SESH

Islington Assembly Hall, located on Upper Street in London, N1 2UD, is a celebrated live music and events venue with a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. Built in 1930 by the Islington Council, the hall was originally designed as a public gathering space for community events, concerts, and social functions. Its elegant art deco architecture has been lovingly preserved, lending an air of vintage glamour to both its interior and exterior.

During the early decades, Islington Assembly Hall played host to tea dances, civic meetings, and concerts, and even served wartime purposes such as providing a social center during WWII. The venue was closed to the public in 1980, and after years of being used for council functions and storage, extensive refurbishment in the late 2000s led to its grand reopening in March 2010. Since then, it has carved out a unique position within London’s live music scene, known for its warm acoustics, intimate yet grand atmosphere, and versatility for hosting concerts, comedy nights, and private events.

Its 800-capacity main hall, beautiful balcony, and oak-panelled walls make it both visually striking and acoustically superb, attracting promoters and artists seeking a distinctive space. While the building itself has never changed location, significant investments over time have ensured modern technical facilities while retaining the building’s heritage features. Islington Assembly Hall has thus become a symbol of cultural continuity and renewal, beloved by both the local community and London’s wider creative scene.

Notable artists who have performed at Islington Assembly Hall include U.S. indie sensation Father John Misty, British singer-songwriter Laura Marling, Canadian pop artist Carly Rae Jepsen, electronic music pioneer Gary Numan, internationally acclaimed hip-hop group De La Soul, folk icon Nick Mulvey, punk rock legends Buzzcocks, and the soulful Michael Kiwanuka. The venue has also hosted up-and-coming local acts such as North London’s own Jessie Ware and spoken word artist Kae Tempest, as well as special one-off performances from established stars like Emeli Sandé, The Magic Numbers, Editors, and Wolf Alice. This diverse array of performers highlights Islington Assembly Hall’s enduring relevance and appeal across musical genres and generations.