Opening Night kicks off weekend of music

The Brockley Max festival opened with a bang last night with hundreds of people enjoying the fantastic live performances organised by Ben Swan and Richard Swan and introduced by our inimitable MC Dre – who even took a turn on the keyboards when guitarist and singer Yasu invited other musicians to jam along with him.

Other brilliant acts included The Hitmen, Las Pachas, Hummy Mummies choir and Lewisham rapper Koder – whose sizable following turned out in force, as you can see from the photo – and our brilliant headline act, reggae artist Ras Keith.

There’s more music this weekend with different acts each night at The Ladywell Tavern, which is running a local music showcase throughout Brockley Max and has teamed up with Brockley Brewery to host the Brockley Brewery Beer and Music Festival.

For a more refined experience, head to St Hilda’s Church Hall where Neighhourhood Concerts perform Afternoon Tea At The Opera. The free event (donations welcome) is ideal for families, starts at 3.30pm and features lots of opera favourites.

Jam Circus has a vinyl night on Saturday from 9pm (free entry) featuring rockabilly, rhythm ‘n’ blues courtesy of Surf City Sounds and a chill out on Sunday lunchtime with saxophonist Jerry Palmer.

At The Talbot you can go back to the 1970s on Saturday night with Bazooka Jo’s classic disco tunes – retro disco dress is encouraged – and enjoy a mellow Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm with the sax-led jazz quartet Atmos.

To see all the Brockley Max festival events browse or search the online events list – or download a copy of the programme.

Trulosound peform as part of the Brockley Brewery Beer and Music Festival at The Ladywell Tavern

Trulosound peform as part of the Brockley Brewery Beer and Music Festival at The Ladywell Tavern
Photo: Trulosound

Crowd at Brockley Max Opening Night

Lewisham rap artist Koder brought Brockley to a standstill at our Opening Night
Photo: Ben Swan

Koder on stage at Brockley Max Opening Night

Koder on stage at Brockley Max Opening Night
Photo: @OfficialKoder