Opening_Night_by Caro Swan

The Brockley Max arts festival is back for 2016 with a jam-packed programme of gigs, films, exhibitions, theatre, kids activities and more besides. Most events are free and will take place in venues across Brockley, Crofton Park, Honor Oak Park and Ladywell.

The festival launches at 4pm on Friday 27 May when it will be taking to the streets for the Opening Night concert. Join this fantastic, free evening of live music outside Brockley station. The line-up includes a handpicked selection of the most exciting local musicians who are guaranteed to get the party started (4pm – 10:30pm). If you’re feeling creative, grab some paint and get stuck in at Merging Inks, a live and collaborative art jam where the external wall of 180 Brockley Road will provide the canvas (6pm – 9:30pm).

The fun doesn’t end there. The festival unfurls over 9 days and further highlights include:

Brockleywood Nights An al fresco film night under the stars, showcasing shorts from local filmmakers. Food and drink available. Don’t forget to wrap up warm and bring a rug!

Hilly Fields | 28th May | DJ from 8pm | Films from 9pm, VJ afterwards | Free

Taking Shape An art competition and exhibition exploring shape. The winning entry will be bought and displayed by Shape Real Estate in their new central London development.

cueB Gallery | 9am – 4pm, 30th May – 3rd June | Free

La La Piano Bar To The Max Prepare to sing your heart out as New York meets Brockley in this riotous night of cabaret hosted by David Roper (4 Poofs And A Piano) and the fabulous Lady La La. Brockley Social Club| 8pm, 1st June | Tickets £12 (£8 concs)

Art in the Park A glorious afternoon of entertainment for the whole family. There’ll be creative workshops, a storytelling tent, magic show, craft market, live music and dance performances, plus food stalls and beer. Hilly Fields | 12pm – 6pm, 4th June | Free

Martin Rowson The Guardian’s satirist will take to Hilly Fields to offer an irreverent view of the people (and animals) who use it. He will create a giant cartoon, live, during Art In The Park. Expect babies, dogs and poo bags… Hilly Fields | 4th June | Free

Treasure Trail Children will be transported to 1883, to help save Hilly Fields. They must track down all the wildflowers on their maps by collecting stamps from local Lewisham Card shops. Once their mission is complete, they will be entered into a prize draw. The winner will be announced during a lively gathering (featuring suffragettes) at Art In The Park. Stone Circle, Hilly Fields | 3pm, 4th June | Free

Brockley Max began in 2001 to help locals access the fantastic artists and musicians who lived in the area. Moira Tait, Festival Founder and Director, says:

Our programme has evolved significantly over the past 15 years as we keep step with the changing dynamics of the area. This year we’re offering more film, comedy and family events than ever before. We’re also upping our commitment to accessibility. Brockley Max depends on the assistance of local people and we’re keen to increase the number of over-60’s volunteers. We’d be truly grateful for any time or help they could offer, either before or during the festival week.”

Brockley Max would not be possible without the generosity of its patrons and supporters. Riccardo Dawson is Head of Design at Shape Real Estate, the festival’s headline sponsor, and says:

Here at Shape, we love design! So any opportunity to be a part of something that helps emerging talent to flourish really resonates with us. We also love Brockley and have come to know some of its amazing people and businesses over the last year. This is our opportunity to give something back.

There are many more fabulous events in the offing. Whether you want to catch a spoken word performance in a bar, a guided walk through the local cemetery, or learn to play the harmonica. There is something for everyone. Plus extra activities to keep the kids entertained during half term.

The full festival programme is being finalised and will be published shortly at www.brockleymax.co.uk.

For further information on volunteering, please visit www.brockleymax.co.uk or email volunteer@brockleymax.co.uk.

www.facebook.com/BrockleyMax

www.twitter.com/brockleymax