125 years of Black music-making in Britain. This landmark exhibition will reveal how Black British music has shaped British culture. Spanning four continents and 12 decades, this is a story of excellence and struggle, resilience and joy.
A major new addition to London’s international cultural calendar for 2026, The Music is Black Festival from East Bank at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park encompasses an eight-month season of events celebrating Black British music, with four co-curated summer weekends of live music and performance across the park between June and September.
Featuring more than 200 objects, including 60 new acquisitions, this landmark exhibition spotlights the artists, creators and communities whose innovation has shaped Britain’s cultural and musical identity. Expect an immersive mix of sound, film, photography, fashion, instruments and personal artefacts that bring untold stories to life.
Inspired by the V&A East Museum’s inaugural exhibition ‘The Music is Black: A British Story’, the festival encompasses a programme of music, exhibitions, talks, screenings, dance and digital content, with choreographer-curated club nights and social dance events at Sadler’s Wells East; free talks, screenings and exhibitions presented by UCL and London College of Fashion, UAL; and unique contributions from the BBC, diving deep into the history of Black British music. Partner-led events will take place at all East Bank institutions, with a training academy designed to amplify local talent and build a career pipeline into the creative industries.
Both the V&A East Museum and The Music is Black: A British Story open to the public on Saturday 18 April!
