Hornchurch arts venue opens its doors to live music
Give up the Ghosts - Credit: Archant
Budget cuts have led to a community arts centre being transformed into a live concert venue giving local musicians the chance to perform.
Fairkytes Arts Centre, based in Billet Lane, Hornchurch, is the backdrop for future rock, blues, jazz and classical concerts following the launch of Fairkytes Live in October.
Cllr Melvin Wallace, cabinet member for culture and community engagement, said: “We don’t really have anywhere like this in the borough – somewhere where people can go for great live music.
“But not only that, it’s somewhere that up-and-coming musicians are given a chance to shine, which quite frankly, can be quite hard to come by for new bands and musicians.”
Fairkytes Live was launched after Havering Council announced that its funding would be reduced by £100,000 which means the venue will be entirely self-supported.
The latest gig held last week, was a battle of the bands contest, featuring The Walking Method and Give Up the Ghosts.
The Walking Method band member, Will, 17, said: “It was really good to perform in front of a crowd that looked like they were enjoying the set, and the venue itself is great, the set-up is and sound is excellent.”
Most Read
- 1 Daughter pulls father out of care home after 'fall leaves him bedbound'
- 2 New three-storey building with flats looking to be built behind disused Rainham pub
- 3 Romford mother lived in squalor after mental health 'failings', court hears
- 4 The Hop Inn: Hornchurch pub named best in London for second year running
- 5 'Really proud’: Hornchurch mother tackles English Channel in relay swim for charity
- 6 Three found guilty of murder for involvement in fatal gunfight
- 7 London Assembly: TfL urged to rethink plans to cut 78 bus routes
- 8 London Fire Brigade Cadets on-hand to help Wennington residents trim hedges and clear up their gardens
- 9 Romford man arrested following multi-vehicle collision on M11
- 10 'Taste' of Notting Hill Carnival comes to Collier Row
The venue – which has a licensed bar – has already lined up acts for next year, including 80s star Mari Wilson.
Cllr Wallace said: “This is a really exciting venture for Fairkytes, and for residents in the borough to experience.
“I do hope music-lovers support this much-loved venue.”
