We’re sitting here on the eve of the first four-day weekend of 2012. Easter has arrived and Brixton hasn’t failed in its mission to entertain. From Good Friday to an even better Monday, here’s our pick of some of the best stuff going on within earshot of Brixton Blog HQ.
GOOD FRIDAY
Tucked off a residential street near Dulwich is the amazing Herne Hill Velodrome, built for the 2012 Olympic’s great grandfather, London 1948. A 450m loop of concrete, banking to a menacing 30degrees, that has recently been refurbished and resurfaced thanks to lottery cash and fundraising. Tomorrow sees the return of the traditional Good Friday meeting – with racers from all over the world competing to be fastest on two wheels. Entry for riders is now closed, but it promises to be a thrilling ride for spectators too. Fun, and bike polo, starts at 11am. Herne Hill Velodrome, Burbage Road, SE24 9HE
In case you want to party slightly harder but stay outdoors, Brixton Clubhouse (formally Dex) terrace opens on Friday with a 12 hour techno-house party with Scottish techno outfit Slam, Cedric Maison of Hypercolour and hot newbie Samantha Blackburn. The fun starts at 2pm and goes on until 4am. Tickets £10, Brixton Clubhouse 469 Brixton Rd, SW9 8HH
SATURDAY
The day after, ease yourself in gently with the area’s latest boutique stalls at Rosendale Street Market, near Brockwell Park, Herne Hill. Building on their success last month, the crew from Eclectic Pop-up will be ready to go from 11am.
After stocking up with goodies, you can sail away with one of Brixton’s most loved, and least-known, landmarks, Ashby Mill. The windmill opens for the summer on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. Expect guided tours (pre-bookable online) and easter egg hunts – a whole host of fun and games. It is also open on Sunday. Windmill Gardens, Blenheim Gardens, off Brixton Hill, SW2 5EU
Just down Brixton Hill food-writer Jay Rayner will take to the stove at French and Grace, Granville Arcade, aka “Brixton Village”, as part of an Apprentice-style challenge that will see him trying to turn a profit by flogging pork belly by the bucketload. Service starts at 11.30am but there are no bookings, so get there early. If you can’t make it look out for the reviewer reviewed on the Brixton Blog after the event. Granville Arcade, nearest entrance: Atlantic Rd.
EASTER SUNDAY
In the traditional spirit of the day, where better to celebrate the resurrection than St Matthew’s Church, in the heart of Brixton, where services take place at 8am and 10am. The iconic church, if you didn’t know, is found between Effra Road and Brixton Hill.
The Ritzy Cinema reaches the climax of its centenary celebrations (that’s right 100 years!) with screenings of Brixton’s very own short films. Made by local film-makers each one has been shortlisted as part of their New Stories competition. Ritzy Cinema, Brixton Oval, from 4pm
Easter lunch could be taken with live jazz at Mango Landin’ all afternoon and live music nearby at the White Horse, Brixton Hill. And if the sun does shine, walk it all off with the birds and the bees at the Brockwell Greenhouse Project, Brockwell Park, open free to visitors from 1pm until 5pm.
As day turns to night the fun continues upstairs at the Clubhouse with DJ Norman Jay Up On The Roof all night. Tickets £8 – £12. Brixton Clubhouse 469 Brixton Rd, SW9 8HH
EASTER MONDAY
Another bank holiday! Hooray. After all the excess of the previous three days of hedonism we suggest you kick back, take it easy. Maybe poke around the Herne Hill and a stroll in Brockwell Park? And then the Ritzy has board games and beyond, upstairs from 6pm.
