KOKO began life as The Camden Theatre and was opened on Boxing Day 1900 by the famous actress Ellen Terry, with a seating capacity of 1600. In 1909 the theatre was renamed The Camden Hippodrome and was a variety theatre where famous names such as Charlie Chaplin appeared. In 1911 film seasons began and it became a proper cinema in 1913. Live acts were still used to support films – in 1928 ‘Novelty Nights’ were introduced on Fridays with up to seven live acts appearing before the film. In 1933 the cinema was wired for sound and free Christmas performances were given to the local children. The cinema closed in 1940 and for some 20 years from 1945 the building became a BBC Theatre and shows included the famous Goon Show.

Cargo were the pioneers of the multi-tasking MDF concept (that’s Music-Dance-Food) and boast one of the most imaginative live music line-ups in the capital. Fuel up with some of their lovely street food, while away a summer afternoon in their courtyard and groove till dawn under the refitted railway arches. The Cantaloupe group are the brains behind Cargo and run other top venues such as Market Place - a record label - and have taken over the ownership of the Big Chill, the UK’s largest independent music festival.

Opening in September 2003, Carling Academy Islington is situated in the heart of fashionable Islington, a 17,000 square foot purpose built venue, with a capacity of 800. Carling Academy 2 Islington is the adjoining smaller space re-designed as a stand alone venue showcasing hot up-and-coming bands (capacity 250) and easily converts to an extra room for club nights. It is the McKenzie Group's seventh concert venue and third site in London, and an ambition realised for MKG MD John Northcote to capture acts of all sizes and stages in the Capital. Carling Academy Islington fits perfectly alongside MKG's flagship South London venue; Carling Academy Brixton (capacity 4,720) and the historic Shepherds Bush Empire (capacity 2,000) in West London.