Thank you from Printworks

02 May 2023 - Press release

Printworks has held a crucial space in London’s landscape over the past six years, welcoming thousands of artists and over a million guests through its doors, whilst providing a home for growth, culture, community and more. Printworks’ Closing Weekend was a celebration of these monumental years, hosting four events that embodied the venue’s history with huge special guest appearances from BICEP and Andy C, and appearances from 75+ more artists, DJs, live acts and more.

At the final Monday 1st closing show just before BICEP’s emotional closing set, the Printworks team surprised guests by announcing their intention to return to the Press Halls in three years, answering the question on everyone's mind as the final season for now drew to a close.

A diverse and innovative bookings policy has allowed Printworks to stay at the forefront of culture since 2017, and these final four parties embodied that. Reflecting the sonic adventure that has been Printworks, a mix of international heavyweights, next-gen names, and local legends were on board. Bicep, Peggy Gou, Camelphat, Andy C, Mind Against, Adriatique, DJ Koze, Elijah & Skilliam, Carlita, Black Coffee, Mixstress, Ell Murphy, Shy One, Jeremiah Asiamah, Bambii, Jaguar, Ceri, Nick Castle and plenty more played across the weekend. Bespoke production for the closing weekend was also taken to another level by S E T U P, who merged the boundaries of multimedia art, lighting and stage design for an other-worldly experience for those in attendance.

Printworks’ legacy stretches far beyond the physical space, changing the way the capital celebrates music and culture. Six years ago, when adversity saw important venues closing their doors, the Broadwick Live team took on the mighty challenge to open one of the largest scale cultural venues that London has seen. Incorporating a daytime model they evolved a new style of events, with communities able to come together in a way like never before. Broadwick Live has been committed to creating opportunities at a local scale, benefiting the communities that live and work around Printworks, providing employment, local project support and tickets to residents in the local area, with over a thousand attending the venue in the past year alone.

A brave and dynamic hub, Printworks has played host to sold-out club shows, performances from leading orchestras such as Aurora Orchestra and London Symphony Orchestra, and hosted concerts as part of BBC Proms. It has also hosted fashion shows for brands such as Raf Simmons and been immortalised on film as a setting for movies including The Batman. The malleable nature of this industrial space has been a playground for creativity and culture - allowing for growth, experimentation, sharing, and bonds to be formed that will last far past the venue’s closing.

A proportion of the Printworks building is expected to be redeveloped by the owners, British Land and AustralianSuper, into The Grand Press workspace. This will retain the building’s industrial heritage and form and include an expansive retail, food and leisure offering. Broadwick Live will continue to work in close partnership with British Land and AustralianSuper on a future Printworks that retains the iconic, impressive Press Halls and authenticity at the heart of the Printworks and positions culture alongside the Grand Press.

Simeon Aldred, Director of Strategy (Broadwick) says “We are delighted to announce that Printworks hopes to return in three years and that we will continue to work with our partners at British Land to create the future cultural venue that retains the essence of the iconic Press Halls. Printworks has brought lasting impact to our scene, to our city, to artists and our local community. The future Printworks venue aims to build on this, bringing together all the best in all electronic music and visual arts, both as well as hosting some of the world's best orchestras, ballet companies and other art forms”.

London Night Czar, Amy Lamé said: “London’s world-famous nightlife is the heartbeat of our capital and Printworks has played a dynamic role bringing together culture, music and entertainment and attracting artists and visitors from all over the world. I am delighted there is an exciting future ahead for Printworks and I will continue working with all involved to ensure they thrive.”

Created and curated by Broadwick Live, the Printworks journey has surpassed all expectations. Broadwick’s mission is to preserve and reimagine disused industrial spaces and give a new life to projects - creating centres of cultural gravity with a global resonance, and a lasting local impact. Broadwick has realised this with acclaim and success at Printworks in Canada Water. Starting as an experimental, temporary project, Printworks has cemented itself as a leading global culture destination and brand.

As well as Printworks, the Broadwick Live team are behind Manchester’s Depot Mayfield, centre for new culture Beams, firm London fave Field Day festival and new waterside venue Dockyards with more with future venues to be announced in due course.

Established in 2010, Broadwick Live is on a mission to create impact through electronic music and electronic arts, driven to create pure yet powerful live experiences in unique spaces.

Printworks and Broadwick Live would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every label, crew, collective, DJ, live act, artist, producer, staff member and most importantly the guests who have been part of the journey.