O2 Academy Islington Gig Guide

Hidden away in the Angel Central shopping centre, the O2 Academy Islington is a small, 800-capacity venue known for intimate shows and weekend club nights. A great place to check out up-and-coming artists, catch up with that star you loved ten years ago, or get your pop on with their Saturday night Club De Fromage. In addition to the main venue, there is also the small O2 Academy2 Islington within the complex, offering an additional space for acts.

Getting To The Venue

Angel Tube Station on the Northern Line is a 5-minute walk away – turn right out of the station, cross over Upper Street and Angel Central shopping centre and the venue is just ahead.

Other nearby tube stations include Highbury & Islington on the Victoria Line and Kings Cross St Pancras (Victoria, Northern, Piccadilly, Metropolitan, Circle, Hammersmith & City, National Rail) are both a 20-minute walk away. The 4, 19, 30 and 43 all stop just outside the mall on Upper Street.

There is a 100-space car park in the Angel Central shopping centre, accessible via Berners Road.

What Time Do Events Start and Finish at the O2 Academy Islington?

Event times tend to vary between specific acts and events, but for music shows, the main act is usually on at 21.00/21.30 and supports around 20.00/20.30. Doors open at 19.00 and tend to finish by 23.00. To get the exact times, it’s best to keep an eye on the venue’s and band’s socials on the day of the event.

Queueing & security at the O2 Academy Islington

The main entrance is in Angel Central Shopping Centre. For the main O2 Academy Islington, the entrance is on the ground level by the car park, the smaller O2 Academy2 Islington is on the upper level of Angel Central.

Queues start at the main entrance and as you enter you will be checked by security, including checking the size of your bag.

Only one small bag (A4 size) per person is allowed in, and large bags, such as rucksacks are not permitted.

Finding Your Seats At the O2 Academy Islington

As you enter, you can go through to the lower stalls area or the upper mezzanine/balcony level area.

Security & Cloakrooms at the O2 Academy Islington

o2 Academy Islington is one of the few venues that has a cloakroom. They do charge per item, while Priority members get this free.

Merchandise

The main foyer is home to merch stands if you’re after a t-shirt, tote or poster.

Guest Lists and Backstage Access

Guest list attendees can pick up passes from the box office in the main foyer.

Accessibility

There is a disabled viewing area, which will be on the right hand of the stage or in the mezzanine area, but space can be limited (up to 2 wheelchairs and 7 seats). Guide and hearing assistance dogs are permitted.