Hawley Arms stars and regulars in star-studded reunion
 | | Mighty Boosh star Noel Fielding presented the show |
By Susanna Wilkey
A GIG in honour of the burned-out Hawley Arms saw celebrity regulars out in force to support their beloved boozer.
 | | Ray Winston’s daughter Lois performed with her band This Year’s Model |
Mighty Boosh star Noel Fielding compered the evening of live music at Dingwalls in Camden Lock to raise awareness of the plight of the pub, which burned in the Camden fire in February.
More than 500 people turned up to support last Thursday night's event, which also saw former Highgate schoolboy Jonny Borrell play a secret gig to the delight of the crowd.
Wildchild Amy Winehouse took to the decks to DJ, and other performers included Babyshambles bassist Drew McConnell's group Helsinki and the band This Year's Model as well as the drummer from Dirty Pretty Things.
The reopening of the pub has been delayed by problems with gaining planning permission from Camden Council.
Despite applying to rebuild the pub in April, the decision has been repeatedly delayed but owners are hoping The Hawley Arms will be open again before Christmas.
Josie Naughton, who worked at the Hawley Arms and now works at the pub's music venue the Wilmington Arms, said: "We wanted this event to show people we are still here and keep people aware of us so they don't forget.
"We also wanted to keep the council aware of how much it means to everyone. It was an absolutely brilliant evening and very successful.
"All the crowds loved it and a lot of people were dressed up, it was great. So many people showed up they had to be turned away.
"Pretty much everyone who came was a regular of the Hawley Arms and it was nice to see so many familiar faces again.
"The last few days things have started happening and it has started to look more hopeful for getting the pub open again.
"We are all hoping it will be before Christmas. There have been some problems because of new fire regulations and there is not enough room inside the building, but we cannot change the outside appearance of the building so it is difficult."
Flames destroyed the top two floors of the boozer during the 'Great Fire of Camden' and left many other businesses in ruins, including 90 stalls in the canal market.
The inferno was caused by a gas heater that had not been turned off.
A spokeswoman for Camden Council said: "Following extensive negotiations, the Hawley Arms has submitted a revised planning application which we consider will form the basis of an acceptable scheme."
No time indication could be given for when the application would be considered.
susanna.wilkey@hamhigh.co.uk
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