Connecting communities & culture since 2013 to end
social exclusion through the love of music and food.
Beats & Eats is a Non-Profit Community Interest Company
Our events are Free Entry so we rely on funding to deliver our events & workshops. Please support us by donating.
Our Partners
ABOUT US
Beats & Eats began as a music event in response to the 2011 Croydon Riots. A group of musician friends wanted to create a platform to inspire young musicians and creatives in Croydon who felt that they had been ignored by the local council and police. We called up all our friends and teamed up with Surrey Street food trader George, from First Jerk who helped us promote the event. Matthews Yard, located off Surrey Street, was our first home.
In 2013 we were invited by Croydon Council to run our own two-day festival stage as part of the Croydon Ambition Festival and help to launch Boxpark Croydon. In 2015 we firmly committed ourselves to the grass-roots scene and set ourselves up as a Community Interest Company (CIC).
We've grown a strong, creative community over the past twelve years. Our roots are deep, supporting and connecting emerging artists, djs, charities and organisations, delivering over 150 pop-up events and workshops at local licensed venues and open spaces across London, all with zero incidents.
WHAT WE DO
We are dedicated to using the power of music to bring people together, ignite creativity, and support personal growth. We provide inspiring music education workshops and vibrant pop-up events that celebrate community, culture, and connection.
Our family friendly events celebrate our collective cultures and are free-entry, always. We believe that all members of our community should have access to joyful experiences, and we use our events as live projects for our alternative music education workshops.
Our workshops cover music production, artist development and DJ skills which are delivered with local schools and partner organisations. Attendees are encouraged to perform at our events, creating a direct pathway for them from the studio to the stage. We believe in the importance of encouraging, nurturing and inspiring our creative youth.
Our events and workshops support attendees to realise their creative vision, leading to an increase in confidence, love for their home town and the development of self-starting entrepreneurism.
#3d5ee1
OUR TEAM
Ian Anantharajah
Director & Co-founder
Ian is one of the original co-founders and head DJ tutor. West Croydon born and raised and of Sri-lankan heritage, Ian's first DJ event was held at Croydon's Blue Anchor pub in 1998 and his lenghty CV includes a seven-year DJ residency at Ministry of Sound and over fifteen years of Digital Advertising experience.
Michaela Connick
Youth & Community Director
Michaela holds a BA in Criminology and is highly experience in youth and charity work in London. Her key skills lie in conflict resolution and SEND education.
Nathaniel Wallace
Head of Music Production & Lead
Youth Mentor
Nathaniel is our Head of Music Production and Youth Mentor.
His recent work with pupils referred to us by the Violence Reduction Unit and young autistic artist Big Nate, highlight Nathaniel's natural ability to connect with young people of all ages and abilities.
James Greco
Music & Brand Director
James music career spans decades, starting behind the counter at the legendary Beanos record shop to performing on festival stages inc. Glastonbury.
Resident DJ at long running Shoreditch club night: The Get Down
Numerous music production & performance credits inc. BBC 6 Music: Single Of The Week.
Has worked with: Heavenly Records, Moretti, Ben Sherman, PRS for music