London's KOKO announces extensive programme for 125th birthday

London's KOKO has shared details of its 125th birthday programme alongside a series of new improvements to the venue to mark its century-and-a-quarter milestone. 

First opened in 1901 as The Camden Theatre on Camden High Street, the venue has undergone various restorations across its history.

The modern iteration of the venue launched in 2004 following redevelopment. After a fire in 2020, the venue underwent extensive redevelopment, eventually reopening in 2022.

Read this next: Crowdfunder launched for new book celebrating London's independent music venues

As it marks its 125th year, KOKO has confirmed an extensive programme for its KOKO Electronic events series, including "weekender" takeovers from London's DJ Tunez and Nigerian rapper Marvo, as well as amapiano collective Zsongo. 

There will also be headline shows from Armand Van Helden, Uncle Waffles, DESIREE, Jazzy Jeff, "Acid House Palace" with Paranoid London, and a b2b set from Beltran and Ben Sterling.

KOKO has also unveiled its new KOKO Recording Studio to mark the milestone, a "state-of-the-art" studio located within the KOKO Penthouse, which has been completed with the same mixing desk used for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show.

As well as hosting artists and KOKO members, the studio will work to support the KOKO Foundation and its Arts Academy, allowing the next generation of artists to hone their skills with the latest tech.

For more information and tickets for KOKO, click here.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, you can email her here.