London's KOKO - after three years of construction and restoration - is set to reopen next spring, with some state-of-the-art developments.
Offering a multitude of spaces, including broadcasting, recording and live streaming capabilities and a brand new 'KOKO Studio', the festival will also be launching its own radio station, and a foundation to "empower future generations of artists and protect the environment".
Blending together the original grade II listed theatre, plus the adjacent Hope & Anchor pub, and a former piano factory - as well as the traditional main space there'll be a late-night pizzeria, a tap bar, a new 'Fly Tower venue', and a shop & DJ space.
There'll also be a roof terrace and conservatory, dome cocktail bar, penthouse, recording studio, piano room, library, a hidden speakeasy, stage kitchen and 'vinyl rooms'.
The new KOKO is being launched in partnership with SISTER, an independent content company behind productions such as Chernobyl and the upcoming This is Going To Hurt.
“After three long and epic years of construction and restoration, I’m excited to announce that we will be returning KOKO to the musicians, artists and fans next spring with a beautifully restored theatre and live music offering that will hopefully be a truly unique and unparalleled experience for everyone coming through the doors," explains CEO and Founder Olly Bengough. 'We are as committed as ever to protect our 120 year cultural legacy and to support the next generation of musicians and London’s dynamic and ever growing music scene. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to KOKO in Spring 2022”
“It’s never been more important to support the next generation of artists and storytellers to collaborate, innovate and share their work," adds Elisabeth Murdoch, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of SISTER. "Although we’ve all been eager for the return of live music we’ve also been discovering new ways to engage with the artists we love through their creative endeavours in the digital space, keeping us united as a global community.
"It’s this connective power of music and the arts that Olly and his team are harnessing as they develop KOKO into London’s first next generation global entertainment experience. At SISTER we're really excited to partner with KOKO and to use our collective expertise, networks and shared independence to forge creative collaborations and empower artists and audiences around the world.“
