OPINION: WHY WE MUST SAVE BRIXTON WINDMILL
Why Martha Mckay of Pretty Preachers Club band is calling for help to save her favourite venue
Goat Girl in 2019 at Brixton Windmill
With adorable roof-top dogs, the wonderful taste of ice-cold Guinness and an electric ethos of live music in every genre, The Windmill has gained a special place in many hearts, including my own. It really is no wonder that the venue gained a top spot in Time Out’s list as one of the UK’s best gig spots, branded “Your new favourite venue”. Inside the bar the atmosphere is astounding, you’ve never quite seen anything like it, perfectly encapsulating an eccentric and eclectic mix of British gig cultures from local folk to head-banging hard-rock bands from across the country. And, what’s even better, is that the tickets are usually under a fiver, so you get your dream live music experience all for the price of a plate of chips!
Alas, sadly, this is not a loving review of my favourite place. Instead, this is a desperate call to save the Brixton Windmill from extinction. The Covid pandemic has hit our arts sector hard. We are losing so many incredible music venues, theatres and potential artists and nearly every industry member is suffering. The biggest loss I believe is that of independent theatres and venues, as they are the ones introducing the new generations of music and performance. Without them, the music industry will not survive and consequently, thousands of dreams and careers will disappear. Entertainment as a whole will crumble like a digestive in the hands of the present government; it really sickens me that the people of Britain are having to take these matters into their own hands and raise the money themselves to keep the venues open, due to the lack of crucial funds.
Independent venues are vital, not only for the music industry, but for the nation’s mental health. Entertainment aids happiness; a beautiful distraction from everything else going on in the world (which is important now more than ever). Music and theatre help us dissect feelings, understand world issues and give us freedom of expression. The arts make us feel a part of something and remind us that we are not alone. During the first lockdown, Britain found solace and comfort in the many entertainment forms the performing industry had to offer: TV shows, films, music, pre-recorded sets, livestream gigs - without these, lockdown would have been far less bearable.
The fact of the matter is, small venues (like The Windmill) are our support system and they need our help. They introduce us to hundreds of opportunities and help to bring communities together; I for one, met my best friend at an intimate gig. Small venues are responsible for most of my favourite memories with friends and family and there truly is no better feeling than discovering a brand-new band or artist in a venue you love; Shoutout to Stella Donnelly, Courting and Sports Team!
Because these under-rated venues are being abandoned by the government, it is crucial that we work together to keep them alive.
Here’s what you can do to help:
Share the appeal on social media
Write to the local Streatham MP HERE
Donate to help Brixton Windmill stay open HERE
Independent venues are vital, not only for the music industry, but for the nation’s mental health. Entertainment aids happiness; a beautiful distraction from everything else going on in the world (which is important now more than ever). Music and theatre help us dissect feelings, understand world issues and give us freedom of expression. The arts make us feel a part of something and remind us that we are not alone. During the first lockdown, Britain found solace and comfort in the many entertainment forms the performing industry had to offer: TV shows, films, music, pre-recorded sets, livestream gigs - without these, lockdown would have been far less bearable.
The fact of the matter is, small venues (like The Windmill) are our support system and they need our help. They introduce us to hundreds of opportunities and help to bring communities together; I for one, met my best friend at an intimate gig. Small venues are responsible for most of my favourite memories with friends and family and there truly is no better feeling than discovering a brand-new band or artist in a venue you love; Shoutout to Stella Donnelly, Courting and Sports Team!
Because these under-rated venues are being abandoned by the government, it is crucial that we work together to keep them alive.
Here’s what you can do to help: