The Albany Theatre hosts ‘A Party for the People of Deptford’ Sunday 23 February

As Lewisham is declared London Borough of Culture for 2021, the Albany is opening its doors to a new type of ‘user generated’ arts festival.

Artists Nigel Barratt and Louise Mari, of theatre company Shunt, have been talking to people on the streets, market stalls, shops and businesses of Deptford, knocking on doors and asking local people: ‘We want to make or do something at the Albany in Deptford that brings local people together and gives them something to talk about – what would you make or do if it was you?’

The answer was clear: A PARTY! Something uplifting, with food and music and art.

Nigel and Louise have uncovered some wonderful stories, from the south London barber/playwright, whose parents’ wedding was the first ever event at the Albany, to the Lewisham jazz knitting scene.

The Albany, which has been a creative and spiritual hub for south London artists including Kate Tempest and Inua Ellams, will host A Party for the People of Deptford with the community taking up the role of curators, artists and audience all at once.

The event, which takes place on 23 February, is the first instalment in Here and Now, a national project that will see 40 arts centres across the country create a snapshot of our communities in 2020.

Here and Now marks 25 years of National Lottery support for culture in the UK.

A Party for the People of Deptford will bring together film screenings, origami dance workshops, a sweet treat making language school, live music curated by Charles Hayward, jazz knitting, arm wrestling, arts and crafts, singalongs and much more, by and for local people in a chaotic and creative day.

A Party for the People of Deptford
Sunday 23 February, 11am – 10pm. All Ages.