It's the street where the NME was founded, Charlie Chaplin co-write 'Smile' and the Sex Pistols lived.
Denmark Street — aka Tin Pan Alley — is swamped in musical history, although of late it's been more in the headlines for rampant redevelopment, and a perceived sterilisation of its former pulsing self.
Denmark Street Sessions intends to be a tonic to all this; the one-day festival on Saturday 6 September 2025 is billed as "part street party, part open house, and a series of intimate live shows" — to be hosted at stores, bars and venues in and around the central London thoroughfare, including Chateau Denmark, Rough Trade, Regent Sounds, No.Tom, Sixty Ink, Dawson's and Farsight Gallery.
Artists on the line-up include Jay Mehler (Kasabian, Beady Eye), who'll share stories and sounds in an intimate talk and performance; DJ Amazonica spinning tunes throughout the night; a show from piano icon Jim Brickman; and gigs from unsigned and independent live bands such as Muck Spreader, Doom Club and Silkarmour.
Says another of the festival's performers, Marc Hayward, who performs in Black Sabbath - The Ballet: "From playing my first gig on Denmark Street, to working in the guitar shops over the years, for me, it all started here. I have met so many amazing people which has led to playing gigs all over the world. To be kicking off such an array of music sessions on this iconic street is an amazing thing for the future of grassroots live music."
Free music blowouts in this neck of the woods are becoming a bit of a thing: jazz club Ronnie Scott's recently threw a free street party on Soho's Frith Street.
Denmark Street Sessions, Saturday 6 September 2025, free
