Electric Brixton

[Chocolatecoveredshitpig]

Morning all. My DD and her friend, (both 16), are going to a gig at Electric Brixton this Friday. It's not a venue I've been to before and information online seems to be sparse and contradictory, so I thought I'd ask for a few nuggets of info on here from anyone who's been recently.
ID - the gig is over 16s only, which they are, but do they both need to carry photo ID?
Start time - DD is convinced it starts at 7, as that's the time on the tickets. I have explained to her until I'm blue in the face that that will be the time the doors open, but she's not having it. Can anyone confirm so I can show her?
Merch - she's convinced they might run out so she needs to be there early, (I'm aware that this will depend on how much they've brought with them, so probably not something anyone on here can answer!)

And finally, for an anxious mum, (me), is the venue generally safe? I will be taking them up there and hanging around locally, but she doesn't want me to come in, (I don't have a ticket anyway!). DD is ND and can be quite anxious, but is keen to spread her wings. She's been to other gigs, but only with an adult.
Thanks so much, any tips appreciated!!

It used to be the Fridge if that helps? (I only found this out the other day).

On the website either for the band or the venue it will say what time the support/main acts are on. And I'm pretty sure they won't run out of merch.

My son (who is 17) was there a couple of weeks ago for a gig. I think it's safe enough. It probably depends on which band is playing and what the fans are like.

What are you going to do while they're at the concert?

Doors open at 7 - search for "what time will the band be on" as sone people want to get there for the main act only

Logical that doors need to open early as you can't get 1000 people through a door instantaneously , buses arrive at different times, there is a bar I would guess - profit for the venue

They tend not to run out of merch because there is profit to be made. Occasionally happens at festivals when a relative new band has been more popular than expected or someone forgot a box of stuff. Very rare. And merch can usually be ordered from the band web site afterwards if they don't have the colour/size you most want

Last time DD went to a gig in Brixton, I got back on the tube and went to Battersea Power Station for a couple of hours. Brixton is usually really busy so I’ve never felt unsafe there, they also have a great M&S.

Hi thanks for your response. Good question about what I'm going to do! I was planning on grabbing some dinner then finding somewhere to sit with a drink I guess. Can always jump on the tube and go somewhere a bit quieter if necessary. The artist is Joost Klein - a Dutch fella who was in Eurovision last year but I don't know that much about him - his fans seem like a nice bunch!

Oh more answers! Thank you so much. I'm having no luck finding a start time but I guess that may appear later in the week. Battersea's a good shout - I haven't had a chance to visit yet 👍

It'll be doors at 7, he'll probably be on at 9ish? This says 10:30 finish so I wouldn't expect him on before 9
www.electricbrixton.uk.com/events/joost-klein/

Just to add, you can see the length of his set on the other your dates so far - I find this site is generally accurate

https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/joost-33f64421.html

I go to the Electric fairly regularly for gigs and the main act always comes on around 9pm (like most venues).

Unlikely merch will sell out, and certainly not early.

I hope she has a lovely time!

We were there the other week with younger DC for a gig. You’ll likely get a message from the venue midweek confirming stage times.
If she gets there too early it’s likely she’ll need to queue to get in and - unless she wants to be right at the front - there’s no need to do that.
It’s not the best venue for seeing the acts, as there’s no rake. If she wants to see rather than be in the thick of it, tell her to stand at the top of the steps (either set is fine) by the sound desk.
There is a balcony with unreserved seating that you can access. I’ve not been up there for a gig.
As PP said, merch is unlikely to run out as it’s a key money-maker for acts but do be prepared for it to be super pricey - we spent £45 on a T-shirt! Made mildly less painful as the tickets were cheap.
Security staff are friendly with a mix of men and women, which may matter for younger girls in case of any problems and if they’d prefer to speak to a woman.
The support acts we saw came to meet fans at the merch stand after their sets, which was nice.
It felt safe, not too busy and I’d be happy for DS to go with friends down the line (he’s a bit younger than your DD).
Hope she has fun!

…and I’d suggest they do take photo ID, just in case. It’d be a pain to get there and be stopped by security and refused entry if they couldn’t prove their ages.

Thank you so much everyone - feeling very reassured!

My teen sisters always want to get there as early as possible to get near the front of stage and make friends in the queue. All part of the experience to them so just let her crack on. Brixton is safe but feels a bit dodge around station. Just usual stuff of watch out for phones and belongings and be aware of yourself.

If you'll don't live nearby, don't travel to brixton to then travel to Battersea! You could see a film at the Ritzy (over the road) which also has a bar, or there are plenty of places to eat/drink.

Brixton Market has some good shops, bars and restaurants to hang out in while you are waiting for them or as others have said, go to a film at the Ritzy.

Ooh never thought of seeing a film, that's a fab idea. Thank you, off to check listings now :-))

went there recently loads of places to eat and drink and a cinema close by. Was really busy, felt safe so just be sensible and stick to main rd and keep valuables close as you would anywhere in a major city. agree the only place that seemed rough was near the station. i imagine doors open at 7 band on 9? We got there early as they wanted to be close to the stage.

Yes,7pm will be the time the doors actually open. From my experience of live music gigs,I've never been to one where it actually starts at the time stated on the ticket. You could be waiting for anything from half an hour to an hour and a half,in my experience!