Altar opens in Leytonstone with Louis Theroux and more
Altar: East London’s New Hub for Music, Art, and Community
Get ready, East London. A brand new cultural destination is just around the corner, poised to redefine the music and arts scene in Leytonstone. Altar, a dynamic new venue, bar, and record store is set to open its doors next Friday, October 23, bringing a curated mix of household names and electrifying emerging talent.
The vision behind Altar is clearly to be more than just a place to listen to music; it’s intended to be an essential spot for diverse and compelling artistic encounters. The venue is proudly curated by a collective of influential figures, including Jon Clifford of Dreamhouse Records, Toby L of Transgressive Records, and Simon Singleton of Shake The High Road Festival. This collaborative spirit ensures that Altar aims to be a true melting pot of creative energy.
The inaugural event will kick off with a vibrant atmosphere, featuring DJ sets from Simian Mobile Disco, Kate Hutchinson, Charli Vos, and the ALTAR DJs. With entry being free for all guests, the venue operates on a simple, democratic basis: first come, first served, inviting everyone to experience the collective energy.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Altar has planned a packed schedule designed to delight every musical palate. The club-night series, ALTAR Lates, is already slated to bring major talent to the basement area, including singer-songwriter and producer Alexis Taylor of Hot Chip, and the legendary DJ, Auntie Flo.
The calendar stretches through the autumn and winter, offering distinct experiences. Mid-December will feature the Altar Piano Nights, showcasing the acclaimed Mercury Prize-nominated singer Ed Harcourt, followed by the frontman of Madness, Suggs. Furthermore, the rising Irish/Cornish band Girl In The Year Above is set to perform, having recently signed to Transgressive Records.
Beyond the headline acts, the programming offers unique intellectual and personal moments. One night will host an exclusive conversation featuring the journalist, documentarian, and host Louis Theroux, engaging in a Q&A with Altar founder and filmmaker Toby L. This commitment to cross-genre conversation underscores the venue’s commitment to depth.
Altar is also building a framework for future creativity through its dedicated community initiatives. The venue is launching Altar Community, which includes Altar Under-18 to support aspiring young artists, Altar Mentorships to provide guidance to emerging talent, and Altar Rehearsals, offering free basement space for local musicians to practice. This focus on nurturing local talent is deeply embedded in the venue’s mission.
Adding a layer of philanthropic purpose, the launch is proudly partnered with War Child, ensuring that visitors have opportunities to support a vital global non-profit organization. As Simon Singleton noted, this diverse line-up is an “indicative sign of the immense breadth of talent from every generation, level and genre that this city has to offer.”
Altar isn’t just a venue; it’s a statement. It’s a place where disco-punk meets post-rock, where established icons share stages with new voices, and where community initiatives bloom alongside incredible music. The doors open soon, and the cultural impact is only just beginning.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
