​Fundraiser event set up to help save Deptford venue AAJA from closure

A fundraiser event has been set up by Ahadadream and Save Our Scene to help save Deptford music venue and radio station AAJA from imminent closure.

The event is due to go ahead at the DIY events space tonight, February 13. A “super limited” run of tickets are priced at £10, with proceeds going back to the venue to help support its future.

“This Thursday, I’m teaming with Save Our Scene to host a fundraising event for AAJA in Deptford – one of many venues in our incredible city that’s under threat of closure,” Ahadadream announced on Instagram earlier this week.

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The event promises to host a headline set from the London-based DJ alongside some special guests, due to be announced on the night. A radio show and panel discussion will also run ahead of the sets.

“18% of grassroots venues have closed in the past two years, many of which were so important to me,” Ahadadream explained.

In January, the Music Venue Trust released a report revealing that a grassroots music venue was shuttered every two weeks throughout 2024, with 25 spaces closing over the course of the year.

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They also found that 80 grassroots venues had to stop hosting live music events in 2024, while over 200 were forced to seek emergency help from Music Venue Trust.

The team behind AAJA told Resident Advisor that the venue has been “moved on by developers and rising rental costs in London,” and now comes under threat of closure.

“To have people out there offering a hand of support like Ahadadream, Save Our Scene UK and the Music Venue Trust gives us a bit of hope,” they said.

Sign up for the fundraiser event here.

Gemma Ross is Mixmag’s Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter

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