The Recreational at Fairfield Halls

A corner of South London is about to get a boost to its rich musical heritage. BH Live is preparing to launch The Recreational – a new 750 capacity flat floor gig space set within the newly refurbished Fairfield Halls in Croydon – opening September this year.

Known more these days for being the home town of some of the most influential artists to come out of the UK, Croydon tops the list as one of the most musical cities in the UK as compiled by streaming service Deezer. Artists like Stormzy, Nadia Rose, Loyle Carner and Binker and Moses all have Croydon roots and stand proudly alongside alumni from the local Brit School including Ella Eyre, Adele, Amy Winehouse and King Krule.

But it’s the London Borough’s rich live music history that is about to be reinvigorated with the opening of The Recreational.

“Croydon has had a history of being home to some ground breaking musical moments,” explains Graeme Miall, Senior Artistic Associate at Fairfield Halls

“Witnessing one of Hendrix’s earliest UK performances, being one of the first towns to embrace the American Blues revival in the 60s, the hometown of The Damned and the first commercial punk record release. It is the birthplace of Drum and Bass and now sits at the heart of not just grime but also the incredible new jazz explosion in South London. Music, creativity and innovation are very much part of Croydon’s DNA. 

“To be opening a new performance space dedicated to live music is a natural part of the town’s ongoing cultural evolution. Not only is this size venue long overdue in this part of London, it perhaps also represents the single biggest change in intent of the new Fairfield Halls; embracing Croydon’s rich contemporary musical history and ensuring today’s artists have a space in which to perform.”

The Recreational is already catching some serious industry interest. And it’s not just the capacity that is compelling. Excellent transport links via East Croydon and a catchment area cut across South London and into the South East of England.

For further information and to enquire about booking The Recreational at Fairfield Halls, contact graeme.miall@bhlive.org.uk

-ENDS-

Notes to Editors:

About Fairfield Halls, Croydon

Fairfield Halls is south London’s largest arts centre.

It is currently undergoing a major refurbishment programme; part of an overarching masterplan to develop a cultural quarter for Croydon.

When Fairfield Halls opens on 16 September 2019, it will have a concert hall, theatre, meeting rooms, restaurants, bars, retail catering areas and performance spaces.

It will host a diverse programme of events including concerts, cultural events, musicals, theatre productions, conferences and exhibitions, meetings and banquets. The venue will deliver a broad mix of music, dance, opera, comedy, light entertainment, community and corporate events.

Croydon Council’s ambition is to develop a centre for arts, culture, entertainment and community participation – BH Live will operate the venue in partnership with the Council.

For more visit fairfield.co.uk.

Get social with us: Facebook @fairfieldcroydon and Twitter @fairfieldhalls

About BH Live          

BH Live is the south coast’s leading operator of leisure and event venues; a social enterprise that designs and builds engaging experiences to inspire people and enrich lives.

With more than five million visits a year and £42 million turnover we are changing lives and are at the heart of the UK’s growing social economy.

In 2017/18 we had 4.5 million leisure centre attendances, hosted more than 500 events and sold over half a million cultural, sporting and entertainment event tickets. We also welcomed 59,000 conference and exhibition delegates.

This generated an estimated £53 million in local economic benefit.

For more visit bhlive.org.uk.

Get social with us: LinkedIn, Twitter @BHLIVE_UK and Facebook @SocialEnterpriseBHLive

For more information about BH Live please contact:

Elizabeth Symmons, PR & Corporate Communications Executive
E: press.office@bhlive.org.uk
T: (01202) 055562