The American-British performer, BBC Radio 6Music presenter, and London’s first Night Czar, Amy Lamé, has received the Freedom of the City of London today.

 Since being appointed as Night Czar by the Mayor of London in 2016, Amy has been responsible for supporting and promoting London's life at night, both, in the UK and internationally, including working to safeguard venues across the capital.

 Amy is well known for her broadcasting, LGBTQI+ writing and activism, and co-founding the celebrated club night ‘Duckie’, which she hosted for 25 years.

Prior to her role at the Greater London Authority, Amy served as Mayoress of the London Borough of Camden in 2010-11.

New Jersey-born Amy attended her ceremony at Guildhall with family members and friends.

Speaking after today’s ceremony, London Night Czar, Amy Lamé, said:

“I am honoured to have been awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

“Our city's life at night is unparalleled across the world and as London’s first Night Czar, I’m proud of all the work that we have done to protect, preserve, and innovate the capital at night, alongside my work to champion LGBTQI+ rights.

“I will continue to do all that I can to support and stand-up for all aspects of life at night, as we help build a better London for everyone.”

Policy Chairman of the City Corporation, Chris Hayward, said:

“As well as championing London’s vibrant nightlife, Amy has been a very familiar face on the capital’s LGBTQ+ scene for many years and coming just a fortnight after Pride, it is particularly timely that we celebrate her contribution to the community and our creative industries.

“We are proud to welcome Amy and her guests to Guildhall today.”

Vice Policy Chair of the City Corporation, Tijs Broeke, said:

“I am delighted to support Amy’s Freedom award, which is one of our oldest and proudest traditions and in Amy’s case, recognises her contribution to the LGBTQ+ community and key role as the GLA’s Night Czar for the last seven years.”

One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.

As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.

Recent high-profile recipients include former England cricketer, Ebony Rainford-Brent; singer-songwriter, Ed Sheeran; England football captain and Tottenham Hotspur striker, Harry Kane; and theatrical impresario, Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

ENDS

Notes to editors

For further information, please contact:

Andrew Buckingham, Media Officer (Arts, Culture, Heritage, Licensing), City of London Corporation / 07795 333060 / andrew.buckingham@cityoflondon.gov.uk

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally successful UK –  www.cityoflondon.gov.uk