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Anger at sex images in promo pamphlet
Leaflet also condemned for pictures of drug-taking
A pamphlet designed to promote live music and arts in Camden Town and sponsored by a group of businesses campaigning for a safer environment has been criticised for using stark images apparently celebrating illegal drug use, binge drinking and casual sex.
Camden Happening is a month-long ‘mini-festival’ of events designed to celebrate Camden Town’s rich history of art and music.
But its listing guide has sparked concern among police officers for its use of “rave culture” photographs currently on display as part of an exhibition at the Lock Tavern pub in Chalk Farm Road.
On the front cover, a man clings to a woman whose trousers are peeled below her buttocks. Inside, another reveller smiles as he suggests that he is popping an ecstasy tablet, while another clubber is apparently groped from behind.
The pamphlet is produced by festival organisers and promoters Adventures In The Beetroot Field (AITBF) but is also stamped with the logo of Camden Town Unlimited – the partnership of companies who contribute extra money above their business rates to pay for improvements.
Operating chief Kimberley Paumier said she had no idea the photos would be used and said CTU did not support their use.
The landlord of one of Camden Town’s most famous music pubs, the Dublin Castle, said that he was furious to find his venue listed in the guide – without his prior permission.
Pub boss Henry Conlon was questioned by concerned police officers amid fears that the images were sending out the wrong message about Camden Town’s nightlife.
He said: “It is not how we want Camden Town to be portrayed. I have spent all week re-assuring police and the licensing department that our tough stance against anti-social behaviour remains intact.
“The publication’s pictures could give the impression ‘Come to Camden for total debauchery, pops some E’s and drink lots of alcohol.”
Mr Conlon, who is vice-chairman of Camden Town’s Safer Neighbourhoods police panel, added: “The Dublin Castle does not appear. Just a single listing. It’s enough. This free publication undoes years of hard work by responsible individuals.”
CTU, which uses the mission motto ‘Cut Crime, Clean and Green, Celebrate and Promote’ is thanked by AITBF for their support on the first page of the guide.
But operating chief Kim Paumier distanced CTU from the publication on Monday – despite the appearance of its logo.
She said: “CTU support live music in Camden Town but we do not support the use of the images. We were not shown them before they went to press. We would not have supported them if we had.”
Ms Paumier said she did not know if there was any follow-up pamphlet in the pipeline.
A police spokesman declined to comment.
The festival promoters said: “In October and November, Camden promoters AITBF bring together a series of events incorporating the traditional gigs that have become Camden’s heartbeat as well as showcasing some of the less publicised aspects of Camden’s appeal including photography, spoken word, film and cabaret.”
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