A silent disco is being held in a drained lock this weekend

Camden’s most famous lock is being drained this weekend as essential maintenance works are finished off, and the Canal and River Trust are inviting Londoners to get a rare glimpse at the bottom of the 200-year-old chamber – or dance in a silent disco.

Hampstead Road Lock 1A, as it's officially known, will be open on Saturday September 3 from 10am to 6pm and Sunday September 4 from 10am until 5pm. Visitors will be able to see the results of three years worth of repairs, which have cost in the region of half a million pounds, as well as experience the eerie sensation of being in an empty lock. The original brickwork, now two centuries old, will be on display.

More fun, however, is the chance to party there: from 7pm until 9pm on Saturday a series of silent discos are being held: four half-hour sessions will run back to back, for a maximum of 40 people at a time, with guests welcomed on a first come, first served basis. It’s thought this is the first time ever a musical event has been held in a lock chamber – being part of history will cost £10 cash on the door.

For those looking for something a little more sedate, the open weekend will also host a series of fishing sessions.

For more details, visit canalrivertrust.org.uk

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