Background to Brixton Splash
On Sunday 13th August 2006, the community of Brixton, supported by Lambeth Council and the Metropolitan Police Service, held a street festival centred on Coldharbour Lane - this event was called 'Brixton Splash 2006'.
There was a range of attractions at the event including live music, poetry, art exhibitions, street theatre, crafts, children's activities, food sales, sound systems and domino competitions. The purpose was to showcase the vibrant face of Brixton and positively re-brand the area after the extensive negative publicity, marking the 25th anniversary of the April 1981 disorders.
Despite being locally advertised, the festival attracted over 5,000 local people and engendered very positive media coverage. The festival was the brainchild of Ros Griffiths (Social Entrepreneur) and Blacker Dread (DJ, Reggae Producer)
Introduction to Brixton Splash
Following the success of 2006, the feedback showed that there has been a significant community desire to build Brixton Splash into an annual occasion to celebrate how far the local community has come from the difficult days of 1981 and to celebrate Brixton as the internationally recognised, diverse cultural centre that it is now.
At a meeting of key community figures, a theme of making Brixton 'famous rather than infamous' emerged. It was also acknowledged that creating an inclusive governance structure, involving local people, businesses and other statutory agencies to shape Brixton Splash 2007 could work as a powerful process of building community cohesion and capacity, whilst demonstrating the social responsibility and commitment of partners to Brixton.
Brixton Splash 2007 is a community- led event aimed at celebrating the diversity of the Brixton community; it’s progress through the years and the fusion of the numerous ethnic groups, which now call Brixton home. It is a celebration of peaceful relations, vibrant living in Brixton and Brixton’s nurture and contribution to the wider population including the recent rise of one of Brixton’s sons, Levi Roots and his ‘Reggae Reggae Sauce’. The event aims to involve people from all walks of life, providing something for everyone to participate and enjoy themselves.
Brixton Splash vision
The vision of Brixton Splash is to:
"Create an annual event clearly demonstrating that Brixton has moved on beyond the 25 years after the Brixton disorders"
The Brixton Splash aims
- Present a business case for diversity
- Promote the vibrant face of Brixton
- Promote volunteering opportunities leading to Olympic 2012 and beyond
- Create collaborative working partnerships with the local community, Lambeth Police, Lambeth Council and businesses