Art in the Park Hilly Fields Credit Rick Colls 3

Pop along for nine fun-filled days at Brockley Max, the community-led arts festival taking place between 29th May and 6th June 2015 in South East London.

A showcase of amazing talent from the local area, this festival is gearing up to be a cornucopia of exciting events ranging from gigs, live street art, open studios, theatre, film and kids activities – all topped off with a rambunctious night of glittering cabaret from a New York style, pop-up piano bar!

Brockley Max kicks off its opening night on Friday 29th May at 3pm with performers of all ages getting us up on our feet. Taking place outside Brockley train station, this celebration of musical styles and flavours will ensure there’s entertainment to appeal to everyone. Coinciding with the opening of the Brockley Street Art Festival, the highlight of the night will be live painting of a Bob Marley mural while the bands play on. This vibrant, open-air concert will be sure to set the community alight!

Festival highlights include:

  • Opening night, Friday 29th May: Hosted by super-smooth MC Dre, a line-up of local, up-and-coming musicians will be showcasing their musical mastery. Contemporary fokalist, Lewis Barfoot, will be bringing a touch of the Emerald Isle to Brockley, with her soaring vocals and sensual guitar sounds. For those who like to boogie, Ras Keith and The Borderline Band will be getting the community dancing in street! Outside Brockley train station, from 3.30pm onwards – free
  • Saturday 30th May: Take tea, eat cake and while away the afternoon listening to your favourite opera arias at Afternoon Tea at the Opera. St Hilda’s Church Hall, Crofton Park, 3pm – free
  • Sunday 31st May: Be spooked at Buried Treasures – a candlelit show of stories, song and shadows, unearthing tales of Brockley’s former residents. Brockley & Ladywell Cemetery, 7pm – free
  • Monday 1st June: Beecroft Garden School Art Show – this delightful retrospective of children’s art features explorations in colour, texture and light. Beecroft Garden School, Crofton Park, Mon-Fri 9am-4pm – free
  • Tuesday 2nd June: Be transported to the Russian Steppes and gypsy campfires, from opera house to Parisian café, with Maziaka Musical Cabaret. Pistachio’s Cafe, Hilly Fields, 7pm – free
  • Wednesday 3rd June: Running throughout the nine days of the festival, the Ladywell Tavern and Ladywell Gallery will be co-hosting the Brockley Brewery Beer Festival and an interactive, digital exhibition of Brockley Max festival photographs, from both past festivals and tweeted-as-they-are-taken at this one. Visitors can “tag” and “favourite” photos to reveal the community’s favourite shots. Ladywell Tavern and Ladywell Gallery, daily from midday – free
  • Thursday 4th June: Express your love of food and art at this paint-a-long supper experience, Brockley Max Paint Feast. Blending a delicious dining experience with a summery palette of tropical colours, artist Roxanne Williams will help you translate what’s on your dish onto your paper. My Jamii Café, Honor Oak Park, 7.30pm – £30 (incl. three courses & art materials)
  • Friday 5th June: Be entertained and inspired by our community’s best film-makers at Brockleywood Nights. This outdoor film night showcases locally-made short films – under the stars! Brockley Brewery are providing the bar and street food will be available. Just dress up warmly and bring a rug! Hilly Fields, VJ from 8pm, films from 9pm – free
  • Saturday 6th June: Art in the Park is a magical and creative day for all the family. Centred around the Magical Marquee, the afternoon opens with range of creative workshops for children, including felt-making, crochet, painting and puppet-making. The day continues with a magic show, singing workshops and performances from The Hunt Academy for Young Actors. You can meet the author of Brenda’s Bottom with readings from the book, or help create a festival tree with your stories and poems. Throughout the afternoon musical talent of all ages will take to the Felix School of Rock Stage, featuring live bands, local choirs and a Samba dance group. Hilly Fields, 12pm to 6pm – free
  • Saturday 6th June: Brockley Max festival closes this year with a rollicking cabaret night courtesy of Soho’s La La Piano Bar. This New York-style piano bar, hosted by David Roper, of 4 Poofs And A Piano fame, has decamped to Honor Oak for a night of glitz and glamour with voluptuous singer Lady La La and guests. The Honor Oak pub, 8pm – £10 (£7 concessions)The full festival programme can be downloaded here.