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The lesbian DJ, writer and performer has been appointed by Mayor Sadiq Khan to champion the capital after dark.

DJ, writer. campaigner and performer Amy Lamé has been appointed as London’s first ever Night Czar, it was announced today.

Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed the holder of the new position, a first for the UK, will be responsible for championing the capital after dark to make sure London thrives as a 24-hour city.

Following phenomenal interest in the role with hundreds of applicants, Lamé was appointed thanks to her extensive knowledge and experience of the night time economy, having built her career in the industry over the last two decades. She has a proven track-record in the area, fighting for the future of one of the capital’s legendary LGBT+ venues, the Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT), and as Mayoress of Camden.

As Night Czar, Lamé will be responsible for boosting the city’s cultural scene, following the closure of much-loved venues including Fabric, and will work with night time insustries, local authorities, the police, Transport for London and the public to grow the economy after dark.

Sadiq Khan, who promised a Night Czar in his manifesto, 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.”

He added: “Amy is a fantastic hire who will give a big boost to our city’s flourishing nightlife which already attracts millions of visitors each year. Her proven track-record of helping save venues, her first-hand experience of the industry over the last two decades as well as her love for London and its nightlife are what make her such a great candidate for the role. She is in an ideal position to work together with venues, authorities, developers and revellers enjoying a night out to solve difficult issues and get new and creative projects going.”

On her appointment, Amy said: “It’s a privilege to be London’s very first Night Czar. 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.

“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. I look forward to bringing together local authorities, the police, Transport for London and many other people from across the night time industries to transform London into a truly 24-hour city.”

Several cities including Amsterdam, San Francisco and Berlin already have a Night Czar.

To find out more and to watch Amy talk about the role of Night Czar, visit london.gov.uk/24hourlondon
Source: DIVA

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