After a long stretch of solitary activity, residents of Woolwich and surrounding areas welcome the newly-opened Woolwich Works as a much-needed social respite. The Thames-adjacent venue saw its opening weekend just last week to resounding success - featuring impressive musical performances to light up the crowd!
Credit: Ben Hill, South London Club
The venue comes as an ambitious venture from the Royal Borough of Greenwich to restore 5 different heritage sites as one establishment. Originally used as an ammunition warehouse and large factory space due to its dockyard proximity, the site is rich with both local and national history.
Led by the newly established independent charity ‘Woolwich Creative District Trust’ - the community space strives to advance local arts and culture for public benefit. The organisation also holds a dedication to promoting the strong diversity of London and its people - providing a space for marginalised artists to thrive and showcase their best!
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They don’t just feature musical performances though - the space is host to a variety of arts from theatre to dance, and even exhibitions! The Works are also home to internationally renowned theatre company ‘Punchdrunk’, who will be sure to make an impressive Woolwich debut!
Credit: Ben Hill, South London Club
Upon entering the main lobby, customers are welcome to the cosy indoor cafe-bar. Originally the visitor book area, the traditional space has been renovated with modern architecture including cosy neon lights and a sleek serving counter. The space offers a varied selection of hot drinks and small plates, alongside high-quality wines and cocktails. These can be enjoyed before events, or simply as a riverside relaxing spot. We recommend their fruity rum punch!
Credit: Ben Hill, South London Club
The largest and central venue space is the Fireworks Factory. The impressive hall offers up to 1800 standing capacity, with a flexible design that allows for central stages, seating tables, and theatre-style seating. The exceptional natural acoustics and decked-out overhead lighting panels ensure each and every event goes through without a hitch!
Credit: Ben Hill, South London Club
Just before you enter the main stage space, you’ll be met with the sleek modern bar space - where attendees can purchase wines, spirits, and soft drinks. These drinks can be enjoyed overlooking the large courtyard space, or taken into the event itself!
Credit: Ben Hill, South London Club
The venue’s friday night saw the Afro-Cuban inspired ‘New Regency Orchestra’ light up the crowd with a vibrant performance that had attendees dancing out of their seats! The 20-person jazz ensemble had only formed just a few months before, but the layered sound of their rumbling drums and expressive keyboard solos took charge of the space in a fantastic eruption of sound.
Credit: Ben Hill, South London Club
Their cheeky musical rhythm was matched by witty asides and introductions between songs, but with a shining modesty about the event being “a dream come true” for the alternative band.
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The venue is keen to keep the ball rolling after its impressive opening weekend with a diverse headline of upcoming events - including talks from best-selling poet Lemn Sissay and a live interpretative dance show performed by disabled dancers. Of course their musical performances are still holding strong too, with Noisettes front woman Shingai debuting her solo album this friday, and an exciting event hosting a diverse range of African talent with the 16-piece band ‘Balimaya Project’ on October 16th.
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