24 Hours Left in East London Music Venue's Fight Against Closure

The Jamboree in Limehouse is appealing for Tower Hamlets Council to step in after their landlord didn't renew the venue's lease.

Jamboree is one of only 94 grassroots music venues left in the capital

Owners of a popular Bohemian-style music venue are appealing for signatures on their petition to help avoid closure. The Jamboree has until tomorrow, Wednesday 7 March, to collect 2000 signatures in order to put the issue on the agenda of the next council meeting.

If successful, Tower Hamlets Council will discuss the venue's closure on 21 March. Organisers of the petition hope that they will be able to demonstrate overwhelming local support and the importance of grassroots cultural venues in the capital. They are urging the borough's mayor to step in and recognise Jamboree as an 'asset of community value.'

In a new campaign video supporters talk of their love for Jamboree and the traditional style of music it brings to the East End. In its near ten year tenure the venue has entertained crowds with performances of jazz, folk, Americana, blues and more.

With 35% of London's music venues closing since 2007, this could be yet another figure to add to the statistic. Grassroots venues face increasing economic pressure, according to The Mayor of London's Office who've set out a plan to try to help.

In the meantime, owners and music lovers at Jamboree are hoping to reach their signature target in time for the council agenda.

Words by Alex Goldsmith