KOKO Announces 125 Year Anniversary
One of London’s most recognised cultural institutions, KOKO proudly announces its 125th anniversary, marking a major milestone in the capital’s arts and entertainment history. Since opening its doors in 1901, the historic Camden theatre has built a reputation for creative innovation, firmly positioning itself at the heart of London’s ever-evolving music culture.
To celebrate this landmark anniversary, KOKO is placing music firmly at its core, with the launch of a brand-new KOKO Recording Studio, an expanded KOKO Electronic programme, and a series of DJ-led takeovers and special upcoming events including Uncle Waffles, Arman Van Helden, Ayra Starr. With recent hero parties from Bedouin, Prospa and ANOTR, KOKO Electronic’s success is not simply just bookings or lineups, but creating a space where the dancefloor is a contemporary cultural space where architecture, sound, production, lighting, and energy combine into something closer to theatre than clubbing.
Over the past century, KOKO has hosted an extraordinary roster of talent, from Madonna and Prince to Amy Winehouse and The Rolling Stones. From 1982 to 2004 the venue earned its place in club culture history as The Camden Palace, hosting some of the era’s most iconic club parties and scenes from Carl Cox, Depeche Mode, Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and LTJ Bukem. Today, it continues to evolve alongside the music landscape, maintaining its status as a fully independent venue while pushing a forward-thinking creative vision.
Following a three-year restoration, KOKO reopened in 2022 as a 50,000 sq ft, state-of-the-art venue. This transformation introduced an ambitious new music programme alongside the launch of KOKO Electronic – its dedicated electronic music platform, programmed entirely in-house and continuing the venue’s legacy in electronic music culture. This new chapter has cemented KOKO’s position as a multi-dimensional cultural powerhouse, blending heritage with cutting-edge technology.
Introducing – KOKO recording studio: Located within the House of KOKO’s Penthouse, the new recording studio features world-class equipment from Solid State Logic, including the same mixing desk used for Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl Halftime Show. Uniquely integrated throughout the entire building, the studio connects to every performance and event space within KOKO and the House of KOKO – creating one of London’s most dynamic environments for recording, live broadcasting, and content creation.
The studio offers artists and members a space for recording, songwriting, and podcasting. Recent visitors include internationally acclaimed electronic music duo ANOTR and Afrobeats rising star Omah Lay. The space will also support the KOKO Foundation and its Arts Academy, reinforcing its commitment to nurturing emerging talent and community engagement.
Since launching in April 2022, KOKO Electronic has delivered a distinctive electronic experience, bringing together leading DJs – from underground pioneers to global headliners – within the Victorian theatre space. Its programme is curated entirely in-house and continues to strengthen the venue’s decades-long reputation as a leading destination for electronic music in London.
KOKO Electronic achieves an intimacy for its 1500 capacity crowds by having the DJs perform in the round – opening up the stage as a dancefloor makes for a close connection between the artist and their audience during hedonist all-nighters, which run every Fri and Sat, from 10pm-5am.
To mark this milestone 125th birthday, KOKO Electronic builds upon what has been created with more acts and special events to be added this year, upcoming KOKO Electronic highlights: DJ Tunez and Marvo Weekender, Arman van Helden, Zsongo Weekender with Ayra Starr – London debut, Uncle Waffles, Beltran b2b Ben Sterling, Acid House Palace with Paranoid London, Jazzy Jeff, Paco Asuna & Desiree
What makes KOKO Electronic unique, is not only the majestic theatre where its electronic nights take place, but the entirety of the building including The House of KOKO and its community, which enables DJs to take over and curate over 16 different spaces creating a multitude of experiences from supper clubs to roof terrace takeovers, vinyl room experiences to gallery installations, led with creative excellence across service, art, food & drink offering, design, architecture, interiors – an elevated and experimental playground for artists and guests.
Today, KOKO hosts over 1,000 DJs, 300 live music events, and 300 cultural events annually, underscoring its scale and cultural impact. KOKO now comprises three venues and sixteen curated rooms within the House of KOKO, each offering a unique programme of music, DJ sets, and cultural experiences. Fully integrated live-streaming capabilities allow artists to reach audiences both in person and globally.
The building also features a penthouse recording studio, hidden jazz club, vinyl listening rooms, a roof terrace restaurant, gallery spaces, and a network of intimate bars and dining spaces which house curated supper clubs. Combined with Michelin-starred culinary offerings, a 300-piece art collection, and stunning interior design, KOKO delivers a truly immersive cultural experience.
This rare ecosystem empowers artists to create multi-format experiences – before, during, and after performances – while offering audiences new ways to engage with music, storytelling, and culture, both physically and digitally.
