoes was 'really a fairy story with its feet half-way on the ground'

What a wonderful quote.

If you wanted more inspiration for Children’s books look no further than The Books Trust top 100 best books!

Top 100 Books List

Whatever you decide to read, we hope you enjoy World Book Day and manage to set aside some quality time to dip into a favorite, a new book or even a digital one.

Find out more via

Visit World Book Day website

Facebook Page

2022 Weddings Parties + Events

After more uncertainty over weddings, large events and parties at the end of 2021, 2022 sets to be the year that couples are back to booking their weddings.

With the post-Christmas engagement boom, the wedding industry is set to come back stronger than ever as more of us are vaccinated and confidence in events rises.

According to American Vogue, the wedding trends for the year over the pond include themed parties including the circus, masquerades and old Hollywood style nuptials.

Big blow out style weddings are back, with no expense spared including hanging florals, open air tents and speciality bars.

UK based Hitched has predicted Bridgerton inspired weddings, budget friendly rented wedding dresses, drag queen balls and sustainable table designs.

Whatever your theme, if you have an engagement party, wedding reception or event to organise this year, we can help you to host the perfect party.

Lots of our venues already have hosted weddings parties, dinners and receptions with everything from small intimate, close friends only events through to larger catered all-out glamorous receptions.

Special Event & Party Packages

Our fabulous range of rooms and halls for hire make us a prime venue for events in Camden.

The events and exhibition spaces have the capability to host up to 400 people in versatile and inspiring surroundings.

Events Hall

Our sports hall can be turned into our largest event hall and it provides a versatile space that can be set up and tailored to host a number of events.

We welcome large banqueting, performance style events, wedding receptions, birthday parties, and exhibitions.

The full dimensions of the 30m long x 18m wide

In a banquet style layout, the hall can seat up to 200 people.

Too big? We also have another hall suitable for smaller events (see below)

Equipment Available:

• Audience seating capacity for 400 people
• Rectangular tables
• Portable AV equipment
• Flexible lighting options

Suitable Activities:

• Lectures
• Conferences
• Weddings
• Parties
• Training events
• Exhibitions
• Banqueting events

Please note that there are currently no round banqueting tables available.

We have 250 chairs, all additional seating will need to be hired in but we hare happy to work with all your third party suppliers.

Performance Hall (smaller space)

A fantastic flexible space which has been purpose built and to the highest quality.

The hall can be set up with theatre style seating, perfect for presentations and conferences, an open space for performances or banquet style for your special event.

The hall is 260m2 and the capacity, with tiered seating, is up to 350 people.

With Banquet style seating, dependent on the size of tables, maximum capacity 200-250.

Suitable activities:

• Theatrical performances
• Private parties
• Public Speaking Events
• Lectures
• Conferences
• Religious gatherings

Equipment available:

• AV: Fully equipped, including induction loop.
• 2 x Integrated ceiling projectors
• 2 x Drop down screens
• Flexible lighting options throughout
• Rectangular tables

Unfortunately we don't currently have banqueting tables available for hire but we are happy to accommodate a third party supplier.

Email: haverstock@schoolbookings.co.uk or call our BookingsGuru Team on 0330 110 476 Monday - Friday 9am - 530pm

The guilt of overindulgence this festive period means that a lot of us will be signing up to fitness regimes in January.

But it doesn’t have to automatically just be the gym or another bonkers only eating when it’s a full-moon-granola-dust-only type diet! (There is a new one every year)

Beat the boredom of the home work-out DVD by getting out there, you never know, you may find something you really love and a whole new set of friends along the way.

You don’t even need to squeeze into neon lycra to join most of the classes! (But maybe ditch the lounge wear covered in crumbs for this one… )

We provide lettings to multiple venues across the UK, so we have a *really* good idea about the different ways to keep fit, whatever your goals may be.

Classes include everything from Clubbercise, Martial Arts, Yoga, Racket Sports, and so much more, there really is something for everyone no matter the age or ability.

There are lots of options for outdoor events and fitness classes too if you’re worried about keeping safe indoors (especially when the news changes on coronavirus almost weekly)

We also host a number of Football pitches including 2G/3G across our network of venues ~ from 5 A Side through to Youth Football and everything in between. (Hockey can be played on 2G pitches too).

Check out our website and find the next class to get you off the sofa and stop doom scrolling those Instagram accounts, start your own fitness journey instead!

You can do it!

https://haverstock.schoolbookings.co.uk/

If you have ever fancied dancing but you’re not one for formality, structure or tight lycra, then Brazilian ‘Zouk’ dancing could well be something you fall in love with. (We certainly have!)

Professional Zouk teachers Pedrinho & Linda Mattos have the reputation of running ‘London’s friendliest dance school’ with UKDC based at Haverstock School, NW3.

Zouk (also known as Brazilian Zouk) is one of the most fun and incredible Latin partner dances, known and loved for its famous head movements, cleverly mixes funky and cool styling with a fluid flowing momentum.

It is often danced to commercial Pop, RnB, Latin and Reggaeton music with playlists and mixes inspired by the dance movement popping up online.

Pedrinho and Linda are part of a passionate team, exploding in popularity and setting the bar high when it comes to Zouk.

They are so successful that their beginner’s course is fully booked for 2021! BUT we have some exciting news – they have JUST announced 6 week Brazilian Zouk Fast Track Course starting on October 20th on Wednesdays

UKDC Beginners Fast Track Course

The next intake of Beginners starts in 2022 so make sure you add it to your Christmas list otherwise you’ll have serious FOMO.

UKDC have their own Podcast, so you can really get a feel for what it means to be part of this vibrant community in the meantime.

You can find out more via their social media and website too – with regular updates and behind the scenes videos.

Instagram - UKDC Instagram

Facebook - UKDC Facebook

Podcast - UKDC Podcast

A Haverstock Five-A-Side squad of Dads are causing a stir as they continue to squeeze the points gap with only three games to go in Powerplay’s London league.
Read the news article here

Powerplay hosts football four evenings a week, Monday through to Thursday. Our 3G pitch can be divided to accommodate 5 aside and 7 aside. The cherry on the cake is that the floodlit pitches can be played on all year around, perfect as the darker nights roll in. (stick with us, the puns are almost over!)

Book your next kick-off (or cake-off) online via Powerplay’s website:

https://powerplay.co.uk/leagues/London-Camden/Haverstock-School
https://powerplay.co.uk/leagues/London-Camden/Haverstock-School

Well, what an 18 months it has been. We've had our ups and downs but we are back up and running, full steam ahead for the new academic year.

It's been a while since we've all had to work through the lettings process so here are a few Frequently Asked Questions to help jog your memories...and ours!

How do I enquiry about availability?

Check out our facilities here to find the right space for you. Then fill out the enquiry form at the bottom of each page or on our Contact Us page, and ask about what days and times we have available. We'll get back to you as soon as we can with all the relevant info.

How do I confirm my booking?

If you're lucky enough to nab a space you'll be set up with your very own account. You can check, confirm and pay for your bookings all in one handy place.

You'll be able to see any provisional bookings you have on your dashboard. Click 'view' to open up the booking, check everything is correct and then hit that green confirm button at the bottom of the page!

How do I pay my invoice?

We have two convenient ways of paying via your account. With our new Instant Pay feature you can process payment for your whole booking when you confirm and then sit back and relax!

If you prefer to make your payments monthly, remember to tick the 'Pay As You Go' box when confirming and we'll send over an invoice each month. Invoices will appear on your dashboard where you can click 'view' to open them up. There'll be two payment options at the bottom of the page for you to choose from, Stripe and GoCardless.

What are you doing to reduce the risk of Covid-19?

We take your safety very seriously. Whilst restrictions have eased across the country we are still encouraging all visitors to wear face coverings until they reach their hire space, to regularly sanitise their hands and to wipe down touch points before leaving the room. For more information check out our Booking Pack.

What's On?

We already have a wide variety of classes locked in for the new academic year so check out our What's On page to see what you can join in on or for inspiration on how you can use our fantastic facilities!


We hope to see you soon!

The BookingsGuru Team

We've been flying through the month here at Haverstock School and can't believe it is coming to the end of September 2019 already!

So we thought it best to get this post together pretty quick like, and let you know some of the things going on this new academic year.

1. After an absence last year we are welcoming back the Celebrating Parents Day on Saturday 26th October 2019. This is a chance for us and the school to celebrate all those amazing parents in the local community. It will be taking place all day on the ground floor. Lettings normally on the ground floor will not be taking place but those on the upper floors will continue to go ahead.

2.Also in October we have the amazing Tekne Gymnastics half term camp taking place Monday - Friday from 09.00 until 17.00 everyday. Camp is always fun and a great way of meeting new friends from other classes and sharing ideas. Visit their website to find out more!

3. As usual we have Powerplay on the 3G Astro Pitch Monday - Thursday with 5 and 7 a side leagues. To find out more and sign up click here.

4. UKDC run Zouk Dance session throughout the week and is all about bringing communities and people together through dancing. Check out their moves on their website for inspiration!

5. Danny Grant Soccer School visit us on Saturday mornings with a range of action-packed football sessions which aim to develop fitness, stamina and ball skills, and encourage each child to develop their potential at their own pace. Click here to find out more.

With all this and so much more we are certainly keeping busy! Take a look at our What's On page for a comprehensive list of everything going on at Haverstock School in the coming academic year!!

The BookingsGuru Team

Welcome to a new year at Haverstock School!

A few months in and everything is in full swing here at BookingsGuru, so much so we have only just had time to write a new blog!

Our New Year events went really well and all our regular hirers are back up and running. We have lots of exciting events coming up in the next few months which we are excited to tell you about.

Coming up this month we have a fantastic dance event by Dancehall Origins on Saturday 23rd March 2019. Dancehall Origins brings renowned Dancehall artists from Jamaica to London for an intensive day of workshops and lectures. Teaching for the first time ever in the UK, they are excited to present FAMOUS DANCER and DANCING REBEL. For more information about the event please visit their website.

Also in March we have another Toy Soldier Show taking place on Saturday 30th from 9.30 am until 4 pm. At the show you will find a host of traders whom you can chat and get advice prior to purchasing. You will be able to meet their TSC magazine editor and contributors, as well as fellow enthusiasts! Take a look at their website. to find out more.

During the Easter holidays we have exciting holiday camps from Tekne Gymnastics and seminars from Tai Ji Circle who will be having their first ever event at Haverstock School this year!

If you have a budding gymnast stuck on a move, Tekne Gymnastics Easter Holiday Camp is a great way to get them to advance or if you have a bouncing monkey at home who has never done gymnastics before this is a really fun introduction to the sport. With games and challenges for all abilities, their holiday camp welcomes children at all levels from 3 years to 16 years old. If you are interested in signing your little one up visit their website here.

We are very fortunate to be able to learn the exciting Chen Double swords form with Master Chen over two days, from Friday afternoon to evening and all day Saturday at Haversack School Sports Hall in Chalk Farm, Camden, hosted by Tai Ji Circle. Double Swords is a beautiful and powerful weapon form containing many circular defensive and attacking techniques. After a much practice each attack and defence should be executed with speed and force. Weapons routines aim to help us learn how to integrate the movement of the weapon/s so that it feels as if it is part of the body, controlled from the energy and movement of the internal dantian. It is advisable to have had some previous weapons experience. The son of Grandmaster Chen Xiaoxing, Master Chen Ziqiang is a 20th generation direct descendant of the Chen Family Taijiquan, the Chief Coach of the prestigious Chenjiagou Taijiquan School and a renowned tai ji champion in China and worldwide. For more information visit the website. We have been assured the swords are safe and will be in the hands of the masters!

We are always looking for new and exciting events to host at Haverstock so if you are in the process of planning something in the Camden area don't hesitate to drop us a line to find out about our facilities. Be quick though as spaces fill up fast!

Hope to see you soon!

BookingsGuru Team

Photo Credit - rawpixel

Hi Everyone

We are starting to get that festive feeling here at Haverstock School and BookingsGuru as Christmas fast approaches. So, it's time for a little update about what we have going on in the run up to the festive period and plans for the New Year.

The school's last monthly Bingo event of the year will be taking place on 1st December 2018 in the Library between 12:30 and 16:00.

On 5th December the Year 8's Parents Evening is taking place in the main hall and the annual school Christmas Production will be on 20th December from 18.00.

We have several Christmas events taking place this year including a celebration for the Ethiopian community on 9th December between 17.00 and 23.00. Guideline Publications are holding another Toy Soldier Show on 1st December. They will feature products like toys, children books, comics, action figures etc. At the show, you will find a host of traders with whom you can chat and get advice prior to purchasing. 5 rhythms will be holding a fundraising session on 21st December to raise money for Crisis.

For more information about any of these events please contact the organisers directly by following the links above.

As we get closer to Christmas many of our regular groups and supplementary schools will be winding down so please check with them to find out when they finish for the holidays (and come back in the New Year!).

The school will be closed for all lettings from 21st December until 30th December as we open our doors to Crisis for the holiday period. During this time Crisis provides shelter, hot meals as well as other services for the homeless and less fortunate. This is a cause we are proud to support every year and look forward to supplying some Christmas cheer to everyone.

We will then be back up and running for lettings from 2nd January 2019.

To start the new year with a bang we have a massive three day Kizomba Festival at the school on 4th, 5th and 6th January 2019 courtesy of Ginga Boo. They will be welcoming top International teachers & DJ's over the weekend focusing on dance, culture and fashion. To book your place now please visit the website

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

BookingsGuru Team

Photo credit Joanna Kosinska

Unfortunately the Parents Event on 20th October 2018 has been cancelled. Apologies to anyone hoping to attend.
We hope to provide an update with a rescheduled date soon.