A Croydon arts collective for people with learning disabilities is set to host its fifth gig next week.
Club Soda will be hosting an integrated gig involving theatrical productions, live music, DJ sets and media activities.
Croydon council’s Arts Participation Officer Oliver Tipper said that the event’s success is down to the talent of those involved.
He said: “The club nights are a diverse, multi-platform arts event – from the very first day we discovered talented people.
“The gigs have been successful. If it continues to grow as it has done, we would need to look for a new venue.”
Croydon Council and the arts council launched the initiative in 2009 and supported the move to become an independent organisation in 2014 and still part-fund the group.
Club Soda has modelled itself on ‘Heart and Soul’ – a similar successful organisation from Lewisham – for inspiration when it comes to expansion.
He said: “We’ve always used Heart and Soul as a model. The first club was modelled on it and we have been since.
“They started up now about 25 years ago, but they were getting 1,000 people per night, so they moved to the Southbank.
“Their gigs attract so many people, who all spill out onto the veranda when full.”
The event will see Club Soda regulars the Carbonators headline the gig, with groups Lamb Stu, Diamond Glaze and We Rise From the Fallen supporting.
Tickets will be available for £3 on the door, and the gig will run from 7-10pm.
