Laundrettes are the new venues for pop-up gigs

After the machines have stopped for the day, bands are setting up and crowds arriving for late-night gigs.

The idea appeals to musicians who are trying to keep costs down, and party-goers are struck by the use of such unusual venues.

East End band Real Fur have held three gigs in laundrettes since May. Singer Leo Duncan, 27, from Hackney, said: "Bands are tired of promoters and PR people pocketing so much of a night's takings, and people are paying more and more for a night out. We've all heard of pop-up restaurants and now this is a pop-up gig.

"We wanted something different, but also clean and cool. We've held gigs in other unusual places but this is more about getting to know a space.

"I've washed my clothes in the laundrettes we've held the gigs in - they are just down the road from my house. I wanted to customise that space."

One difficulty the gig organisers face is limited space, as laundrettes tend to be somewhat cramped.

More than 120 people attended Real Fur 's most recent concert, at the weekend, and revellers were turned away at a laundrette party last month, also in Hackney, to avoid overcrowding.

Bassist Matt McGough, 23, said: "People dance on the machines and are really excited by the venue - it's great." Art and video projections are also on display. Andy Gillespie, a 26-year-old visual artist, showed his work at the first laundrette party.

He said: "If you can create work that looks good in a laundrette, chances are it will work out in a space like the Tate.

"Laundrettes are really small. It's very rough and ready, but the acoustics are amazing. For me, it's about taking opportunities and trying out something new."