Carling Academy Brixton

Carling Academy Brixton box office is open from 5pm on the day of an event, for cash sales and collections. Tickets can not be collected prior to the event.

Tickets are also available from Carling Academy Islington (12-4pm Monday-Saturday) and Shepherds Bush Empire (open from 4pm on show days only)

Cash Sales

There is no booking fee for cash sales when bought in person from the following venue box offices

Be Warned

Any ticket holder throwing objects (beer, glasses etc) will be removed from the building and no refund given. Furthermore, customer details will be provided to the regulatory authorities should an offence be alleged to have taken place.

Bars

There is 1 in the Ra Bar, 4 in the main auditorium, 2 in the 'hex' area at the top of the foyer stairs and 1 in the circle sweep area.

Cloakrooms

There are two cloakrooms in the circle sweep area. Items are £2 each. Additional cloakrooms will open in the 'Hex area' and foyer on busy club nights.

Age Restrictions

All under 14's need to be accompanied by and adult (over 18 years old) and should purchase tickets in the Circle Seated Area.

Disabled Facilities

Carling Academy Brixton takes the needs of disabled customers very seriously and actively encourages people of all abilities to attend the events scheduled at our venue.

Though built in 1929, the building has been modernised to allow wheelchair access via front of house (please note there is no backstage disabled access) and we do advise customers to arrive at the venue 10 minutes prior to doors, ideally accompanied by a companion over 18 years old who will be admitted free of charge.

You will be escorted to the raised viewing gallery which is located "house left" that allows good sight lines for both concerts and other events.

The free companion ticket is available to patrons who are registered disabled and this needs to be booked in advance through our dedicated line. Please call 0207 787 3159 or email disabledbookings@brixton-academy.co.uk

Carling Academy Brixton aims to consistently review and improve its facilities to meet the needs of all its customers. Current amenities include the disabled ramp at the building entrance, a disabled toilet at the rear of the auditorium in the "Ra Bar" - accessible with a 'radar key' and a first aid room is available (front of house) for customers should privacy be required at any point during visits.

Braille Information Sheets are now available from the venue box office.

Specific requests, enquiries or comments regarding access/personal needs are welcome. Please contact our team team who will endeavour to accommodate such requirements at disabledbookings@brixton-academy.co.uk

Live Concert Format

Carling Academy Brixton is a celebrated venue on the European and UK tour circuit with acts such as Bob Dylan, Rolling Stones, Prince, Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, Primal Scream, Radiohead, The Clash, N*E*R*D, Kings of Leon, James Brown, David Gray, The Foo Fighters, Richard Ashcroft, Coldplay, Moby, PJ Harvey, Eminem, Travis, New Order, Queens Of The Stone Age, Missy Elliot, Dandy Warhols, Beck, DJ Shadow, P!nk, The Strokes, The Thrills, Ryan Adams, Badly Drawn Boy, Marilyn Manson, REM and the Pixies choosing to play the Academy because there isn't an atmosphere to touch it.

In November 2000, the Academy was chosen by Madonna to play to a selected audience as a "club" gig. This show was broadcast on the Internet and accessed via an estimated audience amounting to "9 MILLION HITS" - a world record!

Massive Attack delighted crowds with a staggering 5 consecutive sell-out shows at Carling Academy Brixton (April 2003) and BBC Proms chose the South London venue for their "Out + About" educational event (June 2003). MTV2 celebrated their 5th birthday with a sell-out bill featuring Jane's Addiction, The Darkness, The Music, The Thrills and The Rapture, broadcasting live to an audience of millions in September 2003. In 2004, the venue continued to shine with shows from the very best in new talent, including capacity, sell-out shows from the Scissor Sisters, Razorlight, Franz Ferdinand, Maroon 5, Joss Stone, Keane, Snow Patrol and Kings Of Leon.

Level Dance Floor Format

The Academy easily has the capacity to transform from a gig venue into a club and dance environment using its unique 'level dance floor'; also suitable for awards ceremonies and dinners. Acts and events to date include Fatboy Slim vs Armand Van Helden, Jamiroquai, Orbital, DJ Shadow, The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Underworld, The Chemical Brothers, B-Boy Championships, Heat, One Nation, Hard House Academy, DMC World DJ Championships, NME Awards and the UK Garage Awards.

Seated Format

A further configuration is the 'All Seated Venue', which has a capacity of 2,391 for shows such as Bruce Springsteen, Eddy Izzard, Comic Relief, Gospel Singers Of The Year and the award winning TV show, The Fast Show Live.

Brixton Academy recommends that all customers use public transport. There is restricted parking around the Brixton Academy - however, there is a multi-storey car park on Popes Road (see map)- Open until 11.30pm Monday - Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and bank holidays.

They said...

"Bridging the gap between London's intimate venues and soulless arenas, the Grade 2 listed building is one of the capital's best live venues. Its sloping floor gives a decent view from almost anywhere and the slightly surreal interior (based on the Rialto Bridge in Venice) lends each show here a true sense of occasion." - Time Out

"one of the most famous venues in the world." - South London Press

"the venerable home of all the most credible modern music." - Evening Standard

History

The Academy Theatre was built in 1929 as the flagship of the Astoria Group's chain of atmospheric variety theatres. The venue boasts a magnificent Art Deco interior, with a grand entrance hall and sweeping double stairway in the foyer. The main auditorium contains Europe's largest fixed stage, framed by an elaborate proscenium arch based on the design of the Rialto Bridge. It was the first truly atmospheric English theatre where built-up forms were combined with colour and plasterwork to produce the illusion of an auditorium with the atmosphere of the outdoors.

The Awards

NME Awards 2005 - 'Best Live Venue'
Time Out Award 2004 - 'Live Venue of the Year'
NME Awards 2004 - 'Best Live Venue'
Total Production 2004 - The production industry's 'Favourite Venue'
Vote London (TFL) 2003: No. 1 for Cool Clubs & Music
Best London Venue: BBC London 94.9 Robert Elms Show (April 2003)
NME Awards 'Best Live Venue': 1994 - 2002
Music Week UK 'Venue Of The Year': 1996
Live! Magazine European 'Venue Of The Year': 1994, 1997, 1999
Live! Magazine 'Best UK Venue': 2000, 2001, 2002
ILMC 'Venue of The Year': 1997


There are two types of tickets at Carling Academy Brixton (please be aware of this at time of booking): Stalls - Downstairs standing

Circle - Balcony Seating / Rear standing. The Circle is mostly seated, but have a few standing places at the back. Most events are unreserved seating. Please make sure that you book the right ticket since no refunds or exchanges can be made after the booking.