It’s “an insult to the people of Camden and the LGBTQ+ community”
Three years after one of the UK’s longest standing gay pubs, The Black Cap stands empty, still boarded up and unused. For over 60 years members of the LGBT+ community called the beautiful and historic building in Candem their safe space, that was until it was closed, almost without notice three years ago. The building lies empty and is covered with graffiti.
Now campaigners are demanding change.
Alex Green, #WeAreTheBlackCap spokesperson said, “We stand firm, despite the continued frustration of trying to work with the owners to get the legendary and important LGBTQ+ performance venue and stop the Black Cap becoming yet another sterile, overpriced food outlet and unaffordable flats. The continued closure of this flagship LGBTQ+ venue is very bad for the Borough of Camden’s reputation as a leader in terms of diversity, arts and culture.”
Campaigners are planning a 3rd anniversary protest outside the landmark venue on the 14th April from 2 PM.
#WeAreTheBlackCap CAMPAIGN 3rd ANNIVERSARY PROTEST 14th April 2018, 2-4pm. Outside The Black Cap, 171 Camden High Street, CAMDEN TOWN, LONDON.
14th April scheduling is:
1.30: Welcome and thanks/messages of support
2pm: Media interviews (at the right side nr Boots for this)
2pm; Black Cap Campaign ‘singers’ – Outside and other campaign classics
2.30 Speakers – Will update on campaign and call to action for next steps
3pm Followed by more singing out
The campaign’s focus now is to finally restore the Black Cap to its place at the heart of Camden’s diverse and exciting cultural economy.
- Bring the actual pub mortgage lenders to the negotiating table, while also renewing our engagement with Camden Council and City Hall
- Building a consortium of community and business partners who will push to take over the pub for the Camden and the LGBTQ+ community.
- Continue to protest and campaign until the pub is reopened as a LGBTQ+ performance venue:
- This Saturday 14th April, 2-4pm, as we still can’t perform inside, singers and supporters will perform songs and tributes to celebrate the past and future of the legendary Black Cap which has been a cultural home to LGBTQ+ community and its allies for 60 years.
- Regular Saturday protest vigils will continue with the new campaign theme, ‘I am the Black Cap’ – to highlight the many reasons why people all over London and the world love the Black Cap and want it back
- 2nd May we are staging a fabulous night of LGBTQ+ cabaret at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern to show what a night at a resurrected Black Cap could be like (details: http://www.vauxhalltavern.com/events/event/not-another-night-at-the-cap/?oid=1930).
