Brixton Village is delighted to announce it has teamed up with BLKOUT the black queer men’s collective that provides a platform for bi, gay, and/or trans men of African descent, to launch an exciting programme of events, in celebration of the queer history of Brixton.

At its heart is Pearl Alcock’s legendary basement bar which first opened in the 1970s and quickly became the vital space for black queer men in London to meet, connect, and be free to be themselves. The secret bar closed in 1981 and now, 40 years later, BlackOut and Brixton Village are honouring Pearl’s legacy with a programme of events to bring people together, re-connect black liberation with queer liberation, inspire joy, laughter and convivilaity, and establish foundations for black and queer futures.

PEARL’S GOES WEST – A BALLROOM UPRISING

FRIDAY 3 SEPTEMBERx , MARKET ROW, 7:30-10:30 PM

Set to be a night to remember, BlackOut will be taking over Brixton Village’s iconic avenues in Market Row for a larger than life Queer Ball in partnership with D’relle West – the International Father of the House of West and UK Ballroom scene Pioneer. Bringing ballroom culture to the village, the event celebrates the joy, resilience, and cultural impact of black queer lives across the world.

Guests will see the markets’ avenues turn into a catwalk runway for the night, with seating dotted throughout to watch the contestants’ walks and creative performances. Expect dancing, vogueing, posing, and more. D’relle West will co-host with the House of West’s European Godmother, Harli West. The Commentator for the event will be Taboo Garçon.

Those who want to ‘walk the ball’ can see the categories here The categories, the judges for the evening will crown the winner of the ball.

To book tickets for the ball (and all of the many exciting events being organised throughout September, visit the festival pages here: https://www.outsavvy.com/tour/pearls-return

Tickets will go on general release on Thursday 19th at 9am, BLKOUTHUB members and partner organisations will be granted early access to tickets from 5pm Tuesday 17th August.

1st release £10, 2nd release £15

QTIPOC POP-UP SHOP

SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER UNTIL MONDAY 6 SEPTEMBER, 12-6:30PM

On Saturday 4 September, Brixton Village will also see the opening of The QTIPOC POP UP SHOP- a 3-day pop-up taking the form of an immersive retail space and studio inspired by photographer Harry Jacobs. Renowned for his iconic family portraits from the 60s and 70s, Jacobs’ collection of works represent the milestones, friendship, family life and nostalgia which belied the hardship many of these families experienced.

Working with Iosif Bakare, an exciting new photography talent from South London, BlackOut will be inviting queer black men to come and get their portraits taken with those they call family. Pearl’s Family Portraits is a celebration of friendship and the support friends give each other when those from whom they expect it will not, or cannot.

Visitors will also be able to drop in and participate in Pearl’s of Wisdom – a board to pin-up a post-it on what advice they wish they had taken. At the end of the pop-up, BlackOut will create a journal from the public’s advice, to pass on to the community as a gesture of solidarity and support for mental health and wellbeing.

The pop-up will also see the launch of a new merchandise collection from BlackOut. The collection sees black queer retailers unite to share the space so that together, they can improve the offer to their communities, raise brand awareness, and demonstrate their commitment to community wealth.

In the studio, content will be recorded for a series of FREE panel discussions that will take place throughout the rest of the month including:

● A Place For Us? – Join the hosts of the brand new podcast to get the inside track on their initial steps in their quest to identify guests to invite to their celebration of Black queer space-makers.

○ Monday 13th September, 7-8.30pm

● No Room at the Inn – Place based policy at the intersections – in association with The Ubele Initiative, a policy discussion on community assets, shared ownership and addressing inequalities for minority groups that organise beyond neighbourhoods.

○ 24th September, 5.30-7pm

● Remember Pearl? – in association with Museumand How should a community remember its heroes? A working discussion to share ideas on how we can celebrate and commemorate Pearl Alcock’s legacy

○ 8th September, 6.30 – 8pm