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Brixton: Flames on the Frontline

Forty years ago Brixton burned. It was the people versus the police. Violence erupted on the streets. What happened changed the face of Britain – for everyone.

Radio 5 Live,9 episodes

Episodes

ListGrid

Coming soon...
Big Narstie asks what caused violence to erupt in his home town of Brixton 40 years ago.
07 Apr 2021,3 mins
Episode 1: The Fuse is Lit
Brixton is the centre of the world for a group of kids growing up – but racism intrudes.
09 Apr 2021,29 mins,
Episode 2: Fuel to the Fire
Resentment towards the police grows – and black power fights back.
09 Apr 2021,32 mins,
Episode 3: Feel the Heat
Gangs of racist thugs are on the attack and they’ve got Brixton in their sights...
16 Apr 2021,32 mins,
Episode 4: Sides are Taken
Sound systems. Reggae. Parties. Brixton’s music scene is an escape but it’s under attack.
23 Apr 2021,33 mins,
Episode 5: The Hardest Day
A fire kills 13 young black people and survivors feel the authorities don’t seem to care.
30 Apr 2021,30 mins,
Episode 6: No Going Back
'13 dead, nothing said'. Protestors demand justice for the victims of the New Cross Fire.
07 May 2021,39 mins,
Episode 7: Brixton Burns
Brixton explodes in a weekend of rioting which will change the face of Britain.
14 May 2021,36 mins,
Episode 8: From the Ashes
Events in Brixton spark a summer of discontent, as rioting breaks out across the country.
21 May 2021,39 mins,