13 September 2026
The Music is Black: Black to the Future
13 September 2026
ABOUT
A free day of Black British music, across two venues in one yard.
It starts in the theatre. In Conversation with broadcaster Richie Brave, grime pioneer Elijah, and Janet Kay, queen of lovers rock - on Black British music from its inception to the present day, and then to the future.
At 3pm it moves to the courtyard. Sets from Elijah, To The Left, Felt Sound System, Sippin' T and Headtops. At 7pm, Janet Kay is joined by Carroll Thompson: Silly Games and Hopelessly in Love, live, twenty minutes, two of the voices that made lovers rock.
From 5pm it spreads next door. Colour Factory, our neighbour in Queen's Yard, opens their terrace with plentyppl, CasuallyClued and Marvin Jupiter. Also free.
Part of the grand opening weekend and East Bank's The Music is Black festival.
LINE-UP
IN THE THEATRE
1.30–2.15pm In Conversation with Richie Brave and Elijah
2.30–3pm In Conversation with Richie Brave, Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson
IN THE COURTYARD
3–4pm Elijah
4–5.30pm To The Left
5.30–7pm Felt Sound System
7–7.20pm Janet Kay and Carroll Thompson (live PA)
7.20–8.30pm Sippin' T
8.30–9.45pm Headtops
NEXT DOOR: COLOUR FACTORY
From 5pm Colour Factory terrace party, free with plentyppl, CasuallyClued, Marvin Jupiter
TICKETS
Tickets are free. Just show up. We’ll see you there.
ACCESS
The route from the entrance to the auditorium is step-free. The bar is flat throughout, with a slightly uneven concrete floor. We have accessible toilets, and all our toilets are gender-neutral.
LINE-UP
Janet Kay & Carroll Thompson (live PA)
Elijah
Sippin’ T
To The Left
Headtops
In Conversation with Richie Brave
Hosted by yeahitsrenee
Curated by Cassie Leon
