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Amy Lamé appointed as London’s first Night Czar

By | Published on Monday 7 November 2016

Amy Lamé

In something of a surprise move, comedian and broadcaster Amy Lamé was confirmed as London’s first ever night czar on Friday, even though – as a comedian – Lamé is surely aware that ‘night mayor’ is a much funnier job title, and it’s probably a better description of the task ahead.

“It’s a privilege to be London’s very first night czar”, she said confirming her appointment. “I can’t wait to hit the streets and have loads of ideas of what I can do for revellers, night-time workers, businesses and stakeholders”.

The new role of night czar – which reports into London mayor Sadiq Khan – has been created in response to fears that economic, licensing and other issues are threatening the capital’s night-time industries, and that was before the whole Fabric debacle.

The recruitment ad for the post published back in August said that the night czar would work with businesses, local authorities and city agencies to “create a vision for London as 24 hour city and a roadmap showing how the vision will be realised”.

Although possibly best known for her work as a performer and broadcaster, Lamé is also co-founder of the arts company and club night Duckie, and has led a campaign to save the Royal Vauxhall Tavern that hosts that event ever since the building was sold to property developers in 2014. She has also DJed at various clubs around London and was Mayor of Camden in 2010/2011.

Confirming the hire, Khan said: “I’m absolutely delighted to announce the appointment of London’s first-ever night czar. The recent closure of the world-famous nightclub Fabric and the threats facing other venues across the capital show why Amy will be a much-needed ambassador for the city after dark”.

Meanwhile Lamé added of the job ahead: “For too long, the capital’s night-time industry has been under pressure – music venues and nightclubs in particular are closing at an alarming rate. With the advent of the Night Tube, and the Mayor’s commitment to protect iconic venues across the city, I’m confident that I can inspire a positive change in the way people think about the night-time economy”.



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