A Lewisham music co-operative has raised close to half-a-million pounds through their joint-ownership financial model.
Sister Midnight, a community-owned emerging music venue and radio station based in Catford, has benefitted solely from community support to the tune of £451,000 at the time of publication.
Co-founders Lenny Watson and Sophie Farrell aim to give people in the area a say in shaping cultural their cultural space through a Community Benefit Society (CBS) ownership model.
Watson said: “There are exciting cultural things happening in Lewisham.”
Founded in 2018 as a record shop, music venue and cafe in Deptford, Sister Midnight relaunched itself in 2021 as a CBS following Covid-19 financial hits.
The organisation relaunched their share offer in January which allows anyone to invest in the venue project for a minimum of £25.
Their original goal for this relaunch was to raise £75,000, unti a section of the the venue’s roof collapsed due to recent poor weather.
Incredibly, though, their new goal of £105,000 solely in community shares has almost been met.
“We know how important live music is to our community here in south east London, but for so many years we’ve seen venue after venue close their doors for good,” Sister Midnight wrote in their 2026 community share offer.
“It’s time for us to try something new.”
Sister Midnight’s future venue is Lewisham Council’s decommissioned Brookdale Club in Catford town centre.
This space has been a hub of dancing, music, and community collaboration since 1890 – something Watson and Farrell aim to restore.
The project is supported by the Music Venue Trust and the Co-operative UK, who match fund their community shares on their CrowdFunder.
Head of market development John Dawson said: “Co-operatives UK is delighted to support Sister Midnight.
“Local music venues are more than places to see a gig. They are community anchors where talent is nurtured, people connect and local economies benefit.”
Through their support and various grants, including almost £30,000 from the National Lottery according to the Arts Council’s advocacy and communications officer, this community venture has raised over £926,000.
Sister Midnight’s goals are not limited to hosting musical artists and Watson aims to create a cultural haven for Lewisham which can showcase “all the exciting things in the borough”.
Eventually, the duo want to host DJ workshops and gigs for children and their parents, and even train beginners in industry skills.
Featured image: Sister Midnight
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