O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON TO REOPEN AGAIN
After enduring more than a year of closure following a tragic crowd crush, the O2 Academy Brixton has received approval to reopen its doors. The venue, which shut down in December 2022 after a deadly incident that claimed two lives, is set to resume operations on Friday, April 19.
The approval comes with strict conditions laid out by Lambeth Council, totaling 77 safety measures aimed at ensuring the well-being of patrons. These conditions cover various aspects including police liaison, risk assessment, and event management.
The fatal incident occurred during an Asake concert, resulting in the deaths of Rebecca Ikumelo, 33, and security guard Gaby Hutchinson, 23. In the aftermath, discussions regarding the venue's future involved Academy Music Group (AMG), Lambeth Council, and the Metropolitan Police.
While the Met Police initially pushed for the permanent closure of the venue, citing a loss of confidence in the operators, a petition was launched to save it from such fate. With over 115,000 signatures, the petition exceeded its target, signaling widespread support for the venue's continuation.
"We have not shied away from our duty to identify what went wrong and where responsibility lies,” said Lambeth Council’s Horatio Waller KC back in September 2023. “This is necessary to ensure lessons can be learned."
As a test event scheduled for next month approaches, featuring tribute bands covering songs by The Smiths, Oasis, Foo Fighters, and Nirvana, the O2 Academy Brixton faces a critical juncture in its journey. The reopening represents not only a resurgence of entertainment but also a solemn commitment to prioritize safety in the wake of tragedy.