Critical Art Theory in Gasworks Critical Art Theory sees art as a product of, and a window onto, the economic, social and political power structures of the day. So it’s a fitting title for Ben Sakoguchi’s new show in the Gasworks gallery. Born in California in 1938 of Japanese ancestry, he and his family were considered a threat to national security and were incarcerated by the US government in an internment camp throughout the second world war.

Critical Art Theory in Gasworks

Critical Art Theory sees art as a product of, and a window onto, the economic, social and political power structures of the day. So it’s a fitting title for Ben Sakoguchi’s new show in the Gasworks gallery. Born in California in 1938 of Japanese ancestry, he and his…

Black British history has its own tapestry Coin Street neighbourhood centre in Waterloo tomorrow (15 August) presents three powerful free textile exhibitions on Victory over Japan (VJ) Day 80. Tapestry of Black Britons, Voyage to the Islands Quilt, and Faces and Fabrics of Coin Street Community Quilt celebrate inclusive histories, community creativity, and intergenerational storytelling through the medium of textiles. The public is invited to view the works on Friday 15 August 2025, from 1pm to 4pm.

Black British history has its own tapestry

Coin Street neighbourhood centre in Waterloo tomorrow (15 August) presents three powerful free textile exhibitions on Victory over Japan (VJ) Day 80. Tapestry of Black Britons, Voyage to the Islands Quilt, and Faces and Fabrics of Coin Street Community…

Powerful opera free in Brockwell Park Two local musical powerhouses, the Brixton Chamber Orchestra (BCO) and Pegasus Opera are getting together to bring world-class live opera to South London The Brixton Opera Gala returns on 23 and 24 August with Pegasus’ outstanding soloists alongside the full 50-piece BCO. Two free performances will showcase powerful excerpts from some of the world’s most celebrated composers, including Mozart, Verdi and Gershwin.

Powerful opera free in Brockwell Park

Two local musical powerhouses, the Brixton Chamber Orchestra (BCO) and Pegasus Opera are getting together to bring world-class live opera to South London The Brixton Opera Gala returns on 23 and 24 August with Pegasus’ outstanding soloists alongside the full…

Serendipitous encounters with interesting people in Brixton … Brixton’s Van Gogh House is organising the Festival of Encounters, a large, free-to-attend event featuring up to 40 talks and other types of encounter, by artists, writers, activists, musicians and thinkers in venues across North Brixton. These will include not only Van Gogh House itself, but also galleries, parks and community centres and non-traditional spaces like cafes and a co-operative workshop space.

Serendipitous encounters with interesting people in Brixton …

Brixton’s Van Gogh House is organising the Festival of Encounters, a large, free-to-attend event featuring up to 40 talks and other types of encounter, by artists, writers, activists, musicians and thinkers in venues across North…

Join the Belles for Christmas Brixton-based a cappella choir Electric Belles is looking for new members. Belting out pop and folk classics in Brixton for more than a decade, the low-cost community-run and non-profit choir is for women and non-binary people.  It does not make people audition and you do not need to read music to join. “It’s very friendly. You just need a love of singing,” say Electric Belles.

Join the Belles for Christmas

Brixton-based a cappella choir Electric Belles is looking for new members. Belting out pop and folk classics in Brixton for more than a decade, the low-cost community-run and non-profit choir is for women and non-binary people.  It does not make people audition and…

Fears ease for Tulse Hill’s Queen of the South Fears for the future of Tulse Hill’s Queen of the South pub eased after the Mirror newspaper reported that landlord Clement Ogbonnaya’s bid to buy the freehold of the community-based venue had been accepted. Clement had launched a campaign to save the Queen after the giant Young’s pub company bought its freehold without his knowledge and gave him a short deadline to buy it from them.

Fears ease for Tulse Hill’s Queen of the South

Fears for the future of Tulse Hill’s Queen of the South pub eased after the Mirror newspaper reported that landlord Clement Ogbonnaya’s bid to buy the freehold of the community-based venue had been accepted. Clement had launched a campaign to save the…

Brixton Rec tenpin bowling opens Brixton Rec’s three new tenpin bowling lanes open today (8 August). The £330,000 installation is part of Lambeth council’s plan to attract more visitors to the leisure centres it took in-house in 2023. Other changes at the Rec include virtual reality multi-sports like mini-golf, a new reception area and café, and repairs and refurbishments to the pool and sports hall.

Brixton Rec tenpin bowling opens

Brixton Rec’s three new tenpin bowling lanes open today (8 August). The £330,000 installation is part of Lambeth council’s plan to attract more visitors to the leisure centres it took in-house in 2023. Other changes at the Rec include virtual reality multi-sports…

Tulse Hill’s Queen of the South under threat The landlord of the Queen of the South pub in Tulse Hill has launched a crowdfunder to save it from a takeover by a multi-million pound pub group. Clement Ogbonnaya, who founded the popular Prince of Peckham, opened the Queen in 2023 after it had been closed for years and brought it back to life. Now, he says, a giant pub group has bought the freehold and given him a deadline to buy it back or risk losing it forever.

Tulse Hill’s Queen of the South under threat

The landlord of the Queen of the South pub in Tulse Hill has launched a crowdfunder to save it from a takeover by a multi-million pound pub group. Clement Ogbonnaya, who founded the popular Prince of Peckham, opened the Queen in 2023 after it had been…

Book creators urge council to reconsider library cuts ‘disaster’ More than 160 writers, illustrators and publishing professionals have signed an open letter criticising cuts to Lambeth’s library service. It was compiled by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola (Waterstones Children's Book Prize 2020, Illustrator of the Year, British Book Awards 2022), who has also designed a poster for campaigners. He grew up in Brixton, Lambeth. Signatories range from well-known local figures to national names such as Adam Mars-Jones, Stella Duffy and Francesca Simon.

Book creators urge council to reconsider library cuts ‘disaster’

More than 160 writers, illustrators and publishing professionals have signed an open letter criticising cuts to Lambeth’s library service. It was compiled by award-winning illustrator Dapo Adeola (Waterstones Children's Book Prize…

Stink pipes to sky streets – 50 years of the Brixton Society Tracey Gregory, acting char of the Brixton Society, points out Norma Williamson, who was the society’s treasurer for 16 years, on the Brixton’s Local Heroes banner at the exhibition For 50 years the Brixton Society has been the heart, soul and muscle behind the ceaseless struggle to retain many of those things that make Brixton unique and special. Even a quick stroll around its anniversary exhibition – open in Brixton library until Saturday 9 August – will remind old timers and astonish newcomers with the number of issues that have been tackled.

Stink pipes to sky streets – 50 years of the Brixton Society

Tracey Gregory, acting char of the Brixton Society, points out Norma Williamson, who was the society’s treasurer for 16 years, on the Brixton’s Local Heroes banner at the exhibition For 50 years the Brixton Society has been the heart,…

Stop Starving Gaza protest at town hall Scores of pots and pans protesters demonstrated for an hour outside Lambeth town hall in Brixton yesterday (1 August). The great actor Vanessa Redgrave was in the crowd that frequently won approving honks from passing drivers. Vanessa Redgrave The protest was part of a day of action – Stop Starving Gaza – organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) in towns and cities across the UK.

Stop Starving Gaza protest at town hall

Scores of pots and pans protesters demonstrated for an hour outside Lambeth town hall in Brixton yesterday (1 August). The great actor Vanessa Redgrave was in the crowd that frequently won approving honks from passing drivers. Vanessa Redgrave The protest…

A chance to visit hidden London A rare chance to get inside some of London’s most striking and rarely accessible landmarks is available as part of the Open House Festival, which takes place from 13 to 21 September. A random draw for visits to the 158-metre high BT Tower – closed to the public since 1971 – and 10 Downing Street is now open. Also in the draw are BBC Broadcasting House, Canada House on Trafalgar Square and a behind-the-scenes visit to The London Museum.

A chance to visit hidden London

A rare chance to get inside some of London’s most striking and rarely accessible landmarks is available as part of the Open House Festival, which takes place from 13 to 21 September. A random draw for visits to the 158-metre high BT Tower – closed to the public…

Brixton to get more police The Metropolitan Police today (31 July) announced that Brixton will be one of the London crime and anti-soccial behaviour hotspots to see more police patrols. As part of a new “uplift” in policing the capital, town centre teams of extra officers are to be added to Brixton’s existing neighbourhood teams where the problems of theft, open drug dealing and abuse, aggressive begging and other forms of antisocial behaviour are most rife.

Brixton to get more police

The Metropolitan Police today (31 July) announced that Brixton will be one of the London crime and anti-soccial behaviour hotspots to see more police patrols. As part of a new “uplift” in policing the capital, town centre teams of extra officers are to be added to…

Durban Curry House duo win Market Row residency Luke Moody and Layla Morris are the winners of Brixton Kitchen 2025. Brixton Village, organisers of the competition to find outstanding new chefs, said judges and local people alike had been “stunned” by their “innovative yet authentic take on the Indian-inspired cuisine of Durban, South Africa”. The two have won a six-month residency in Market Row. It was in Market Row that Adejoké Bakare, now the holder of a Michelin Star launched her Chishuru restaurant that won the first Brixton Kitchen contest.

Durban Curry House duo win Market Row residency

Luke Moody and Layla Morris are the winners of Brixton Kitchen 2025. Brixton Village, organisers of the competition to find outstanding new chefs, said judges and local people alike had been “stunned” by their “innovative yet authentic take on the…

Brixton Calling at Southwark Playhouse Brixton Calling, produced by Kick It Anywhere, is the extraordinary story of how Simon Parkes, a young man from Lincolnshire, bought a derelict cinema in Brixton for £1 and turned it into a musical venue of international fame. The story of how “a young bloke with no money, no music industry connections and no idea what I was doing” became the “ king of gigs” is brought explosively to life by the prodigious talents of Max Runham and Tendai Humphrey Sitima.

Brixton Calling at Southwark Playhouse

Brixton Calling, produced by Kick It Anywhere, is the extraordinary story of how Simon Parkes, a young man from Lincolnshire, bought a derelict cinema in Brixton for £1 and turned it into a musical venue of international fame. The story of how “a young bloke…

Blog & Bugle art show winners Winners’ trophy for Valentina Florez Vasquez presented by Squires’ Tim Gledstone More than 1,000 people voted in the ballot for the best work at the seventh Brixton Blog and Bugle art show which closed with its award ceremony in Brixton library last night (24 July). Show organiser and Bugle arts editor Leslie Manasseh thanked sponsors Squire and partners, Brockwell Art Services, Brixton Brewery and Clover’s, as well as the library’s Rosella Black and other staff and…

Blog & Bugle art show winners

Winners’ trophy for Valentina Florez Vasquez presented by Squires’ Tim Gledstone More than 1,000 people voted in the ballot for the best work at the seventh Brixton Blog and Bugle art show which closed with its award ceremony in Brixton library last night (24 July).…

A voice of hope in Windrush Square Safety campaigners inspired by a young Brixton resident who died in Spain 10 years ago renewed their demands for action with a memorial gathering in Windrush Square yesterday (21 July) Kleyo De Abreu lost her life during a bungee jump that was run by unqualified operators. The campaigners, led by her father Rev Bernard Atwell, say the preventable incident exposed the lack of safety regulations in the extreme sports industry – not only in Spain, but across Europe and the world.

A voice of hope in Windrush Square

Safety campaigners inspired by a young Brixton resident who died in Spain 10 years ago renewed their demands for action with a memorial gathering in Windrush Square yesterday (21 July) Kleyo De Abreu lost her life during a bungee jump that was run by unqualified…

South Asian culture in Stockwell school South Asian culture came to life at Reay primary school in Stockwell as pupils welcomed parents and visitors to an exhibition that was the culmination of a year-long project for year four. Greeted by dhol drummers, they enjoyed Indian food, traditional dance, and displays created by pupils including Islamic calligraphy Warli art – telling stories with simple shapes and lines…

South Asian culture in Stockwell school

South Asian culture came to life at Reay primary school in Stockwell as pupils welcomed parents and visitors to an exhibition that was the culmination of a year-long project for year four. Greeted by dhol drummers, they enjoyed Indian food, traditional…

Brixton Blog & Bugle Summer art Show – last few days You have just a few days left to visit the summer art show in Brixton's Tate Library. So if you haven't checked out the work of 68 local artists, been amazed by the creative talent in Brixton, or voted in the people's ballot to select the show winners, get down to Windrush Square for a real treat. The show runs until Thursday 24 July and is open during library hours.

Brixton Blog & Bugle Summer art Show – last few days

You have just a few days left to visit the summer art show in Brixton's Tate Library. So if you haven't checked out the work of 68 local artists, been amazed by the creative talent in Brixton, or voted in the people's ballot to select the show…

Lambeth housing chief gets lunch invite with an agenda Cllr Adilypour (centre) with campaigners in Brixton town hall Housing campaigners today (17 July) visited Lambeth town hall in Brixton to to hand-deliver a personal invitation to Cllr Danny Adilypour, council deputy leader for housing, asking him to a community lunch in September to hear directly from residents and local organisations and explore practical steps to improve conditions in temporary accommodation (TA).

Lambeth housing chief gets lunch invite with an agenda

Cllr Adilypour (centre) with campaigners in Brixton town hall Housing campaigners today (17 July) visited Lambeth town hall in Brixton to to hand-deliver a personal invitation to Cllr Danny Adilypour, council deputy leader for housing, asking…

Police release CCTV after new damage at Windrush exhibition Police today (17 July) released CCTV image of a suspect sought in a second vandalism incident at the Windrush Untold Stories exhibition in Brixton’s Windrush Square. Police received a report that a display board had been vandalised at 11.30am on Wednesday. After carrying out initial enquiries, they are looking to identify a man seen on CCTV and are appealing to the public for information.

Police release CCTV after new damage at Windrush exhibition

Police today (17 July) released CCTV image of a suspect sought in a second vandalism incident at the Windrush Untold Stories exhibition in Brixton’s Windrush Square. Police received a report that a display board had been vandalised at…

‘Significant delays’ expected while Streatham Hill travel is transformed TfL computer-generated image of Streatham Hill after the scheme is implemented Transport for London (TfL) today (16 July) warned of lane closures on the A23 through Streatham from 4 August until autumn as work begins on the first phase of a major scheme to transform travel, walking and cycling in the area. New pedestrian crossings, a protected cycling route and improved bus lanes for quicker bus journeys are promised.

‘Significant delays’ expected while Streatham Hill travel is transformed

TfL computer-generated image of Streatham Hill after the scheme is implemented Transport for London (TfL) today (16 July) warned of lane closures on the A23 through Streatham from 4 August until autumn as work begins on the…

Free photography courses – and make it snappy Anyone with a day to spare tomorrow (17 July) or Thursday next week (24 July) and with an interest in photography, should consider two adult taster day courses in Brixton. Run by longstanding Brixton photography hub Photofusion, they are free to low paid and unemployed Lambeth residents. “It’s a great opportunity for anyone who has an interest in art and design and photography and who is looking for a creative outlet and to meet like-minded people,” says Photofusion.

Free photography courses – and make it snappy

Anyone with a day to spare tomorrow (17 July) or Thursday next week (24 July) and with an interest in photography, should consider two adult taster day courses in Brixton. Run by longstanding Brixton photography hub Photofusion, they are free to low…

Positive response to mental health outreach on Atlantic Road Local ‘peer supporters’ explained the help they can offer people facing mental health issues as they promoted their services on a music and dance filled Atlantic Road. Karen Hooper reports Peer supporters from Brixton-based Solidarity in a Crisis (SiaC, part of the adult social care provider Certitude) took to Atlantic Road’s car-free day festival to share how their lived experience is supporting others facing mental health issues.

Positive response to mental health outreach on Atlantic Road

Local ‘peer supporters’ explained the help they can offer people facing mental health issues as they promoted their services on a music and dance filled Atlantic Road. Karen Hooper reports Peer supporters from Brixton-based Solidarity in…

Mandela Day Palestine meeting in Brixton The annual Mandela Day meeting of the local Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) will hear from the former South African member of parliament Andrew Feinstein at the Advocacy Academy in Brixton on Friday (18 July). Feinstein will talk on Apartheid Then And Now. The meeting will discuss Nelson Mandela’s work, inspiration, and legacies, which, the PSC said, live on today in South Africa’s International Court of Justice case which accuses Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention.

Mandela Day Palestine meeting in Brixton

The annual Mandela Day meeting of the local Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) will hear from the former South African member of parliament Andrew Feinstein at the Advocacy Academy in Brixton on Friday (18 July). Feinstein will talk on Apartheid Then And…

Buy a bike (20% off) and change a life The summer sale of South London charity and online second-hand bike retailer The Bike Project runs until the end of July. Proceeds from buying a bike from the charity, which has its office in Brixton, go towards enabling refugees to get a bike of their own. Using the code SUMMER20 at its website sales point will give people 20% off any of the project’s refurbished and repaired high-quality second-hand bikes.

Buy a bike (20% off) and change a life

The summer sale of South London charity and online second-hand bike retailer The Bike Project runs until the end of July. Proceeds from buying a bike from the charity, which has its office in Brixton, go towards enabling refugees to get a bike of their own.…

Brixton Chamber Orchestra tour celebrates local talent The Brixton Chamber Orchestra (BCO) summer estates tour kicks off on Friday (18 July) bringing a now traditional feast of free music from grime to opera. Over two weekends – 18–20 and 25–27 July – the BCO’s 30-piece orchestra of young, dynamic and diverse musicians, will ensure each of 11 concerts on Lambeth housing estates is full of energy and will be electric.

Brixton Chamber Orchestra tour celebrates local talent

The Brixton Chamber Orchestra (BCO) summer estates tour kicks off on Friday (18 July) bringing a now traditional feast of free music from grime to opera. Over two weekends – 18–20 and 25–27 July – the BCO’s 30-piece orchestra of young, dynamic…

Green Flag award for Brockwell Park Brockwell Park has again won a green flag in the annual awards organised by the Keep Britain Tidy charity. Launched 29 years ago, the awards this year recognised 499 parks and open spaces in Greater London. Brockwell Park was recognised twice – as a green flag winner and with accreditation as a green heritage site. A total of 26 Lambeth sites (list below) were recognised with a green flag award.

Green Flag award for Brockwell Park

Brockwell Park has again won a green flag in the annual awards organised by the Keep Britain Tidy charity. Launched 29 years ago, the awards this year recognised 499 parks and open spaces in Greater London. Brockwell Park was recognised twice – as a green flag…

Windrush Untold Stories exhibition – it’s just getting started The defaced Windrush Untold Stories exhibition – now restored – will receive official recognition by going on display at the Home Office after it leaves Brixton. Its stay on Windrush Square has been extended by two weeks. Each of 20 giant images in the exhibition comes with a link to an audio interview about the subject’s experiences. In a personal letter to the people represented in the exhibition, Home Office minister Seema Malhotra said she had been “saddened and appalled” by the vandalism and criminal damage inflicted at the exhibition in Brixton.

Windrush Untold Stories exhibition – it’s just getting started

The defaced Windrush Untold Stories exhibition – now restored – will receive official recognition by going on display at the Home Office after it leaves Brixton. Its stay on Windrush Square has been extended by two weeks. Each of 20…

Fans flock to meet children’s author in Herne Hill Katie Kirby, author of the immensely popular Lottie Brooks series, visited The Paper Cat children’s bookshop in Herne Hill to celebrate the publication of her latest book – Lottie Brooks vs The Ultra Mean Girls. Katie Kirby (right) with Frann Preston-Gannon, one of the co-founders of The Paper Cat Tickets for the author signing sold out in two days, leaving a large waiting list.

Fans flock to meet children’s author in Herne Hill

Katie Kirby, author of the immensely popular Lottie Brooks series, visited The Paper Cat children’s bookshop in Herne Hill to celebrate the publication of her latest book – Lottie Brooks vs The Ultra Mean Girls. Katie Kirby (right) with Frann…