New music venue for Catford set to open in 2022
With capacity for 300 people, the venue will host concerts, comedy nights and showcase new local artists from across south-east London. Its opening will coincide with Lewisham’s year as Borough of Culture 2022, enabling Catford to play a leading role in the celebrations throughout the year.
The Tail will be the latest addition to Catford Mews, Lewisham’s independent cinema and entertainment venue, which is expanding its existing site to accommodate the new venue. The name pays tribute to the iconic Catford Cat, which has adorned the entrance to Catford Shopping Centre since the 1970s and remains a much-loved local landmark.
The new venue will be accompanied by improvements to Holbeach Road, led by Lewisham Council, with new trees, planting, seating and a pedestrianised area enabling pop-up events and street markets to take place. With funding from the Mayor of London, works to deliver this new public space will be complete in 2022, allowing music events at The Tail to make use of this outside area, with the rear doors opening directly onto the pedestrianised stretch of Holbeach Road.
The announcement follows the launch of Lewisham Council’s new vision for Catford earlier this year, which seeks to create the greenest town centre in London and enhance Catford’s status as a cultural destination. The opening of The Tail, perfectly timed to coincide with Lewisham’s year as London Borough of Culture in 2022, will help attract more people to the town centre and create new jobs, while the improvements to Holbeach Road will create a greener and more pleasant environment for local residents.
Preston Benson, founder of the Catford Mews, said:
“With so many exciting artists across South London, a new music venue in Lewisham is great news for the borough. The Tail will be an opportunity for younger and amateur musicians of all shapes and sizes to come in and play.
“We’ve got through the last year of COVID-19 restrictions thanks to the support of Catford’s wonderful community and we’re delighted to be able to complete our vision for Catford Mews.”
Cllr Andre Bourne, Cabinet Member for Culture at Lewisham Council, said:
“With our year as London Borough of Culture just months away, we’re delighted to announce the opening of a new music venue here in Lewisham.
“The Tail will be a fantastic addition to South London’s live music scene, providing opportunities for promising local artists and putting Lewisham on the map as the place to be for new music.
“As we look to create the greenest town centre in London, the accompanying improvements to Holbeach Road will help support the venue and create a new pedestrianised area for local residents to enjoy.”