Brockley Max is back. From May 28 to June 5 5 the 20-year old festival will be online and in a host of venues – and will again have something for everyone including music, theatre, art and comedy.
But staging the popular community event this year has been far from easy. Organisers have had to cope with Covid restrictions and social distancing to put on the live events.
Brockley Max Festival Director Moira Tait had to navigate both logistical and financial issues as well as thinking outside the box to hold the event this year. Moira believes it’s the community spirit and local support that have helped to make it possible.
“In some ways we were fortunate as all our sponsors who’d given us funding for 2020 agreed for us to carry over for this year. However, there were very few new funding opportunities as most funds were understandably diverted towards Covid projects.”
As well as making every penny count (such as making the event programme online only for the first time) the team also had to think about running events around Covid guidelines. However, they have managed to pull together an incredible range of events.
“It has been difficult to find covid-safe venues so most of our events are outside or online this year – ie the online Opening Night and the Art trail.
“Events in Ladywell include The children’s workshops held in Ladywell Tavern garden and the fantastic Mocktales will be playing on the roof of Ladywell hairdressers Geddes.
“Alongside these outdoor events, our famous Brockleywood Nights of local short films will be at St Peter’s Church, and we’ll also have socially distanced art exhibitions at local galleries, artdog and Lewisham Arthouse.”
Another new feature for 2021 is an online shop. Launched to help promote Brockley Max artists and craftspeople’s work, it’s also a way for Brockley Max to top up some funds. You can download an online programme, buy a raffle ticket or even a Brockley Max tote bag just visit https://supportmylocal.org/store/brockley-max/
A full programme of events is available online at https://brockleymax.co.uk/festival-programme-2021/ but at a glance just some of the highlights include…
- The famous Brockley Max Opening Night live streamed directly to your home.
- Al fresco Shakespeare with The Sirrah Sisters.
- Brockleywood Nights brings Lewisham to the big screen.
- Brockley Max takes to the airways broadcasting live on the radio.
Even with Covid restrictions and social distancing, the team behind Brockley Max were determined to make it happen. With a little creative thinking and support from local businesses and the community, it looks like Brockley Max 2021 is shaping up as a fantastic event!
The Brockley Max team would like to thank their sponsors more than ever during this time. Thank you to Brockley’s Rock, Bryan & Keegan, Adult Learning Lewisham, waterintobeer, Renaissance Yoga, Brockley Brewery, Geddes, Ladywell Tavern, Honor Oak Tavern and The Larder. If you would like to be a part of this great community festival, the Brockley Max team would love your help! If you’d like to volunteer, email Emma at volunteer@brockleymax.co.uk. Or if you can have a Bryan & Keegan estate board outside your house advertising the festival, email elisabetta@brockleymax.co.uk with your address.