New Cross Fire Remembrance

An evening of film, spoken word and music will mark the 30th Anniversary of the New Cross Fire today.

The event remembers the lives lost in the devastating house fire that killed 13 young people during a birthday party in New Cross, South East London on Sunday January 18, 1981.  

Playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah hosts the ‘Remembering the New Cross Fire'' event with broadcasterAlex Pascall OBE, educationalist Professor Gus John and filmmaker Menelik Shabazz making contributions to discussions about its impact then and now.  

Artists and performers include Courttia Newland, El Crisis and Albany Associate, artist Zena Edwards  and music fromThe Queens of Lovers Rock Carroll Thompson and Janet Kay.

Thirty years ago, the fire sparked a series of protests when the London Metropolitan Police were accused of covering up its  cause - which was suspected to be a racist arson attack. No one has ever been charged in relation to the fire and deaths.

Remembering the New Cross Fire - Today, Friday 14 January 2011, 7.30pm. The Albany, Deptford, London.

The event will be followed on Sunday 16th January, by a 3pm Memorial Service at St Andrews Church, Brockle, London SE4.  

Two days later, on Tuesday 18th, exactly 30 years to the day the catastrophic fire took place, a blue commemorative plaque will be unveiled by family members of those that perished in the fire.

The Nubian Jak Community Trust in partnership with Lewisham Council will install the Blue Plaque at the address where the tragedy took place. 

The plaque unveiling ceremony will take place at 439 New Cross Road, Lewisham, London, SE14 6TA, on Tuesday 18th January, 2011 at 2:00pm.

Winsome-Grace Cornish