On-trend Korean street food brand Bunsik (which translates as “food made from flour”), will be opening a new outlet in Brixton Road shortly.

The fast food restaurant will be taking over the space formerly occupied by Holland & Barrett, between Morleys and Specsavers.

Since launching in 2021, Bunsik has been busy building up an online presence, racking up over one million likes on TikTok.

Known for their viral Korean corn dogs, the new restaurant joins the brand’s nine existing locations in Bristol, London and Manchester.

The Brixton branch is expected to serve up its popular range of corn dog, fried kimbap, kimbap, cup bap, Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki, burgers and wraps with halal and vegetarian options.

The prices look affordable too, with all dishes under a tenner, corndogs priced at £4.40 to £7.90 and all burgers at £6.90 (see the full menu for their Camden branch here).

More info

• Bunsik website 

In a press release sent to Brixton Buzz, Labour has called on the Green Party to sack five candidates standing in local elections across the country, accusing them of making “racist, antisemitic” statements and peddling “dangerous conspiracy theories” on social media.

The national communication (attached below) coincided with an article in The Spectator identifying Saiqa Ali, the Green candidate in Streatham St Leonard’s – the party’s strongest ward in Lambeth, where all three sitting councillors are currently Green – as having posted material on her Instagram account including:

• An image of a masked fighter apparently wearing a Hamas headband captioned ‘Long live the Resistance, Free Palestine’
• The notorious Mear One mural that Jeremy Corbyn apologised for sharing in 2018, and
• A post stating ‘England has a government overrepresented with Zionist Jews.’

The five candidates named in the release are standing in Croydon, Lewisham, Haringey, Newcastle and Camden. Two further Green candidates in Havering and Lewisham have already withdrawn over separate social media posts.

The unnamed author accused them of a ‘troubling and woeful lack of leadership both nationally and here in Lambeth.’

The Green Party has said nationally that it ‘will be investigating anything brought to our attention that doesn’t fit with Green Party values and views.’

“I apologise for any offence or distress caused to anyone by my social media posts. That was not my intention.

I unequivocally reject antisemitism in all its forms.

My comments were rooted in concern for the humanitarian situation in the Middle East, and I remain committed to speaking with care, responsibility and respect for everyone.” – Saiqa Ali, Green Party candidate, Streatham St Leonard’s.

Labour’s attack letter in full

Voter registration for the 7 May local elections closes at midnight on Monday 20 April.

• Residents can register at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

On Saturday April 18th, just ahead of the local elections in May, Campaign to Protect Rural England’s London Branch is joining groups and communities across the UK to take part in a UK-wide Day of Action for Nature, Parks and Green Spaces.

The purpose is simple: to demonstrate, visibly and collectively, that people everywhere care deeply about the natural world and want to see it protected and restored.

CPRE London is writing to Sir Keir Starmer to say that building on London’s countryside cannot solve London’s housing crisis, as well as to demand better protection for parks in the face of increasing commercialisation.

Alice Roberts of CPRE London said:

“The government’s grey belt policy is threatening countryside and farmland, allowing developers to cash-in on London’s countryside. But we cannot solve London’s housing crisis by building on valuable farmland and trashing nature.

 

Just building more homes does not make them affordable.

 

The government must reverse damaging ‘grey belt’ policy and halt the London Green Belt Review immediately – and instead introduce credible policies to tackle housing affordability.

 

“Meanwhile, the public’s right to recreational use of parks and green spaces is increasingly under threat from commercialisation.

 

We’re calling on the government to change the law to place strong conditions on the sale, lease and renting of public parks to safeguard our open space for generations to come.

 

“Today we are writing to the Prime Minister to demand action and we want anyone concerned about nature, parks and countryside – and anyone who wants real solutions to the housing crisis – to write as well.”

Links to letters

1. Letter on parks
2. Letter on ‘grey belt’

THINC Fund is giving young people aged 16 to 30 living in Lambeth and Southwark the chance to win funding, up to £10,000, to turn their ideas into reality.

Projects just need to focus on mental health, wellbeing, or access to healthy choices, and benefit people in their local community.

The deadline to apply is 30th April 2026, and the Pitch Night takes place on 29th May 2026 in London, where shortlisted applicants will pitch live in front of judges and a public audience, with winners decided on the night.

It’s a rare, accessible funding opportunity specifically designed for young south Londoners, including those from some of the most underrepresented communities such as people with disabilities, those experiencing homelessness, young people in or leaving care, LGBTQ+ communities, minority communities, and more.

More info

Webpage: https://www.cvr.community/thinc-pitch-night
Applicant video: https://www.instagram.com/reels/DW9SfWNjSQL/

The resident at the centre of the High Court case that found the West Dulwich Low Traffic Neighbourhood to be unlawful has accused Lambeth’s deputy council leader Rezina Chowdhury of lying on oath during the proceedings.

Jonathan Fowles was a primary witness in the case which successfully challenged the legality of the scheme, and claims her sworn witness statement contradicted what she said in a recorded face-to-face meeting.

He says the council has refused to formally investigate his complaint eight months after he submitted it.

His claims were reported yesterday in The Times, which also established that Lambeth Council has not formally investigated a single complaint against any councillor in over a decade, and that the local government ombudsman last year wrote to the council’s chief executive over its complaints record.

Chowdhury has not responded publicly to the latest allegations but has previously said her witness statement was “as I recall.”

Jonathan Fowles has supplied his full argument to Brixton Buzz below:

Read the full account

Cont.

Join the conversation on Urban 75

Lambeth Council Watch – news and updates about the ‘co-operative’ council – over 2,000 replies

Founded in Brixton back in 2008, Franco Manca has grown into a nationwide chain of 70 pizza restaurants, but it’s been confirmed that it intends to close around 16 restaurants including the Brixton branch where it all started.

Franco Manca was founded in 2008 by Giuseppe Mascoli and Bridget Hugo, taking over the popular Franco’s pizzeria in Brixton’s Market Row, which had been dishing up affordable pizzas since 1986.

In early 2024 they moved out of their original unit in Brixton Market into the larger premises on the corner of Atlantic Road and Electric Lane (formerly Wahaca and before that, the much missed Brady’s pub).

Private Equity piles in

In March 2015, Franco Manca was flogged off to The Fulham Shore, which also owns “The Real Greek.”

Eight years later, Fulham Shore sold Franco Manca and The Real Greek to Toridoll the Japanese owner of Marugame Udon for £93.4m.

In a statement, Khan, chief executive of Fulham Shore, said:

“Even restaurant businesses that are doing all the right things from a customer and operational perspective are not immune to widely publicised pressures impacting the hospitality industry.

 

“This includes significant increases in national insurance and the national living wage in recent history, as well as a lack of business rates relief for the restaurant sector and disproportionately high VAT in the UK compared with Europe.”

 

“As a result of these external cost pressures, we have to make sure that we are putting our business on a sustainable footing for long-term growth and development.

 

“This is why we have taken the difficult decision to undertake a CVA for Franco Manca, which will see a minority proportion of our restaurants closing where they are no longer sustainable in this cost environment.

 

“We are deeply saddened by the closures of a minority proportion of our restaurants, and will support our affected team members throughout this process in every way that we can.”

The end

We popped into the Franco Manca on Atlantic Road this afternoon and spoke to disappointed staff who confirmed that the restaurant will be closing on the 31st May 2026.

Join the local conversation

• Brixton food & drink news [over 5,000 responses]

*this article was updated after we confirmed the closure date with staff

Two Brixton events later this month are bringing health, culture and community together in response to Lambeth having the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the country.

On Thursday 23rd April, Skin Like Mine and Poetic Unity host Spoken Word Pharmacy at the Ritzy Cinema – an evening celebrating Black poets with three headline performances and an open mic competition.

Then on Saturday 25th April, a curated Glam Squad pop-up takes over Morley’s Department Store, offering free makeup, nail art and personal styling consultations alongside optional, discreet health checks for local Black women. Women can choose from simple on-the-spot tests including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes screening and HIV testing, delivered by trained health professionals in what organisers describe as a “joyful, discreet and judgement-free” setting.

Both events are delivered by Do It London, the capital’s city-wide HIV prevention programme, in partnership with Skin Like Mine – London’s newest HIV prevention programme by and for Black Londoners.

The events respond to data showing Black Londoners remain disproportionately affected by HIV despite overall progress. Lambeth has the highest rate of new HIV diagnoses in the country, and for heterosexual and bisexual women, almost half (46.2%) of diagnoses are made at a late stage – which can lead to worse health outcomes.

Marc Thompson, Lead Commissioner for the London HIV Programme, said: “Too many women and young people are still missing out on timely HIV testing simply because it isn’t available in the places they naturally spend their time. We’re bringing a different perspective to health through collaborations with beauty creatives and performing artists. When we normalise testing, we protect lives — and we move London closer to its goal of ending new HIV transmissions by 2030.”

The Morley’s event is part of a wider Glam Squad series taking place at the Bernie Grant Arts Centre, Wood Green Shopping Centre and Peckham Palms. No booking needed.

More Info

• Spoken Word Pharmacy: Thursday 23rd April 2026, Ritzy Cinema, Brixton
• Glam Squad pop-up: Saturday 25th April 2026, 11am–4pm, Morley’s Department Store, Brixton — no booking required
• Do It London

Lambeth Council is working with Lambeth Portuguese Wellbeing Partnership to put on an evening to celebrate Portugal Day and the local Portuguese speaking communities on 13th June 2026.

You’re invited to join them from 6pm – 10pm for a music and dance filled evening to celebrate the local community around Wilcox Road.

Lambeth’s Big Shift are making space in the street for Lambeth Portuguese Wellbeing Partnership to deliver an evening of cultural performances from Portuguese speaking countries around the world. There will be:

• Stages for music and dance performances hosted by LPWP
• Family activities provided by LPWP and Lambeth Council
• Extra outdoor dining areas
• Food and drink from local businesses
• Dr Bike

Visit LPWP’s website for more information on their work – www.lpwp.org

This project is led by Lambeth Council and the Lambeth Portuguese Wellbeing Partnership. It is funded by the UK government and Mayor of London through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The Car Free Day activities are delivered under Lambeth’s Night Time Economy Strategy, which aims to protect and grow Lambeth’s world class night time economy, helping people feel safer and celebrating our unique character after dark.

More info and updates

• Wilcox Road Portugal Day Celebration

Record Store Day is a day for the people who make up the world of the record shop – the staff, the customers, the artists, the labels – to come together and honour the special role they place in their local communities.

In the UK and Ireland, over 300 indie record shops will be participating. Here’s the stores participating in RSD around Brixton, Camberwell and Peckham:

Brixton

Dash The Henge Store
Market Row, Coldharbour Lane, SW9

Pure Vinyl Records
246 Ferndale Road, Brixton, London, SW9 8FR

Lion Vibes
98 Granville Arcade, Brixton Village, London, SW9 8PS

Camberwell

Dash The Henge Store
348 Camberwell New Road, London, SE5 0RW

Peckham

Peckham Soul
Bussey Building, 133 Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST

Maestro Records
163 Rye Lane, London, SE15 4TL

Record Store Day exclusive releases

Special vinyl releases are made exclusively for the day and many shops and cities host artist performances and events to mark the occasion.

These are only available, in-store, through Record Store Day Shops from the date of Record Store Day – but you need to be quick as they usually sell out fast.

Stores are not permitted to reserve a product for customers so you will need to visit the store early on Record Store Day to get the release you’re after.

• See a list of all the exclusive RSD releases

More info

• Record Store Day 2026
• See all participating stores

The rebirth of vinyl

We chuffing love vinyl records here at Brixton Buzz – it’s music you can actually keep forever rather than hiring tunes from  streaming platforms who pay artists peanuts.

Here’s the best selling acts this year, courtesy of the  Official Charts Company.

The UK’s top 10 best-selling vinyl albums of 2026:

1) ‘Kiss All the Time. Disco Occasionally’ – Harry Styles
2) ‘The Art Of Loving’ – Olivia Dean
3) ‘The Mountain’ – Gorillaz
4) ‘Help(2)’ – Various Artists
5) ‘Rumours’ – Fleetwood Mac
6) ‘West End Girl’ – Lily Allen
7) ‘Man’s Best Friend’ – Sabrina Carpenter
8) ‘Wuthering Heights’ – Charli XCX
9) ‘Getting Killed’ – Geese
10) ‘AM’ – Arctic Monkeys

The UK’s top 10 best-selling vinyl singles of 2026 so far are:

1) ‘Where Is My Husband’ – RAYE
2) ‘The Fate Of Ophelia’ – Taylor Swift
3) ‘Opalite’ – Taylor Swift
4) ‘Rein Me In’ – Sam Fender & Olivia Dean
5) ‘Nightingale Lane’ – RAYE
6) ‘So Easy (To Fall in Love)’ – Olivia Dean
7) ‘The Subway’ – Chappell Roan
8) ‘Firestarter’ – The Prodigy
9) ‘No Comment’ – Kneecap ft. Sub Focus
10) ‘Run My Way’ – December 10

Lambeth will mark Windrush Day 2026 with a borough-wide programme of events, talks and cultural activities celebrating the enduring contribution of the Windrush generation and their descendants to modern British life.

Observed annually on 22 June, Windrush Day commemorates the arrival of Caribbean migrants who were invited to the UK to help rebuild the country following the Second World War. Many first settled in Lambeth, establishing the borough as the historic heart of the Windrush story.

A key highlight of this year’s programme is the return of the Big Caribbean Lunch for Windrush Elders, taking place on Sunday 28 June in Windrush Square, Brixton.

Hosted by the Friends of Windrush Square, a community-led group dedicated to preserving and celebrating Windrush legacy in Lambeth, with support from Lambeth Council and the Home Office, the event will bring together elders and their families for a day of food, music, storytelling and celebration.

Ros Griffiths, Chair of Friends of Windrush Square and Founder of the Big Caribbean Lunch, said:

“The Big Caribbean Lunch is about honouring the Windrush generation while bringing our community together across generations.

 

“It’s a space to celebrate heritage, share stories and recognise the lasting contribution of Caribbean people to life in Britain.”

Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton will be hosting a concert led by the Pegasus Opera and Brixton Chamber Orchestra. The event will feature excerpts from ‘Migrations’ which was first commissioned by Welsh National Opera and the Windrush Opera.

The concert promises to be a powerful evening celebrating journey, resilience and belonging, bringing to life the experience, memories and voices of migration through moving music and bold storytelling.

Tickets can be booked at Windrush & Migrations Opera in Concert – Lambeth Town Hall – Pegasus Opera | London Opera Company.

Lambeth Libraries will host a series of events, including:

• They Call Me Guess: A Memoir of Roots, Routes and Resilience with Beulah Smith-Coombs, on June 18 at Brixton Library. To book visit eventbrite.com.
• My Mother In-Law’s Dresses, on June 22 at Brixton Library. To book visit eventbrite.com.

Ian Davis, Chief Executive of Lambeth Council, said: “We are proud to mark Windrush Day each year, recognising the immense contribution of the Windrush generation to Lambeth and beyond. This year’s programme reflects the richness of that legacy and the strength of our community today.

“Windrush Square will once again be at the heart of the celebrations, and I encourage residents to take part and book early.”

The Windrush generation takes its name from HMT Empire Windrush, which arrived in the UK on 22 June 1948. Many of those on board initially stayed at Clapham South before settling in Brixton, near the local labour exchange.

Today, Lambeth remains central to the Windrush story, shaped by generations whose contributions span public service, the NHS, culture, music and the wider economy.

[This article first appeared in Love Lambeth and is reproduced here for information purposes]

Choir Party, a new pop-up choir experience for Londoners who love a singalong but have never tried a choir, launches on Tuesday 12th May 2026 at Blues Kitchen, Brixton.

At Choir Party, #001, in just one night, two hundred complete strangers will learn to sing Taylor Swift classics in three-part harmony – guided by musical director Ben Swan of London City Voices.

No music experience necessary – just a drink in hand and a willingness to give it a go.

It’s part gig, part sing-along, part joyful experiment in what happens when a room full of strangers commits to making music magic together. Perfect for karaoke lovers, shower singers and anyone whose favourite part of a gig is singing along with their mates.

More info

CHOIR PARTY! #001: Taylor Swift Edition
Blues Kitchen, Brixton, London
Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Doors 7pm / Show 7.30pm
Tickets: from £15 at choirparty.com

Brixton Performs Comedy will be taking over Downstairs at The Department Store on Friday, 24th Apr 2026, with the bill including James Trickey, Daman Bamrah, Marise Gaughan and headliner Jonny Pelham.

Here’s what’s on offer for your ten quid:

James Trickey

James Trickey is a rising comedian, hailed as “absolutely one to watch” (Edinburgh Reviews). With a sharp mind and a distinct take on life, he crafts a blend of silly gags and physical comedy with clever and surprising routines.

His Edinburgh Fringe debut hour ‘Don’t Count on Me’ was a sell-out hit and critical success, with The List’s four-star review commending “Trickey’s command of the stage is absolute, his timing flawless” and The Guardian confirming “Trickey has certainly got it”.

Daman Bamrah

Daman Bamrah is one of the most exciting and unique new comic voices to emerge from the London circuit. A British-Sikh performer with energy, raw wit and heart, the in demand Daman is known for his topical writing, acute observations and imaginative storytelling.

Daman Bamrah’s blend of carefully crafted jokes along with his signature charm have already secured him top spots at the country’s leading venues including Angel Comedy Club, Up The Creek and The Museum of Comedy.

Marise Gaughan

Marise Gaughan is a critically-acclaimed comedian and author from Dublin. In 2022 Marise’s debut memoir, Trouble, was published by Monoray. It was described by The Irish Times as ‘a graphic, explicit, often visceral memoir that engulfs the reader’ as it traces Marise’s unravelling through sex, self-destruction and a near-miss with Scientology. The book went on to be an Irish Bestseller and received fantastic reviews in the press. It was published in paperback in 2023 and Marise is currently working on her first novel. As a stand-up comedian, Marise started her career in Los Angeles, appearing on stages including The Comedy Store and The Hollywood Improv.

Jonny Pelham

Jonny Pelham is one of the most exciting stand-up comedians on the circuit.

Most recently Jonny has appeared on Rosie Jones’s Disability Comedy Extravaganza (UKTV)  as well as Live from the BBC (BBC3), Mock The Week (BBC2), Russell Howard’s stand-up Central (Comedy Central) and Live at the Apollo (BBC2).

Jonny is also an in-demand comedy writer and actor having appeared in the Viceland series, Bobby & Harriet Getting Married, as well as his own short film released as part the Sky Comedy Shorts season, Late Bloomer (Sky Arts). Jonny is currently developing a number of projects, both scripted and unscripted, for TV, and has written and starred in his own Channel 4 Comedy Blap, Brad Boyz (E4).

More info

The Downstairs Comedy Club
Downstairs at The Department Store
248 Ferndale Road SW9 8FR + Google Map

Fri, 24th Apr 2026, 8pm – 10pm
Doors: 8:00pm | Performances start: 8:30pm
Entry: £10 per ticket

Stand-up at the Subway is a brand-new comedy festival arrives at Crystal Palace Park, taking place in the wonderful Victorian Subway.

With eleven shows across four nights, Stand-up at the Subway will bring together a standout line-up of award-winning comedians and rising stars, all performing in the atmospheric subway,

Audiences can expect a packed programme featuring names including Daniel Kitson, Elis James, Kerry Godliman, Shoot From The Hip, Scott Bennett, Hal Cruttenden, Sam Nicoresti and more, alongside Edinburgh Preview performances from Finlay Christie and Dan Tiernan.

There will also be a licensed bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available on site.

More info

Stand-up at the Subway
21 – 24 May 2026
Tickets prices £8 – £20

Lambeth’s Labour leader Cllr Claire Holland has been exposed as the chief architect of the Freedom Pass fabrication at the heart of ‘Labour’s lying leaflets’, and furious Liberal Democrats are now targeting her own Oval seat on 7 May.

The borough-wide leafleting and manifesto campaign now dubbed ‘Labour’s lying leaflets’ incorporates a number of fabrications  of Green Party and Lib Dems policies, actions and voting records. One of the claims, states that the Liberal Democrats categorically plan to cut the Freedom Pass, the free travel scheme used by over 1.2 million older Londoners and 33,000 Lambeth residents.

However, Brixton Buzz has traced the tenuous root of the Freedom Pass accusation back through the public minutes and governance structure of London Councils, the body representing all 32 London boroughs and the City of London, where Labour holds 21 of the 33 seats and Claire Holland sits as chair (see links at end of article).

On 13 November 2025, the executive sub-committee of London Councils’ Transport and Environment Committee (TEC) – which Labour also controls – considered a routine budget paper on the rising cost of the Freedom Pass to the London boroughs.

The paper was presented by Chief Operating Officer Stephen Boon, a non-political civil servant, and according to the public minutes, the committee then agreed to ‘identify what other policy options might be used to control the cost of the scheme in the future.’

But, following a public backlash, the Evening Standard ran a story within weeks citing anonymous Labour sources who claimed the Freedom Pass was “under threat”. The same sources said they had been forced to authorise the review by officials after Liberal Democrats (with just one seat on the committee) had raised concerns about the cost falling on town halls.

The story was quickly followed, on 14 January 2026, by Cllr Claire Holland publicly announcing that she was blocking the review in her capacity as Leader of London Councils’ Labour Group.

The same Labour leader who chairs the body where the proposal originated was now the leader publicly “rescuing” the Freedom Pass from it.

The subterfuge was exposed two days later by Inside Croydon’s political editor, who described the events as a political stunt designed to  portray Labour favourably ahead of May’s local elections, with ‘the appearance of cultivated media management’.

Now, with the elections just weeks away, Labour’s printed claim that Lib Dems plan to cut the Freedom Pass rests on a single comment from Liberal Democrat Cllr Ian Manders of Kingston upon Thames at a meeting of London Councils – the same body chaired by Claire Holland.

The smear campaign has attracted widespread outrage. Chris French, the Liberal Democrat candidate for Oval and a serious contender for Holland’s seat, told Brixton Buzz that Lambeth Labour and their leader are “panicked by the sustained challenge against their record in Lambeth”, and that to claim the Lib Dems plan to cut the Freedom Pass is “at best disingenuous, at worst desperation”.

“Cllr Holland knows full well the Lib Dems support the Freedom Pass. It’s genuinely scandalous.” – Chris French, Liberal Democrat candidate for Oval.

Ola Aralepo, Green candidate for Oval, said the falling polls are pushing Labour to “try all sorts of tricks to detract from their poor performance” and called on voters to be vigilant.

“It is a new level of low and a desperate attempt to cling on to power when Labour’s grip in London is easing.” – Ola Aralepo, Green Party candidate for Oval.

“They’ve had a toxic monopoly in the borough for so long they must actually believe their own lies.

 

People on the doorsteps are telling me that they voted Labour in good faith but their lives got worse, and they’re just not buying Labour any more.” – Laura Graham, Your Party-endorsed independent candidate for St Martin’s.

“A routine review quietly authorised, then weaponised via anonymous briefings, and then ‘blocked’ for a press release – is simply Labour putting party political advantage above honest governance”. – Eduardo Salgado, SIU candidate for North Brixton

Professor Tony Travers of the London School of Economics, as reported by BBC News, has predicted Labour could face a “political earthquake” in the London local elections. In a recent Lambeth profile, he named Oval, Holland’s own seat, as one of the wards where the Liberal Democrats pose a particular threat.

This is not the first time Labour in London has run this attack line. In 2007, the party was challenged after claiming the Liberal Democrats wanted to end the Freedom Pass; the claim was shown to be false then and is being shown to be false again now.

With just over three weeks to polling day on 7 May, voter registration closes at midnight on Sunday 20 April.

Brixton Buzz will be setting out the full slate of candidates across each ward and following election developments as they occur.

Primary Sources

London Councils Leaders’ Committee members 
London Councils Transport and Environment Committee – 4 December 2025 papers 

News coverage

Evening Standard, 14 January 2026: Freedom pass saved! Labour councils block threat to free travel for over-65s in London
Yahoo News mirror (accessible version of the Standard piece)
Inside Croydon, 5 January 2026: £372m Freedom Pass is ‘more than boroughs can afford’ 
Inside Croydon, 16 January 2026: Labour councils pledge to uphold Londoners’ Freedom Pass

Legal and charity commentary

Lawyer Monthly, 8 January 2026: London Freedom Pass 2026: Legal Locks May Block Tube Cuts
Age UK London, Freedom Pass Campaign 2026

Party rebuttal

Lambeth Liberal Democrats fact-check on the Freedom Pass row

More Info

• Lambeth Council elections: 7 May 2026
• Lambeth Green Party Candidates
• Shake It Up
• Lib Dem Candidates
  
• Laura Graham Insta

Lambeth Labour was approached for comment on this story and did not respond.

Lambeth Greens have turned Labour’s own attack leaflet format back on them with a mimic leaflet calling out what they describe as Labour’s repeated lies in the run-up to the 7 May local elections.

Lisa Schulkind, Green candidate in Knight’s Hill, told Brixton Buzz that she was really shocked that Lambeth Labour are putting out lies in their literature to voters, “it’s absolutely appalling” she said.

Shulkind pointed out that Labour while have had control of the council for over 20 years they have presided over an abject failure to build adequate housing for local people or even to refurbish the many homes which have been boarded up and empty for years – hence the highest housing waiting list of any London borough.

“Labour have told 857 lies to cling to power but we couldn’t fit them all on one leaflet.” – Lisa Shulkind, Green Party candidate Knight’s Hill.

Brixton Buzz understands that the mimic artwork is on its way to the printer and should be appearing in letterboxes near you before the local elections on 7th May, but in the meantime don’t forget:

Voter registration for the 7 May local elections closes at midnight on Sunday 20 April.

Residents can register at gov.uk/register-to-vote.

The Full Flyer

Flyer design by Michael Ball, Green Party candidate for Kennington.

More Info

• Lambeth Green Party Candidates
• Shake It Up
• Lib Dem Candidates
  
• Lisa Shulkind Insta
• Laura Graham (Your Party) Insta

Theatre Peckham has unveiled Peckham Fringe 2026, presenting more than 30 shows curated by the local community.

Showcasing bold and socially resonant storytelling, the festival will run from 2 May to 5 June at Theatre Peckham and Canada Water Theatre, bringing together theatre, dance, comedy and spoken word reflecting the diversity and lived experiences of South London.

This year’s festival carries particular significance as it also opens Theatre Peckham’s 40th anniversary year, marking four decades since the organisation was founded in 1986 as New Peckham Varieties – a small community arts project that has grown into one of South London’s most distinctive cultural venues.

Opening the festival is WITNESS, a stage adaptation of the award-winning author Alex Wheatle’s novel, created as part of the Alex Wheatle Witness Project for Young Actors.

Set in South London, the production follows a teenage boy drawn into a dangerous crowd after exclusion from school, and explores the life-changing choices he must make between truth, loyalty and protecting his family.

Directed by Theatre Peckham’s Artistic Director Suzann McLean, this powerful opening performance highlights youth identity, family and social responsibility, setting the tone for a season dedicated to stories of belonging, resilience and self-discovery.

The 2026 programme presents an extraordinary range of work, engaging with themes of identity, community, social justice and cultural expression. Productions explore the complexities of intergenerational relationships, gender and queer narratives, migration and marginalised voices.

Works such as Four Walled Boyfriend examine queer and feminist experiences, while politically charged pieces including The Infinite Colours on The Drinks Aisle and Repatriated interrogate nationalism, immigration and social division. Audiences will also find laughter and sharp social commentary in shows such as Pack It Up, Selam Aleykum, I Come in Peace and PLEASE THANK YOU SORRY, offering nuanced reflections on identity, culture and power.

Returning features such as One Legacy – Monologue Showcase and Poetry Foyer, the theatre’s much-loved spoken word night created in partnership with Poetic Unity, sit alongside new performances addressing youth, education and hyper-local stories.

Productions including Our Father, Convo., Debris, June’s Story, Romeo Must Die and God’s Gift explore family, mentorship, intergenerational trauma and community resilience, while Roots and Cornershop Chronicles tackle migration, gentrification and the challenges faced by diverse communities.

The festival also showcases innovative artistic forms, from ballet in Pointe Black: Overcome to AI-driven narratives in zoë.exe and sensory-rich dark comedy in A Perfect Dish, reflecting Peckham Fringe’s commitment to experimentation and boundary-pushing performance.

Now in its fifth year, Peckham Fringe continues to break down barriers for artists at every stage of their careers, offering a platform for voices that are often underrepresented while encouraging bold storytelling and creative experimentation.

As part of Theatre Peckham’s wider approach to nurturing talent, Peckham Fringe plays a vital role in a connected pathway that supports artists from first creative experiences through to presenting work on stage.

The festival thrives on the collaboration of Theatre Peckham’s Ambassadors, a dedicated group of local community members whose insights ensure the programme reflects a broad spectrum of perspectives, ambitions and creativity.

More info

Peckham Fringe 2026
Saturday 2 May – Friday 5 June 2026. Varying days and times
Theatre Peckham, 221 Havil Street, London SE5 7SB and Canada Water Theatre (Canada Water Library), 21 Surrey Quays Rd, London SE16 7AR
Box Office:  www.theatrepeckham.co.uk or on 020 7708 5401. Tickets from £5 – £15.
Full Programme: https://www.theatrepeckham.co.uk/peckham-fringe-2026-full-listings/

Here’s the sad sight of a glorious horse chestnut tree which has come down in Ruskin Park.

Horse chestnut trees typically live for about 300 years, although we don’t know what brought down this fine example.

If you have any ideas, please add your thoughts in the comments section below.

The Woodland Trust has posted this video showing a year in the life of a horse chestnut tree:

More about Ruskin Park

• Friends of Ruskin Park
• Official website
• Ruskin Park listing as a Historic Park (Historic England)
• See hundreds of our park photos here

Join the discussion

• Discuss Ruskin Park on the community forum (200 posts)

The Electric Belles have space for new singers to join their women and non-binary people a Capella choir this summer term.

Whether you’re a pro singer or have never sung in a choir before, the Belles is perfect for you.

It’s low cost (£30 per term, reduced rates or free slots if that’s an obstacle), non-audition and run by a group of volunteers.

They sing at Studio Z, a short walk from Brixton Tube on Tuesdays 7-8.30pm.

Term starts 14 April 2026 and runs to 7 July, finishing off with a relaxed summer concert 12 July for friends and family.

It’s a perfect time for new members to join – there’s no need to read music, it’s a relaxed term and everyone is very friendly.

If you’re interested, sign up here  or get in touch with the Belles via their instagram: @electricbellesbrixton or email Electricbelles@gmail.com

Lambeth Liberal Democrats have penned an open letter to Labour’s Councillor Adilypour voicing their concerns over the redevelopment of International House and Pop Brixton “primarily into luxury flats, commercial units and retail units.”

We’ve reproduced it in full below:

International House and Pop Brixton

 

I am writing to express my deep concern over Labour’s plans, approved at the Planning Applications Committee shortly before Easter, for the redevelopment of International House and Pop Brixton primarily into luxury flats, commercial units and retail units.

 

I do not accept that the inclusion of some affordable homes and community space is enough to justify the development as it stands. I believe that it represents a significant failure of trust by the Labour Administration when compared to previous undertakings in relation to this site.

 

The Liberal Democrats support the need for additional homes in Lambeth. The record of the current Labour Administration, with its Homes for Lambeth debacle, is one of over-crowding, unacceptably long waiting lists, and people living in unsuitable homes. Labour’s failures have left a legacy of despair for too many residents.

 

So we strongly support the creation of new homes.

 

But those must be homes that are suitable for the needs of local people.

The redevelopment of International House and Pop Brixton will now include just 34% affordable housing, according to the Officer report to the Planning Applications Committee, 24 March 2026, alongside 190 luxury apartments out of the reach of local people.

 

This is a huge drop from the original promise of 50% in 2021, and even below the revised figure of 40% agreed with London Square in 2024. That figure was confirmed by you before the Overview and Scrutiny Committee on 2 December 2024, the minutes of which go further:

 

“Responding to Committee Members’ questions on whether they were any guarantees on the promise that 40% of the homes would be defined as affordable rent, the Deputy Leader (Housing, Investment & New Homes) told the Committee that even though the minimum was now 40%, he hoped that the Council would learn from its experience with the Somerleyton regeneration where the Council was able to yield more than 50% of the homes built at affordable rent which was higher than originally expected.”

 

Please could you explain the reason for meeting neither your promise to provide 40% affordable housing in this development nor your hope of providing 50%?

 

Labour promised in A Place We Can All Call Home, its housing strategy for 2024-2030, that it would deliver 50% affordable housing on Council-owned developments. Lambeth residents will treat future promises with suspicion based on the experience of the current development.

 

Lambeth Lib Dems absolutely support the building of new homes, but they must support the needs of local people.

 

The new development covers a huge site in the heart of Brixton. There will be a 20-storey building and an 18-storey building, which will dwarf the surrounding area.

 

Historic England stated in its consultation response that “the proposed tall buildings would harm [the Brixton Conservation Area’s] character and appearance and would notably exceed the height parameters of the adopted site allocation” (Officer report cited above, p41).

 

I note that the accommodation in these blocks will be on the upper floors, further restricting its suitability for people on the social rent waiting list. Other affordable homes are in a smaller six-storey block, with lower-level accommodation, but these will be above market trader facilities, calling into question Labour’s interest in peace and quiet for less well-off residents.

 

I am very concerned about the consultation process in connection with this scheme. It is no ordinary development, and one would expect the Council to go above and beyond in ensuring that there is buy-in from the community.

 

Yet the consultation opened just ten days before Christmas, was publicised on 19 December 2025 and ended on 19 January 2026. That was not adequate.

 

Despite this, according to the Officer report, out of 732 properties consulted on the application, only 10 responses were supportive. 53 responses, more than five times as many, objected.

 

However, I note that in the Capital Programme, published before the planning application had been decided, over £3.5m had already been allocated to decoupling International House from the Brixton Recreation Centre.

 

It seems that the views of local residents and community groups take a back seat to Labour’s dealings with developers.

Among the organisations to respond, Historic England, as noted, “confirms that there would be harm caused to the significance of the [Brixton Conservation Area]” (Officer report, paras 3.1.12-14), while the Metropolitan Police state that additional policing needs would require a £94,000 capital contribution in mitigation.

 

This sorry saga has already seen Labour’s ambitions reduced, for instance in losing the right of first refusal to buy private homes as originally intended, in reducing the amount of commercial floorspace significantly, and in reducing the anticipated land receipt, all accepted in 2024, while the number of affordable properties has now collapsed.

 

The new agreement seems to have been prompted by Labour failing the Government’s Housing Delivery Test, which, as noted by Officers, leads to a presumption in favour of approval under the so-called “tilted balance” test.

 

The community groups currently using the site will pay dearly for Labour’s failings, as will their service users. Their occupancy will reduce from over 7,500 square metres to just over 1,500 square metres. Those groups come primarily from the Black and ethnic minority communities, demonstrating Labour’s inability to live up to the needs of the people of Lambeth.

 

I look forward to hearing from you.

With all best wishes,

 

Councillor Donna Harris

Leader of the Liberal Democrat Council Group

More info

• Save Nour, Save Brixton

Join the community discussion

• Planning Application for Pop Site and International House (2025)

Background

• Two towers, 288 homes and the end of Pop Brixton: major redevelopment plans submitted for Brixton Station Road and International House site
• Petition launched to save Brixton’s community-focused International House from redevelopment

Following on from yesterday’s photo report of Dulwich Hamlet’s grim afternoon at Welling United, Buzz snapper Max has posted up this set of bonus photos.

More info

• See more photos, match stats and league table here.

The Bright Morning Star Prisons and Homelessness Outreach service are now providing a regular stall outside Brixton Police station.

Offering information, signposting and food sharing for Canterbury Crescent Estate and vulnerable people in Brixton, they will be in attendance during the following times and days:

Mondays: 1pm to 6pm
Wednesdays:,1pm to 6pm
Fridays: 1pm to 6pm

Outside Brixton Police Station, SW9

More info

• Bright Morning Star Prisons and Homelessness Outreach

The two phone boxes by Brixton tube station have always been a magnet for drug dealing and anti social behaviour, but we’re not convinced by their new, jet-black replacement, which is dominated by a massive advertising screen.

Described as “bloody awful” and a “monstrous mish mash” of a design on the Brixton forum, the billboard with a phone attached now provides a perfect concealed space for  drug deals and al fresco urination.

It does contain a defibrillator – which is, of course, good – but we really have to wonder if they thought this design through.

Update

The advertising screen is now on and it’s already got a poster stuck on the front of it,

Phone box features

We’ve been documenting the disappearance of phone boxes from the streets of Brixton with these photo features:

• Photo feature: the knackered pair of phone boxes on Brixton Road, May 2019
• Photo feature: The tatty old phoneboxes of Brixton, Feb 2019
• Photo feature: Brixton’s decrepit phone boxes, Aug 2018
• Photo feature: the last of the telephone boxes in Brixton, Feb 2016

Join the local conversation

• Brixton news

There’s no point trying to sugar-coat this performance by Dulwich Hamlet as it was simply awful.

Limp, uninspired and dull as ditch-water to watch, it’s an afternoon we’re keen to forget, but if you want to relive the misery, scroll down to relive some of the (ahem) ‘action.’

Depressingly, Welling’s main street is filled with flapping cheap flags, posted up at half mast by ‘patriots.’

For fans of wobbly concrete and amassed metal gates, Welling is a must-see.

Hamlet fans offer some sage advice to the Welling keeper.

Nature reclaims the Tannoy.

Half time: 0-0 and the plumbers get to work.

Inside the Fan Zone.

Sky bar.

Space port docking bays.

Take a chair. Any chair.

The Tea Bar With No Name.

While the football was dreadful, there was at least some attractive trees to look at.

Welling took the lead in the 57th minute.  Waheey! went the home crowd.

Welling’s squad numbers apparently added up to 534.

Tony Howard makes it 2-0 to the hosts in the 64th minute.

There was a decent selection  of food and snacks on offer but the loo queues were immense.

A well stocked condiment table.

Full time: Welling 2-0 Hamlet. Thank God that’s over.

On the Hamlet forum, fans added their thoughts:

PP: Very disappointing in the end. First half was rubbish but we looked good for the opening phase after the break and were pressing for the first goal, which came against the run of play when Welling forced a corner and scored from a far post header.

 

A second goal 7 minutes later ended the game as a contest. Far too much pedestrian square passing in deep positions for me, especially after we fell behind.

 

The blond Orient centre back who was terrorised by Mills in the London Senior semi-final resurfaced at right back for Welling and played pretty well, whilst also exhibiting the typical low level gamesmanship which is clearly coached into all aspiring young professionals these days.

 

E: By fuck that was absolutely shite.

Join the match discussion

• • Welling Utd vs Dulwich Hamlet, Sat 11th April 2026

Match stats

League table

Get behind the Hamlet!

• Dulwich Hamlet FC forum
• All the photos and match reports at dulwichhamlet.org
• Official website
• Dulwich Hamlet on Twitter
• DHFC Women
• Dulwich Hamlet Supporters’ Trust
• Dulwich Hamlet TV
• Dulwich Hamlet Radio

Join the discussion

• Dulwich Hamlet forum (over 100,000 messages)
• Dulwich Hamlet Women’s team on the forum (over 1,000 posts)

 Dulwich Hamlet FC info

Dulwich Hamlet FC
Champion Hill Stadium,
Edgar Kail Way, London SE22 8BD

Opposition candidates standing in the May 7th local elections have united in condemnation of Lambeth Labour’s election leaflets, releasing detailed research that lays bare what they describe as a ‘truly appalling’ housing record built up over twenty years in power.

Independent candidate Laura Graham, endorsed by Your Party for St Martin’s ward, led the charge, describing an abandoned Tulse Hill development site as “a monument to Labour’s abysmal building record”. Meanwhile, Cllr Scott Ainslie for the Greens and Liberal Democrat Chris Nicholson have supplied Brixton Buzz with forensic rebuttals of the leaflets’ claims and substantial evidence of the record Labour does not want voters to see.

“This 857 figure is completely made up. Lambeth hasn’t even approved 857 affordable homes since 2022 for anyone to try and block.

 

They are desperately trying to avert attention from the fact that they’ve built no council housing whatsoever in six of the last eight years, and only 72 in all that time.” – Cllr Scott Ainslie, Lambeth Green Party leader.

Government figures cited by the Greens show Lambeth has delivered around 2% of its social housing target over the last eight years. Neighbouring Southwark built 1,742 social rent homes over the same period.

However this week, an unnamed Labour spokesperson responded to our article Labour’s election leaflets condemned as ‘pure fabrication’, doubling down on the claim. When BB asked them to verify the figure with a breakdown, council minutes or other public documentation, they too went silent.

Lambeth Labour’s ‘roll of shame’

The Liberal Democrats have compiled a fully-sourced “roll of shame” setting out Lambeth’s record against other councils across the country.

According to official data cited by the party:

• Lambeth is the most complained-about council to the Housing Ombudsman, with the highest rate of maladministration upheld
• It is the third worst council in the country for tenant satisfaction, scoring 47% against a national median of 72%, placing it fifth from bottom of more than 350 councils and housing associations with over 1,000 homes
• It has the longest housing waiting list in the country, joint with Newham, at 38,131 households in 2024/25
• It is the only council in the country to receive an emergency loan from the government to shore up its council housing finances
• It has paid out more on housing disrepair claims than any other council in the country
• It sits in the bottom third of London boroughs for council housebuilding, and is not in the top 50 nationally

In 2024/25, Lambeth completed 41 new council homes, Southwark completed 689, while Lewisham completed 533.

Figures obtained through a members’ enquiry by Cllr Ben Curtis show that between 2021 and 2025, Lambeth lost 253 council homes through Right to Buy sales and demolished a further 18, while building 194 new social rent homes through Homes for Lambeth and Section 106 agreements.

The council’s own direct build figure over those four years was zero.

Chris Nicholson, Liberal Democrat candidate for Clapham Common & Abbeville, said:

“Lambeth Labour’s housing record is truly appalling. They are now making wild accusations against opposition parties to try to divert attention from their failings.

 

But Lambeth tenants suffering from repairs not done or badly done, and homeless families languishing in overcrowded bed and breakfast accommodation because not enough houses are being built, will not be fooled.

 

Lambeth Labour’s day of reckoning will come on May 7th.” – Chris Nicholson, Liberal Democrat candidate.

“A monument to Labour’s abysmal building record”

“As locals, we’ve discussed how this site could be regenerated into much-needed, truly affordable council housing, but as ever, visionless Lambeth Labour has ignored it for years.

 

Both of the incumbent Labour councillors live locally but have simply ignored this eyesore while the two new Labour candidates don’t even live in the area.

 

“After twenty years, the figures show what Labour has delivered. No wonder they resort to lying leaflets.” – Laura Graham, Your Party supported independent candidate for St Martin’s.

With four weeks to go until polling day on 7th May, Lambeth Labour is defending its twenty-year majority against the Greens, the Liberal Democrats, a growing field of independents, as well as Conservative and far-right Reform UK candidates who are standing across most wards.

Brixton Buzz will be setting out the full slate of candidates across each ward and following election developments as they occur.

Filtered

UK election law, specifically Section 106 of the Representation of the People Act 1983, bans false statements of fact about a candidate’s personal character or conduct, but does not cover misleading claims about policies, records or statistics.

So Lambeth Labour could literally say that Green Party policy caused the Great Depression of 1929 and are in secret talks with Donald Trump to invade Greenland, and there’s no recourse under election law.

It’s farcical, and slightly insulting, but of course some people can be fooled by any old rubbish that lands in their letterbox, and of course that’s why Labour is silent on where the 857 figure comes from, and not providing any public records to back up the claim.

Sure, perhaps the proof will materialise, but it’s surreal to say the least that the council with some of the worst records on housing in the UK and complete control over all policy in the borough is attempting to pin the blame on the tiny handful of opposition councillors.

It’s also not lost on me that the front page of the new Lambeth Labour manifesto proudly boasts ‘Borough of the Year 2025’ and pictures the West Norwood and Carnegie libraries.

Hang on, doesn’t Lambeth continually cut library budgets and have a long history of trying to shut them down? I’m baffled, just baffled, how can they print this stuff with a straight face?

Of course millions of people still believe that the Labour Party represents the best interests of working people. And some people think the party can move back to the left. Personally I think it’s time to rip it up and start again.

More Info

Data supplied by Greens and Lib Dems is referenced in the following links:

• Housing Delivery Test: 2023 Measurement
• Live tables on affordable housing supply
• Exceptional Financial Support for local authorities for 2025-26
• Councils spend £45m on legal disrepair claims in four years (Inside Housing)
• Biggest Council House Builders 2025 (Inside Housing)

Next Saturday, 18th April, the Friends of Carnegie Library are hosting an event to celebrate the Carnegie Library occupation ten years ago.

They say: “If you were there, come and share your stories, photos and souvenirs – if you weren’t, come and find out what happened!”

Here’s what happened

On 31 March 2016, Lambeth Council closed the Carnegie Library in Herne Hill for an indefinite period, to install an unwanted gym – despite borough-wide ridicule and furious, sustained local opposition.

Local residents refused to leave and remained in occupation for 9 days. Occupiers ranged in age from 70+ to 10 months.

The occupation attracted huge support. It featured widely on TV news, national and international press.

Lambeth residents galore brought food, basic supplies from soap to blankets, and even wine.

Visitors included a junior doctors’ march, St Saviour’s church, and top authors Toby Litt, Francesca Simon and Stella Duffy – who collected a petition of over 200 supporting authors.

When the occupiers left, following a court order, they marched with over 1,000 supporters to Lambeth Town Hall and held the biggest rally seen in Windrush Square for decades.

Lambeth council took absolutely no notice.

Alterations proceeded, including removing the kitchen, spoiling the garden and making changes that mean all the community groups that used the building are now completely priced out.

Bizarrely, Labour election leaflets boast: “Carnegie Library Hub has been transformed into a community hub.” It has certainly been transformed.

More info

Remembering the Carnegie Library
Saturday 18 April 2026
2pm refreshments, 3-4:30pm Reunion
Carnegie Library, 188 Herne Hill Road, SE24 0DG
All welcome!

• Hosted by The Friends of Carnegie Library

Brixton Buzz photos archive

•  In photos – Carnegie Library Occupation, Thurs 31st March 2016
• Occupation of Lambeth’s Carnegie Library continues into second day
• In photos: Carnegie Library Occupation, Day 3. Campaigners defiant but supplies requested
• Lambeth issues possession order as Carnegie Library campaigners stand firm on Day 5 of their occupation
• Carnegie Library occupation enters Day 6 as campaigners raise questions about the Lambeth/GLL gym connection
• Photos: Carnegie Library campaigners march to Brixton Windrush Square
• See all our articles

The Brixton Neighbourhood Forum will be holding a Hustings for candidates from all parties contesting seats in the  area for the upcoming  elections.

It will be held on Monday 27 April from 7 pm at the St. Matthew’s Estate Tenants Hall, near the North end of St. Matthew’s Road, SW2, ahead of the Lambeth Council elections on Thursday 7^th May.

The Brixton Neighbourhood Forum covers 3 complete Council wards – North Brixton, Brixton Acre Lane and Brixton Windrush – plus parts of Brixton Rush Common and Herne Hill & Loughborough Junction.

They welcome your questions in advance to put candidates on the spot – send to apiperbrix@aol.com – but they will also take them on the night if time allows.

More info

Council elections hustings, hosted by the Brixton Neighbourhood Forum
7pm, Monday 27 April 2026
St. Matthew’s Estate Tenants Hall, near the North end of St. Matthew’s Road, SW2.

If you’ve ever ever fancied trying out Morris Dancing, here’s your chance as local troupe the Brixton Tatterjacks are hosting an Open Practice in Brockwell Park this Sunday, 12th April 2026 at 11am.

Brixton Tatterjacks Morris are Brixton’s Morris side, established in 2017 who practice in Herne Hill every Tuesday night.

They have a busy schedule of events, performing at festivals, dance-outs and gigs throughout the year.

They told Brixton Buzz:

We are a diverse bunch, welcoming and LGBTQI+ -friendly, so do come and say hello, and join in the fun!

 

Our Open Practice is this coming Sunday in Brockwell Park, at the flat area near the Lido main entrance. If you can’t find us, listen for the bells

 

All are welcome, whether you’re new to Morris-dancing, or you’ve done it before. Who knows, you might decide to stick around and join us!

 

This open practice is FREE, and afterwards we’ll head to the pub.

More info

Morris Dancing Open Practice with the Brixton Tatterjacks
Brockwell Park (near the Lido_
Sunday 12th April 2026, 11am-1pm

Tatterjacks on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/tatterjacks/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tatterjacks/

Home-Start Lambeth returns to Effra Social for another community quiz night this April, raising funds for its work supporting families across the borough. Organisers promise friendly rounds, prizes and plenty of Brixton spirit – bring a team or join one on the night.

Home-Start Lambeth supports parents with babies and children under five through trained volunteers, offering practical and emotional help when extra pressures – illness, isolation or financial struggles – make parenting tougher. The local scheme has been active since 1998 and is part of the national Home-Start network, which focuses on the crucial early years of a child’s development.

One parent supported by the charity said:

“Volunteer support was life changing. I feel like my life is really different today than when I first started with you guys. I never felt judged or ashamed of where I was at.”

More Info

• Effra Social, 89 Effra Road, SW2 1DF, Monday 20 April 2026, 7:00-10:30pm
• Tickets via Eventbrite
• Organiser: Home-Start
• Format: General-knowledge quiz, prizes, teams up to 6 welcome (or join one on the night)
• Accessibility: There are steps into the venue – please check access details directly with Effra Social

South London abstract artist Courtenay Kusitor opens her first solo exhibition, Unconscious / Conscious / Aligned, at Herne Hill’s Grade II listed Carnegie Library this month, bringing together three years of work shaped by her recovery from a near-fatal accident.

Kusitor was told she was lucky to be alive after suffering a spinal injury during a winter storm on Camberwell New Road. The accident marked a turning point, and the paintings in the show reflect her deepening engagement with consciousness, awareness and resilience.
Working in an expressive abstract style, she uses colour and gesture to explore presence and perception.

The exhibition also features a selection of books that helped shape the work, offering an insight into the thinking behind the series.

More Info

• Unconscious / Conscious / Aligned by Courtenay Kusitor
• Saturday 18th – Monday 20th April 2026, 10am – 6pm
• Carnegie Library, Herne Hill Road, SE24

Flyer

Eviction of 27 independent businesses based in Brixton shopping centre prevented by High Court injunction following protest on Monday.

On 6 March, Lambeth Council granted consent for the refurbishment of Brixton Plaza, a shopping centre on Brixton Road.

Shortly after, the owner, Governside Limited, an overseas entity, served eviction notices to tenants, giving them four weeks to vacate their units.

Brixton Plaza, like Brixton Mall and SW9 Plaza, is situated in a locally listed, former department store on Brixton Road, built in the 1920’s.

The intimate shopping arcades have long been inhabited by independent restaurants, cafes, hair salons, barbers and clothing retailers run by ethnically diverse owners.

Around 100 people gathered on Monday to condemn the treatment faced by the businesses before marching on Lambeth Town Hall.

The protest was organised alongside traders by Ruby Bukhari and Joanne Scott, independent candidates running under the Shake It Up umbrella in the upcoming local elections in Lambeth.

Bukhari wrote, “We will not stay silent. We will stand with our local businesses. We will fight for the justice they deserve.”

On 8 April, the day the landlord warned water and electric would be turned off, a group of 27 traders, represented by human rights lawyer Jacqueline McKenzie of law firm Leigh Day, were granted an injunction in the High Court. Leigh Day said:

“The High Court has ordered that the traders must not be evicted or prevented from trading unless and until the landlord Brixton Plaza Management and Governside Limited, obtains lawful authority, including a court order.” – Jacqueline McKenzie, Leigh Day

“This is what happens when a community stands strong, speaks up, and refuses to be ignored. Together, we made our voices heard – and it mattered.” – Ruby Bukhari, Shake it Up.

She further applauded Jacqueline McKenzie, “It’s people like this – community leaders who fight for us – that remind us we can fight for our spaces, our voices, and our future.”

Throughout the last month, traders have voiced shock and sadness at the short notice of their eviction and the poor communication they feel they received.

Cathe Figueiredo, who owns the Afro-Brazilian restaurant, Delicathe Gourmet, alongside her brother Deri, claims the stress resulted in the loss of her five-month pregnancy. “It’s so hard for me because it’s my dream, it’s my life, and I lost my daughter,” said Figueiredo to the crowd gathered on Monday.

James Vasco was the owner of a barber shop who opened his business only one month ago, stating that the abrupt termination of his tenancy, and resultant loss of significant investment, was not forewarned by the building manager.

Speaking to Vittles Magazine, Vasco said, “We’re all small businesses. Something like this can destroy people.”

Another trader claims to have invested over £50,000 into her space, as well as for improvements to make the building safe and habitable. She said, “I’m so surprised that they can give us one month notice. I think that is not enough for us […] to find a shop, to carry our loads. […] So now, I don’t know what to do.”

The Planning and Heritage Statement that accompanied the planning application reads, “[The] development, in the guise of regeneration, must be undertaken with care to prevent the area becoming ‘sanitised’ which would alter its character.”

It has since been reported that there are plans to replace the space with an Aldi supermarket. Jacqueline McKenzie said:

“It is deeply concerning that the site owners have conditional planning permission for an Aldi supermarket, yet our clients have had no consultation on compensation or on whether they may have a place in any future development.” – Jacqueline McKenzie, Leigh Day

The events of Brixton Plaza echo the eviction of traders at Ridley Road Shopping Village, an indoor market in Dalston, just last week, as well as those in Castle Square in Elephant & Castle last year.

Another nearby campaign has also gained traction within the community. International House, a council-owned affordable workspace occupied by over 100 local charities and community organisations, is set to be redeveloped into housing in partnership with London Square, a property developer linked to Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, Mubadala Investment Company.

Article by Kiran Benning