Category Archives: Arts,

Arts,, Community, Events, Fund Raising, News, Training

SEPTEMBER 2025

Forum News

Next Forum meeting

We aim to hold at least 4 general meetings of the Forum each year.  We can now confirm that the next will be on Monday 13 October, from 7 pm at the Vida Walsh Centre, 2b Saltoun Road, SW2 1EP (opposite the Black Cultural Archives).  There is still time to tell us if you want to include something on the agenda – please contact the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Making Plans for Brixton

Pop Brixton/ International House

The current round of consultations runs until Sunday 14 September.  Although it’s still proposed that International House will remain, it’s now likely to be in wholly residential use.  The business space will be relocated on the lower floors of a new complex on the Pop Brixton site, above shops and market storage, with 2 residential towers rising above.  Both sites should continue in their present uses until March 2027.  

Proposals will be shown in Brixton Tate Library on Thursday 11 September, 4 pm to 7 pm, and in Atlantic Road during the car-free day on Saturday 13 September, 11 am to 4 pm.

Enquiries to consultation@49bsr6cc.com or by phone to (020) 8469 3079.

Towards a Neighbourhood Plan

The proposed area should be published for comments from Monday 8th September, and people should respond (to Lambeth) by Monday 20 October.  The Council should then decide before Christmas on final boundaries and whether we are an acceptable team to make a neighbourhood plan.

That means consultation events and plan-making will only get going in the New Year.  But if you have a bright idea, or a quibble over the boundary, feel free to tell us now, while it’s fresh in your mind.

In the meantime, we have been exploring sources of professional help, so that work can start as soon as we get the go-ahead.

We are also still keen to hear from more locations around Brixton – not just in the centre – that could host consultation events.

Reviving Station Road

Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road have been severely weakened by the Arch Company’s mismanaged attempt to upgrade the railway arches below the station.  Too many are still empty or unattractive, and the adjacent street market has suffered.  Now the Brixton Project are proposing a community-led regenerative project, centred on Brixton Station Road, to rescue this part of the Town Centre.  This might restore footfall to a corner facing the removal of Pop Brixton in 2027.

This idea was one of several to emerge from a series of discussions among groups in Lambeth and Southwark, under the banner of Rewiring Communities.  Enquiries to Binki Taylor, binki@thebrixtonproject.com

Local Events coming up

Lambeth Heritage Festival

A full programme of events takes place all around the borough throughout September.  You may still find a printed programme at a Lambeth library, or find the programme online at bit.ly/LambethHeritage2025

Mindful Moments at St. Vincent’s

A new weekly activity is being introduced from 12 September at St. Vincent’s Brixton Centre in Talma Road SW2.  Thanks to funding from L&Q Housing Association, a 13-week series of free Tai Chi sessions will run on Friday mornings between 10 and 11 am. 

Enquiries to LeanneT@svp.org.uk or see the website for the full list of activities restarting this month: www.svp.org.uk

Art4Space craft courses

A whole new series of courses and craft sessions starts up this month, at the A4S Creative Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  We have just seen their latest programme – full details on their website at www.art4space.co.uk

Brixton Windmill Events

Brixton Windmill opens for free short tours on Saturday & Sunday 13 & 14 September between 1 pm and 5 pm.  No need to book but it may be busy because this coincides with London Open House Festival and the national Heritage Open Days.

Followed closely by the Harvest Festival in Windmill Gardens on Sunday 28 September,

1 pm to 5 pm, with live music, family workshops, milling demonstrations, hot food and beer.

More details at www.brixtonwindmill.org  

Exhibition at Longfield Hall

Retrace is a photographic exhibition illustrating the route from Hubert Grove SW9 to the Minet Library SE5, comparing views taken in 1967 to the modern street scene.  Open from 9 to 28 September – see also https://longfieldhall.org.uk

Festival of Encounters

A series of talks, workshops, films and installations is running until 4th October, curated by the Van Gogh House, at various locations around the north side of Brixton. For full listings, see the website at https://festivalofencounters.com  

Black History Month Market

Advance notice of a special edition of the Black Culture Market for Black History Month.  This will be on Saturday & Sunday 4 & 5 October, 11 am to 5 pm both days, once again in the basement of the Department Store at 248 Ferndale Road, SW9 8FR.

Tickets are free but please book in advance at www.blackculturemarket.co.uk

Green spaces, Green issues

Loughborough Park community vegetable growing

Have you ever cultivated any of the beds at the back of the Open Space, around the old container?  The Friends of Loughborough Park are convening a meeting on Saturday 20 September at 2 pm to discuss returning the beds to a fit state for re-use, and would like to hear from previous users.  Please contact Jon Bromwich at jon.bromwich@outlook.com or Xiaochen Low at xiaochen.low@gmail.com

Black Growth CIC

Recently, they have mainly been active in Croydon but they have 2 Brixton events lined up for September:

Saturday 13 September – Black Farmer’s Market, Brixton Station Road.

Sunday 21 September – BFM Wellness Edition, around the bandstand in Myatt’s Fields Park. More details at https://bit.ly/3X2qx2W

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses

Another performance from Mambista is lined up for Sunday 7 September at 6 pm, this time with Cuban rhythms from Sarabanda.

From Log to Spoon – an introduction to Green Woodworking is a craft session on Friday 12 September from 12-30 pm.

For details of other upcoming events and courses at the Community Greenhouses, see the website https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events

On Your Bike

Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance. The next is on Saturday 13 September, 12 to 3 pm at the junction of Atlantic Road, Marcus Garvey Way and Railton Road, SE24. This will coincide with the next car-free day on Atlantic Road.

The following session will be on Wednesday 24 September, 12 to 3 pm outside Mosaic Clubhouse on Effra Road, SW2.

Another low traffic neighbourhood starting up

On the north-west fringe of our area, Lambeth Council is starting the Stockwell Gardens LTN this month on a trial basis.  It covers the streets between Landor Road and Clapham Road, eastwards from Clapham North Tube Station to Stockwell Road.  The main effect will be to prevent traffic filtering through between Clapham Road and Landor Road, but it’s not clear yet if anything is being done to reduce congestion or hazards on Landor Road itself. The scheme will be open to objections for the first 6 months.

Health and Social Care

Help in a Mental Health Crisis

A free out-of-hours service based at Mosaic Clubhouse on Effra Road can provide short-term support to residents experiencing a mental health crisis.  It offers a safe space, someone to listen, and a few hours away from everything.

The Evening Sanctuary is open every evening from 6 pm until midnight. It provides a range of optional activities, including movies, board games, fitness, yoga, arts and crafts.  There are opportunities for peer support and signposting to specialist services. Members must have a Lambeth address, but referrals can be made by any medical professional.

Enquiries to (020) 7924 9657, or e-mail to evening.sanctuary@mosaic-clubhouse.org

Feedback on Health and Care

The SE London Integrated Care System brings together all health services in the South-East London boroughs from Lambeth to Bexley. They issue a monthly Get Involved e-bulletin to seek views on existing services and proposed changes.  A typical month will flag up at least a dozen wide-ranging topics or specialist services, more than we can easily report here. 

If you have a specific interest in health issues, we suggest you get on the list to receive their e-bulletin directly – contact engagement@nhssoutheastlondon-external.nw008.com

Meet with National NHS leaders

A reminder that a conversation between National NHS leaders and representatives of local voluntary and community organisations is being arranged for Thursday 30 October, 10-30 am to 3-30 pm with lunch included.

Places are limited, so please register your interest with Bren McInerney (community volunteer) via 07 940 045 770 or e-mail to: brenmcinerney@hotmail.com

Be Well at Brixton Library

A Project Smith/ Community Connectors grant is enabling the Friends of Brixton Library to run health workshops over the weekend 3rd /4th October – more details from foftlbrixton@gmail.com

Other News

Council Consultations

Go Vocal is Lambeth Council’s online community engagement channel.  It provides updates on current consultations, generally with relevant contact details and closing dates for comments.  The website link is https://haveyoursay.lambeth.gov.uk/en-GB/

Met Engage

A reminder that a couple of months ago, the Met Police launched this alternative means of engaging with the public and local businesses.  Met Engage is intended to keep people informed of local policing activities, offer crime prevention advice and issue invitations to local engagement events, such as meetings of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Users can highlight issues of concern to them and provide feedback on the services provided.  The new service can be accessed via www.metengage.co.uk

Funding, Training & Support

Grant deadlines approaching

We have heard from various sources about several upcoming grants, but if no link is shown, please refer to Google search:

Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund has £500,000 from the UK Government to support digital skills training, assistive technology and connectivity improvements for vulnerable groups, including older people, job seekers and low-income families.  Closing date 10 September; all projects must be complete by 31 March 2026. More details at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-inclusion-innovation-fund

Grassroots Community Innovation Fund from the Lambeth Southwark & Lewisham Sexual Wellbeing Service is offering grants up to £2500 to support activities to raise awareness, reduce stigma or social isolation and promote ways to wellbeing.  Deadline is 12 September, enquiries to izzy.williams@turning-point.co.uk

Diversity and Inclusion Awards from Zurich Municipal Insurance offer small charities the chance to win up to £10,000. Three prizes are offered, with a closing date of 30 September. More details from https://www.zurich.co.uk/charity-insurance/diversity-inclusion-awards

Paul Mellon Centre has opened its Autumn funding round, deadline 30 September.  Its grants and scholarships can support research, lectures, exhibitions and publications about British art and architecture.  More details on their website at https://paulmelloncentre.grantplatform.com

National Lottery Awards for All has an Environment strand to support community-led projects for improving green spaces, cutting waste or carbon emissions, or helping people to access nature.  Grants of up to £20,000, but don’t apply if you have a current Awards for All grant.  Deadline is 17 December.

Heritage Revival Fund: offers 3 levels of funding, for project viability (up to £15k), project development (up to £100k) and capital works (up to £350k).  Open until 31 March ‘26, funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, DCMS and Historic England.

Business Training Opportunities

Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join the BID’s free training courses.  We expect more dates soon, but next up are:

  • Personal Licence (level 2)

Tuesday 9 September, 10 am to 4 pm.

  • Health & Safety (level 2)

Wednesday 8 October, 10 am to 4 pm.

Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk

Charity Training Opportunities

The Charity Learning Consortium offers access to a library of over 500 on-line learning courses intended to support charitable organisations, large and small, with their training needs.  Unlimited access is offered to all staff and volunteers with subscribing organisations.  They have a virtual coffee morning on Tuesday 16 September to introduce their services for third sector organisations.  Register at: https://charitylearning.org/charity-learning-coffee-mornings/

Trustees and Committees

Many charities and community enterprises struggle to build up a team of committee members, trustees or directors with a blend of skills and abilities.  We share training opportunities and recruitment ideas in these bulletins when we pick them up.  Something to look out for is Trustees Week, 3-7 November. More details nearer the date.

Arts,, Community, Events, Fund Raising, News, Training

AUGUST 2025

Forum Update 


Next Forum meeting?
Due to various commitments in September, we are planning the next General Meeting of the Forum for October.  Date and location will be confirmed in our September bulletin, but if you want to include something on the agenda, it would be a good idea to tell us sooner rather than later.  Please contact the Secretary at apiperbrix@aol.com

Making Plans for Brixton Pop Brixton/ International House
We had a preview of the development programme at the Forum general meeting on 3rd July, and the next stage of consultations starts on 11th September.  This time, we may even see some building plans, though it seems the intention remains to adapt International House while replacing Pop Brixton with a new apartment block.  Both should continue in use until March 2027.
Enquiries to consultation@49bsr6cc.com or by phone to (020) 8469 3079.

Towards a Neighbourhood Plan
We now have a timescale from Lambeth’s Planning Policy Team.  The proposed area will be published for comments in the first week of September, and people have 6 weeks to respond (by mid-October).  The Council will decide by Christmas on final boundaries and whether we are an acceptable team to make a neighbourhood plan.
That means consultation events and plan-making will only get going in the New Year.  But if you have a bright idea, or a quibble over the boundary, feel free to tell us now, while it’s fresh in your mind.

In the meantime, we have been exploring sources of professional help, so that work can get underway as soon as we get the go-ahead. We are also still looking out for more locations around the Brixton area to host consultation events.

Local Events coming up

Angell Town Networking event
On Saturday 4th September, from 6 to 8 pm, Angell Town RMO is hosting an event at Overton Road for residents, commercial tenants, local VCS organisations and faith groups to connect, learn more about each other and share opportunities.
RSVP/enquiries to 07 860 395 933, NWhittaker@lambeth.gov.uk  

Lambeth Heritage Festival
A full programme of events takes place around the borough through the whole month of September.  You may find a printed programme at any Lambeth library, or find the whole programme online at bit.ly/LambethHeritage2025

Solidarity Summer Market
The Advocacy Academy is holding a Solidarity Summer Market on Saturday 30 August, 10 am to 4 pm at the Liberation Centre in Beehive Place, SW9.  An opportunity to buy eco-friendly, justice and healing-related goodies while supporting the Advocacy Academy’s programme and mutual aid groups in Palestine. 
If you want to run a stall at this event, contact Isaiah@theadvocacyacademy.com

Exhibition at 198 Gallery
Witnesses is the latest exhibition at 198 Contemporary Arts & Learning, running until 11 September.  It showcases work by London-based women artists Amida Deen and Ihsan Saad Ihson Tahir. Further details on the website at www.198.org.uk

Mindful Moments at St. Vincent’s
A new weekly activity is being introduced from 12 September at St. Vincent’s Brixton Centre in Talma Road SW2.  Thanks to funding from L&Q Housing Association, a 13-week series of free Tai Chi sessions will run on Friday mornings between 10 and 11 am.  Enquiries to LeanneT@svp.org.uk or see the website for the full list of activities restarting next month: www.svp.org.uk

Green spaces, Green issues

Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses
For details of upcoming events and courses at the Community Greenhouses, see the website https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events
One to note in the meantime, Mambista will perform on Sunday 17 August, 6-30 pm, with Brixton jazz legend Michael “Bammi” Rose.

On Your Bike
Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance. The next will be on Saturday 13 September, 12 to 3 pm at the junction of Atlantic Road, Marcus Garvey Way and Railton Road, SE24.

Black Growth CIC
Recently, they have mainly been active in Croydon but they have 2 Brixton events lined up for September:
Saturday 13 September – Black Farmer’s Market, Brixton Station Road.
Sunday 21 September – BFM Wellness Edition, around the bandstand in Myatt’s Fields Park.
More details at https://bit.ly/3X2qx2W

Other News

Brixton Police Station reprieved
Desperate to save money, the Metropolitan Police has abandoned its policy of having a public-facing police station in every borough, with 18 sites to lose their front desk.
However, Brixton is one of 20 which are being retained.  Other survivors south of the river include Walworth, Croydon and Bromley.

Met Engage
Meanwhile, the Met is developing alternative means of engaging with the public and local businesses.  Met Engage is intended to keep people informed of local policing activities, offer crime prevention advice and issue invitations to local engagement events, such as meetings of Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Users can highlight issues of concern to them and provide feedback on the services provided.  The new service can be accessed via www.metengage.co.uk

Art4Space craft courses
A whole new series of courses and craft sessions starts up next month, at the A4S Creative Learning Hub, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU. See their website for full details, at www.art4space.co.uk

Health and Social Care

Meet with National NHS leaders
A conversation between National NHS leaders and representatives of local voluntary and community organisations is being arranged for Thursday 30 October, 10-30 am to 3-30 pm with lunch included.
Places are limited, so please register your interest with Bren McInerney (community volunteer) via 07 940 045 770 or e-mail to: brenmcinerney@hotmail.com

Support for migrants, refugees and asylum seekers
The long-standing “hostile environment” set up by the previous government has recently spilled over into demonstrations outside hotels housing asylum seekers.  Voluntary groups may wish to help those at risk, but advice has only recently been pulled together by London Plus and the London Communities Emergencies Partnership (LCEP).  A list of resources and contacts is being built up – see their website at https://londonplus.org/concerns-about-anti-migrant-hostility/

Community Connectors
Project Smith starts another free training course for volunteer community connectors later this month.  Dates for the 4-day course are 26 August, 15/16 September and 1st October.  Gain an accredited qualification in behaviour change from the Royal Society of Public Health.  Lambeth-based but venues to be confirmed – for more details and to sign up, e-mail to emma@rbeassociates.com

Be Well at Brixton Library
A Project Smith/ Community Connectors grant is also enabling the Friends of Brixton Library to run health workshops over the weekend 3rd /4th October – more details from foftlbrixton@gmail.com

Long Covid Superheroes
Alchemise Theatre’s Long Covid Superheroes project is a year-long creative project specially designed for young people (age 8-14) living with Long Covid. 
Led by artists with lived experience and run in partnership with Long Covid Kids, this exciting programme is fully funded by Arts Council England and completely free to join.  Sessions start in September on Mondays at Longfield Hall (times to be confirmed).  For details and expression of interest form, please see https://longfieldhall.org.uk/2025/05/30/long-covid-superheroes/
If you know a family who might benefit, please share this information.

Funding, Training & Support
Grant deadlines approaching
We have heard from various sources about several upcoming grants, but for most you will have to follow them up via a Google search:

Women & Girls Community Fund: offers grants of up to £5,000 to support women’s health needs, including education and promotion work, but the deadline for EoIs is Sunday 17 August, to publichealth@lambeth.gov.uk

Metropolitan Public Gardens Association makes small grants (up to £1500) to groups that improve publicly accessible open space.
Deadline 18 August.

Brockwell Live Community Fund: open for community organisations connected with or local to Brockwell Park.  Sponsored by the various commercial events leading up to the Lambeth Country show, deadline is Thursday 22 August.  Enquiries to community@brockwell-live.com

Grassroots Community Innovation Fund from the Lambeth Southwark & Lewisham Sexual Wellbeing Service is offering grants up to £2500 to support activities to raise awareness, reduce stigma or social isolation and promote ways to wellbeing.  Deadline is 12 September, enquiries to izzy.williams@turning-point.co.uk

Paul Mellon Centre recently opened its Autumn funding round with a deadline of 30 September.  Its grants and scholarships can support research, lectures, exhibitions and publications concerned with British art and architectural history. 
More details on their website at https://paulmelloncentre.grantplatform.com

National Lottery Awards for All has an Environment strand to support community-led projects for improving green spaces, cutting waste or carbon emissions, or helping people to access nature.  Grants of up to £20,000, but don’t apply if you have a current Awards for All grant.  Deadline is 17 December.

Heritage Revival Fund: offers 3 levels of funding, for project viability (up to £15k), project development (up to £100k) and capital works (up to £350k).  Open until 31 March ‘26, funded by Architectural Heritage Fund, DCMS and Historic England.

Training Opportunities
Awesome Tech Training have come up with an even better offer than last month.  This time they have a free training day on Wednesday 21 August, with a series of webinars:
10-11 am, Getting started with WordPress;
12-1 pm, Everything you need to know before setting up a website;
3- 4 pm, Introduction to Digital Marketing.
All enquiries to rachel@awesometechtraining.com

Business Training Opportunities
Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join their free training courses.  We expect more dates soon, but next up is:

  • Personal Licence (level 2)

Tuesday 9 September, 10 am to 4 pm.
Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk

Business Networking
Born or Made in Brixton hold their next meeting for freelancers, creative start-ups and micro-businesses on Wednesday morning 20 August between 9 am and 10 am at The Birds Nest, on the 11th floor of International House.
See also www.bornormade.com

Arts,, Community, Events, News

MARCH 2025

Forum Update, March 2025

Action on Anti-Social Behaviour – public meeting on Monday 24 March.
There’s a small gap in Forum meetings while we tie up the loose ends in our Neighbourhood Plan application.  There’s plenty of other grassroots activity in the meantime – and we specially wanted to remind you about the follow-up meeting on Anti-Social Behaviour in and around Brixton Town Centre.  It will be at Pop Brixton, Popes Road SW9 from 7 pm (doors open from 6-30 pm) – please reserve a place via Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1253076478479?aff=oddtdtcreator
 
Linked to this, AoASB are running a survey to get a clearer picture of the local issues right now, to see if they have changed since last year.  The survey will be open until 11 April. See https://forms.gle/zLTiTpooc4nvY3Hn9

There’s a clutch of other presentations coming up about Central Brixton…

SOMERLEYTON ROAD: amended versions of the plans for the long-delayed development will be shown at the Brixton House Theatre on
– Thursday 13 March, 4 pm to 7 pm;
– Saturday 15 March, 10 am to 1 pm;
also see www.thisisSomerleyton.co.uk

BLUE STAR HOUSE: Derwent are showing their proposals on the same dates, also at Brixton House Theatre:
– Thursday 13 March, 4 to 7 pm in Studio 5;
– Saturday 15 March, 11 am to 2 pm in Studio 6.
Also see www.bluestarhouseconsultation.co.uk

WINDRUSH SQUARE:
Friends of Windrush Square have arranged 2 workshop sessions at the Black Cultural Archives on:
– Wednesday 12 March, 5-30 to 8-30 pm;
– Wednesday 26 March, 5-30 to 8-30 pm.
Enquiries to friendsofwindrushsquare@gmail.com
 
Other Coming Events
 
Brixton’s Newest Youth Club
The launch of Just-Us, a new youth space for young people ages 14 to  24.  It operates every Wednesday between 3 and 7.30pm at the Advocacy Academy, 2 Beehive Place, SW9 7QR.
It aims to be a free and inclusive space for young people in the heart of Brixton.
Just-Us will be led by young people who have been trained in youth work and community organising by the Advocacy Academy.  It will evolve in collaboration with those who come to the space, so that it grows to reflect their needs and dreams for what it can be.
Enquiries to betty@theadvocacyacademy.com

The Circus comes to Brixton!
The latest exhibition at Lambeth Archives on Brixton Hill highlights the origins of circus traditions in the north of the borough.
In 1770 Philip Astley opened his Amphitheatre in Westminster Bridge Road (now the site of St. Thomas’ Hospital), beginning the tradition with trick-riding, rope acts and tumbling. It continued on the site until 1893, eventually adding clowns, acrobats and animal acts. 
Other nearby entertainment venues are also featured on contemporary posters and illustrations, including the Canterbury Music Hall and Vauxhall Gardens.  These will be on display during normal opening hours until 12 April.
 
Local History Walks starting up
The Lambeth Local History Forum has just published its list of guided walks taking place around the borough over the next 12 months.   The number of walks on offer has grown to 120+, with contributions from local amenity groups and the Lambeth Tour Guides Association.  There are some new routes or topics around the Brixton area, and many are still free, though early booking is advised. See www.lambethlocalhistoryforum.org.uk

Easter Egg Donations Wanted
We have mentioned before some of the kids’ activities at St. Vincent’s/ Brixton Community Base, Talma Road SW2 1AS.  They are now seeking donations of Easter eggs for two events they have coming up, their end-of-term Easter party on 29 March and a larger community event on 12 April.
Eggs should be unopened and nut-free. You can bring them to the centre during the week on Wednesday-Saturday, or contact Leanne at LeanneT@svp.org.uk or text to 07 960 445 930. 

Effra Space
Gentle yoga with movement £8 info@effra.space   https://effra.space/ 

Loughborough Road Histories
Brixton’s four-legged performers, Thursday 20 March, 6.30pm Brixton Library. 
Brixton has always been home to performers but not all of them have been human. Find out more about these 19th and 20th century animal performers and where around Brixton they could be found. An illustrated talk in association with Brixton Society.
More details about the event and to book here. 

Women of Lambeth Cemetery walk. Saturday 29 March, 11.30am. 
Entertainers, campaigners, crooks, artists and more. Teaming up again with Geoff Simmons to share the stories of some incredible women. Of course we will be visiting Loughborough Road orchid artist Nelly Roberts on the 66th anniversary of her death and three years since we unveiled a plaque on her previously unmarked grave.  More details and to book here.


Rapport Festival of Film

Now in its 6th edition, is set to bring the best of UK and International Black independent film to the heart of Brixton. Taking place from 4th to 6th April 2025 at the iconic Ritzy Picturehouse, the festival promises three days of cinematic brilliance, immersive discussions, and community celebration.

Where: Ritzy Picturehouse, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW2 1JG
When: 4th – 6th April 2025
Tickets: Available now at https://rapportfestival.com/festival-of-film-2025/
 

Activities at Art4Space
A wide choice of crafts sessions and courses are being offered at their studios at 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU.  Some of them are free to eligible age groups. 
For more details, see their website at www.art4space.co.uk


Green spaces, Green issues
 
Brockwell Park Events
Once again, Lambeth Council is proposing a series of commercial music events in a large area within Brockwell Park, in the run-up to the Lambeth Country Show on 7 & 8 June.
However, there is increasing concern at the cumulative damage to the park, with a busy annual programme not providing enough time for the park to recover.
In addition to 17 event days, the overall time required to set up and take down for all these events means that the Council has to apply for planning permission: comments on application 25/00693/RG3 must be sent in by 27 March to CBebb@lambeth.gov.uk
 
Events at Brockwell Park Community Greenhouses
Just a taster – there’s more on their website at https://www.brockwellgreenhouses.org.uk/events
 Introduction to Green Woodwork – from log to spoon, Friday 14 March, 12-30 pm.
 Fermentation Workshop, Sunday 16 March, 12-30 pm.
 Our Garden in the City, creative-writing workshop, Sunday 23 March, 10 am.
 Live Music – Hop Skotshne klezmer band, Sunday 27 April, 6 pm.
 
Events at Brixton Windmill
Guided tours of the windmill, on at least one weekend a month, start from 29/30 March.  As for other events, please see the website for details and booking, www.brixtonwindmill.org
 A highlight will be MayFest on the first Spring Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May, open 1 pm to 5 pm.

Help Revamp Papa’s Park
The Pulross Area Play Association (PAPA) was set up in the 1990s to rescue a derelict Council playground and save it from developers. 
It’s been a popular local amenity in an area short of open space for children’s play, but the little community building is showing its age. 
PAPA have planning permission to replace the former road-sweepers hut with a purpose-designed building, and have launched a crowd-funder to pay for it.  For more details, see the website www.papaspark.co.uk or follow the fund-raising Instagram @papasnewhall.
Please consider donating to the new café and hall via https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/papas-park-ltd
 
On Your Bike
Brixton BID continues to sponsor monthly sessions by Dr Bike mechanics for cycle safety checks and essential maintenance, and the next will be:
 Wednesday 26 March, between 12 noon and 3 pm, outside Stir Coffee on Brixton Hill, SW2.

 
Funding, Training & Support
 Training Opportunities
Social enterprises and small businesses within the Brixton BID area should be able to join their free training courses.  Next up are:

  • Health & Safety (level 2), 18 March, 10 am to 4 pm at Brixton House Theatre.
  • Food Safety (level 2), 9th April, time and venue as above.
  • Personal Licence (level 2), 22 April, time and venue as above.

Enquiries to admin@brixtonbid.co.uk