– Report finds 35% of London’s grass roots music venues have closed since 2007
– Disused stations, railway arches and buildings could host gigs
– Calls for Mayor to boost pop-up culture with celebratory fringe festival
The Mayor of London should co-ordinate a London fringe festival at disused sites to encourage the creation of pop-up music and comedy venues across the capital, according to a new report.
Top of the pop-ups calls for the Mayor to work with developers and TfL to identify disused tube stations, railways arches, depots and other buildings to host the annual event.
The report found 35 per cent of London’s grass roots music venues have closed since 2007, with over 100 live music venues in the West End and 50 other music venues shutting down in recent years.
Report author Shaun Bailey AM wants to preserve London’s live music and comedy scene and believes the Mayor could lead the way in pop-up venues by making use of London’s disused sites.
His report calls on the Mayor to set up a London fringe, similar to the Edinburgh event, to celebrate the capital’s thriving music and comedy talents.
Conservative London Assembly member Mr Bailey said:
We’ve seen a steady decline in popular music and comedy venues in recent years. It is a pattern that should concern all Londoners as our capital thrives on its popular night life.
The success of pop-ups is proven and there’s no reason that cannot be replicated across other areas of London where conventional venues are in decline.
The Mayor of London can lead the way in promoting pop-up venues by identifying London’s disused stations, railways arches and other empty buildings to host an annual celebration of London’s best and brightest talents.
The Mayor has committed to growing London’s night-time economy and this would be a fantastic way of reviving London’s music and comedy venues and giving a boost to performers across the capital.
The report: Top of the pop-ups can be accessed at: www.glaconservatives.co.uk/tp/
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Notes to editors
Chris Hewett
Senior press officer
Gordon Cameron
Press officer