By Tim Dickens, Editor
Protecting playgrounds will “help stop riots,” says Basement Jaxx man Felix Buxton.
The Brixton-based DJ will join a raft of musicians this weekend when they perform a two-night benefit gig at Jamm bar, Brixton Road, in aid of the Triangle playground, in Oval.
The stars have come to the play area’s defence as it is forced to survive on a council grant of just £40,000 per year.
Buxton, 40, told the Brixton Blog: “We’re doing this for the Triangle, but it could be any playground anywhere.
“As a society we’re obsessed with youth and looking young but we’re not thinking about the kids who are our future.
“Urban youth need to be able to go outside and run around and be safe in their community, things like this will help to stop the riots happening again.”
Buxton and fellow Basement Jaxx star Simon Ratcliffe will join top musicians Stereo MCs, Adamski, Rebel MC and Welsh cannabis smuggler-turned-writer Howard Marx across Friday and Saturday night at the Brixton Road venue.
Alabama 3 and the Thirst will help complete the line-up.
The Triangle was opened in 1957 by play specialist Marjorie Porter MBE and is reportedly the oldest adventure playground site in London. Over 1,000 people signed a petition last year when the playground was faced with closure to become part of an extension to Archbishop Tenison’s School.
Cllr Pete Robbins, cabinet member for leisure at Lambeth council, told the Blog today: “Lambeth has sought to protect Triangle by maintaining the same level of funding. We are determined to protect these vital facilities in Lambeth. But every extra pound is important.
“I think it’s great that local artists like Basement Jaxx are getting involved in fundraising for Triangle – their support could provide a vital remedy to coalition cuts.”
Buxton said he was “lucky” to grow up in the countryside where he was able to climb trees and “exert the energy you have when you’re a young human.”
He added: “They have to make playgrounds open and available. Let’s get kids involved in building them, and being part of their community.”
The gig is happening this Friday and Saturday at Brixton Jamm. Tickets are £10 per night and all profits go to the playground. Find out more about the Triangle Benefit Weekender here.
