Latest news with #MichaelKill
Time Out
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time Out
It's official: outdoor street dining is coming back to London this summer
If you're loving London's current bout of warm, sunny weather but feel a bit restricted by the capital's current offering of alfresco dining options, we bring excellent news. Today (June 19) the Mayor of London has announced that a bunch of areas in the capital will be turned into outdoor eating and drinking spots this summer. Dubbed 'Summer Streets', the scheme will see some of London's most popular neighbourhood spots go car-free for longer during the summer months. The areas are spread across the city (well, south, east and central), and the project is being funded by £300,000 from the Mayor's Summer Streets Fund. So, where exactly in London is getting alfresco dining this summer? The lucky places are Brixton, Leyton, Shoreditch and the West End. Today's announcement follows a hint back in April that Soho could be bringing back its pandemic-era pedestrianised street dining zones. In the West End, Westminster Council will receive £100,000 to make St Martin's Lane car-free from 11am to 11pm every day. Up to 34 businesses on the street will get alfresco licences. In Shoreditch, Lambeth Council is getting £100,000 so that bars and restaurants on Rivington Street and Redchurch Street can offer outdoor eating and drinking until midnight. Both streets will go car-free on Fridays and Saturdays. Down in Brixton, the Mayor says businesses on Atlantic Road and Brixton Station Road will benefit from 400 square metres more outdoor space. In this area the scheme will only be in place on select weekends, with cars banned until 10pm. And finally, over in Leyton – which was named Time Out's coolest neighbourhood in London last year – community hub Francis Road will extend its car-free hours, and there'll also be more outdoor seating at Leyton Midland Road. Both the Leyton and Brixton schemes will get £50,000 in funding. The Summer Streets project follows the mayor being given extra powers to boost London's nightlife by the national government, and it's hoped that they'll expand in future years. Commenting on the scheme, London mayor Sadiq Khan said: 'I'm delighted to announce the first of many new al fresco hotspots across the capital to help Londoners and visitors make the most of our summer this year. 'The schemes announced today are just the beginning and we're looking to build on their success across London in the years ahead.' The Night Time Industries Association CEO Michael Kill said: 'The launch of al fresco dining in key areas like Brixton, Shoreditch, Leyton and the West End marks the beginning of an important initiative that supports the recovery and long-term growth of London's nightlife and hospitality sector. 'Creating vibrant, accessible outdoor spaces for food, drink and culture is a powerful way to bring communities together and boost local economies. We see this as a strong foundation — and hope it will grow into a city-wide movement that helps reshape and revitalise London's nightlife for years to come.'
Leader Live
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Ruling over London festivals ‘could lead to dark new era for live music'
It comes after legal action was brought against Lambeth Council over the use of Brixton's Brockwell Park for the Brockwell Live festivals, claiming the planned use of the land was unlawful as under permitted development rules, a temporary change of use is allowed for a total of 28 days each calendar year. In a decision on Friday, Mr Justice Mould ruled parts of the park would be used as event space for more than 28 days and that the decision to grant the certificate was 'irrational'. Responding to the decision, Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said: 'The legal action brought against Lambeth Council over the Brockwell Park festivals is emblematic of a much deeper crisis facing our cultural and events landscape. 'If these festivals are unable to proceed, it would mark a devastating blow to London's identity as a global hub for live music, culture, and community celebration — and would signal a dark new era for the UK's events and festival sector. 'This isn't about protecting parks — it's about stifling culture, and the consequences are far-reaching.' Kill, whose organisation hosted an event to urge the Government to 'recognise and support' UK club culture on Wednesday, said cancellations would impact thousands of people's livelihoods. He continued: 'The cancellation of Brockwell Live would directly impact thousands of people — from freelance technicians and security staff to artists, production crews, caterers, and event organisers — many of whom rely on the summer season to sustain their livelihoods. 'The supply chain, from staging and lighting companies to local food and drink vendors, would suffer heavy financial losses. The local economy – including independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and hotels, which sees a surge in business during these festivals – would be hit hard. 'Moreover, this affects the public. Tens of thousands of festival-goers who have already bought tickets, made travel plans, and spent money on accommodation and services would be left in limbo. 'These events are not just concerts — they are vital social experiences that form part of the cultural fabric of people's lives. 'Brockwell Live represents a careful balance between cultural celebration and park stewardship. 'The idea that the park cannot be both protected and shared is short-sighted. These events are professionally run, heavily regulated, and provide essential funding for the maintenance of the park itself. 'We urge Lambeth Council and the wider public to recognise the gravity of this moment. 'If we allow pressure to shut down these events to succeed, we are not just cancelling a few days of music — we are dismantling a vital ecosystem of creativity, work, and community connection that cannot be easily rebuilt. 'London must not become a city afraid of its own culture.' Rebekah Shaman, of the Protect Brockwell Park group, brought the action against Lambeth Council, with lawyers representing her and the group writing a letter to the council asking it to 'confirm that the event has been cancelled' and to clear any fencing or infrastructure. Brockwell Live's six festivals include Wide Awake, which is set to see Irish rap trio Kneecap perform on May 23, and Mighty Hoopla, with artists including Kesha and former Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall appearing.
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ruling over London festivals ‘could lead to dark new era for live music'
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has said a High Court ruling over the use of a London park, which might mean a number of events are cancelled, could lead to 'a dark new era' for live music. It comes after legal action was brought against Lambeth Council over the use of Brixton's Brockwell Park for the Brockwell Live festivals, claiming the planned use of the land was unlawful as under permitted development rules, a temporary change of use is allowed for a total of 28 days each calendar year. In a decision on Friday, Mr Justice Mould ruled parts of the park would be used as event space for more than 28 days and that the decision to grant the certificate was 'irrational'. Responding to the decision, Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said: 'The legal action brought against Lambeth Council over the Brockwell Park festivals is emblematic of a much deeper crisis facing our cultural and events landscape. 'If these festivals are unable to proceed, it would mark a devastating blow to London's identity as a global hub for live music, culture, and community celebration — and would signal a dark new era for the UK's events and festival sector. 'This isn't about protecting parks — it's about stifling culture, and the consequences are far-reaching.' Kill, whose organisation hosted an event to urge the Government to 'recognise and support' UK club culture on Wednesday, said cancellations would impact thousands of people's livelihoods. He continued: 'The cancellation of Brockwell Live would directly impact thousands of people — from freelance technicians and security staff to artists, production crews, caterers, and event organisers — many of whom rely on the summer season to sustain their livelihoods. 'The supply chain, from staging and lighting companies to local food and drink vendors, would suffer heavy financial losses. The local economy – including independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and hotels, which sees a surge in business during these festivals – would be hit hard. 'Moreover, this affects the public. Tens of thousands of festival-goers who have already bought tickets, made travel plans, and spent money on accommodation and services would be left in limbo. 'These events are not just concerts — they are vital social experiences that form part of the cultural fabric of people's lives. 'Brockwell Live represents a careful balance between cultural celebration and park stewardship. 'The idea that the park cannot be both protected and shared is short-sighted. These events are professionally run, heavily regulated, and provide essential funding for the maintenance of the park itself. 'We urge Lambeth Council and the wider public to recognise the gravity of this moment. 'If we allow pressure to shut down these events to succeed, we are not just cancelling a few days of music — we are dismantling a vital ecosystem of creativity, work, and community connection that cannot be easily rebuilt. 'London must not become a city afraid of its own culture.' Rebekah Shaman, of the Protect Brockwell Park group, brought the action against Lambeth Council, with lawyers representing her and the group writing a letter to the council asking it to 'confirm that the event has been cancelled' and to clear any fencing or infrastructure. Brockwell Live's six festivals include Wide Awake, which is set to see Irish rap trio Kneecap perform on May 23, and Mighty Hoopla, with artists including Kesha and former Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall appearing.
The Independent
17-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Ruling over London festivals ‘could lead to dark new era for live music'
The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) has said a High Court ruling over the use of a London park, which might mean a number of events are cancelled, could lead to 'a dark new era' for live music. It comes after legal action was brought against Lambeth Council over the use of Brixton's Brockwell Park for the Brockwell Live festivals, claiming the planned use of the land was unlawful as under permitted development rules, a temporary change of use is allowed for a total of 28 days each calendar year. In a decision on Friday, Mr Justice Mould ruled parts of the park would be used as event space for more than 28 days and that the decision to grant the certificate was 'irrational'. Responding to the decision, Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said: 'The legal action brought against Lambeth Council over the Brockwell Park festivals is emblematic of a much deeper crisis facing our cultural and events landscape. 'If these festivals are unable to proceed, it would mark a devastating blow to London's identity as a global hub for live music, culture, and community celebration — and would signal a dark new era for the UK's events and festival sector. 'This isn't about protecting parks — it's about stifling culture, and the consequences are far-reaching.' Kill, whose organisation hosted an event to urge the Government to 'recognise and support' UK club culture on Wednesday, said cancellations would impact thousands of people's livelihoods. He continued: 'The cancellation of Brockwell Live would directly impact thousands of people — from freelance technicians and security staff to artists, production crews, caterers, and event organisers — many of whom rely on the summer season to sustain their livelihoods. 'The supply chain, from staging and lighting companies to local food and drink vendors, would suffer heavy financial losses. The local economy – including independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and hotels, which sees a surge in business during these festivals – would be hit hard. 'Moreover, this affects the public. Tens of thousands of festival-goers who have already bought tickets, made travel plans, and spent money on accommodation and services would be left in limbo. 'These events are not just concerts — they are vital social experiences that form part of the cultural fabric of people's lives. 'Brockwell Live represents a careful balance between cultural celebration and park stewardship. 'The idea that the park cannot be both protected and shared is short-sighted. These events are professionally run, heavily regulated, and provide essential funding for the maintenance of the park itself. 'We urge Lambeth Council and the wider public to recognise the gravity of this moment. 'If we allow pressure to shut down these events to succeed, we are not just cancelling a few days of music — we are dismantling a vital ecosystem of creativity, work, and community connection that cannot be easily rebuilt. 'London must not become a city afraid of its own culture.' Rebekah Shaman, of the Protect Brockwell Park group, brought the action against Lambeth Council, with lawyers representing her and the group writing a letter to the council asking it to 'confirm that the event has been cancelled' and to clear any fencing or infrastructure. Brockwell Live's six festivals include Wide Awake, which is set to see Irish rap trio Kneecap perform on May 23, and Mighty Hoopla, with artists including Kesha and former Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall appearing.
North Wales Chronicle
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Chronicle
Ruling over London festivals ‘could lead to dark new era for live music'
It comes after legal action was brought against Lambeth Council over the use of Brixton's Brockwell Park for the Brockwell Live festivals, claiming the planned use of the land was unlawful as under permitted development rules, a temporary change of use is allowed for a total of 28 days each calendar year. In a decision on Friday, Mr Justice Mould ruled parts of the park would be used as event space for more than 28 days and that the decision to grant the certificate was 'irrational'. Responding to the decision, Michael Kill, chief executive of the NTIA, said: 'The legal action brought against Lambeth Council over the Brockwell Park festivals is emblematic of a much deeper crisis facing our cultural and events landscape. 'If these festivals are unable to proceed, it would mark a devastating blow to London's identity as a global hub for live music, culture, and community celebration — and would signal a dark new era for the UK's events and festival sector. 'This isn't about protecting parks — it's about stifling culture, and the consequences are far-reaching.' Kill, whose organisation hosted an event to urge the Government to 'recognise and support' UK club culture on Wednesday, said cancellations would impact thousands of people's livelihoods. He continued: 'The cancellation of Brockwell Live would directly impact thousands of people — from freelance technicians and security staff to artists, production crews, caterers, and event organisers — many of whom rely on the summer season to sustain their livelihoods. 'The supply chain, from staging and lighting companies to local food and drink vendors, would suffer heavy financial losses. The local economy – including independent shops, pubs, restaurants, and hotels, which sees a surge in business during these festivals – would be hit hard. 'Moreover, this affects the public. Tens of thousands of festival-goers who have already bought tickets, made travel plans, and spent money on accommodation and services would be left in limbo. 'These events are not just concerts — they are vital social experiences that form part of the cultural fabric of people's lives. 'Brockwell Live represents a careful balance between cultural celebration and park stewardship. 'The idea that the park cannot be both protected and shared is short-sighted. These events are professionally run, heavily regulated, and provide essential funding for the maintenance of the park itself. 'We urge Lambeth Council and the wider public to recognise the gravity of this moment. 'If we allow pressure to shut down these events to succeed, we are not just cancelling a few days of music — we are dismantling a vital ecosystem of creativity, work, and community connection that cannot be easily rebuilt. 'London must not become a city afraid of its own culture.' Rebekah Shaman, of the Protect Brockwell Park group, brought the action against Lambeth Council, with lawyers representing her and the group writing a letter to the council asking it to 'confirm that the event has been cancelled' and to clear any fencing or infrastructure. Brockwell Live's six festivals include Wide Awake, which is set to see Irish rap trio Kneecap perform on May 23, and Mighty Hoopla, with artists including Kesha and former Little Mix singer Jade Thirlwall appearing.
