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The British Music Experience is set to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Rock Against Racism with a specially curated temporary exhibition that delves into the movement’s rich history. Scheduled to run from 10 September 2026 until 3 January 2027, the show will feature a collection of evocative photographs by Syd Shelton and John Sturrock, complemented by original posters, placards, and magazines. This exhibition aims to revisit a crucial chapter in the intersection of British music and social activism, celebrating the lasting bond between music and the fight for social justice.
Rock Against Racism began in 1976 when a group of activists responded to Eric Clapton’s outspoken support for Enoch Powell and his anti-immigration views by penning a passionate letter to the NME. They declared, “We want to organise a rank-and-file movement against the racist poison in rock music,” calling on musicians and fans alike to unite in opposition to racism. The movement quickly gained traction, inspiring hundreds of people to join the cause and igniting a nationwide campaign. Between 1976 and 1982, the activists coordinated national carnivals, tours, and local gigs that brought together diverse audiences and musicians, standing firmly against racism.
A landmark moment for the movement took place on 30 April 1978, when approximately 100,000 people participated in a six-mile march from Trafalgar Square to Victoria Park in Hackney for a massive open-air carnival. This event featured performances from influential bands such as The Clash, Steel Pulse, the Tom Robinson Band, X-Ray Spex, and Patrik Fitzgerald, with the reggae group Misty In Roots leading the procession from the back of a lorry. It was one of the era’s most important music-led anti-racism demonstrations. Inspired by this success, Rock Against Racism activists also staged the Northern Carnival in Manchester’s Alexandra Park on 15 July 1978, drawing an audience of around 40,000. The event included performances by Steel Pulse, Buzzcocks, X-O-Dus, and China Street.
Throughout its existence, Rock Against Racism collaborated with the Anti-Nazi League and grassroots campaigners to confront the National Front and combat racism in Britain. The movement’s network of concerts, publications, and local groups provided vital spaces where music and political activism intersected. It had a profound impact on British popular culture by integrating anti-racism into youth culture, rather than limiting it to formal political contexts. The blend of punk, reggae, ska, and other musical styles helped shape the cultural landscape of the early 1980s. Today, the legacy of Rock Against Racism endures through organisations like Love Music Hate Racism and Stand Up To Racism, which continue to harness the unifying power of music to challenge prejudice. Notably, on 28 March 2026, an estimated 500,000 people gathered in London for an anti-racist rally, reflecting the ongoing relevance of the connection between music, culture, and social resistance.
The exhibition will be displayed both within the British Music Experience museum and the adjacent Star Café & Bar, with free access to the Star Café area and museum entry included with general ticket purchase. Complementing the exhibition, a special screening of the 2019 documentary *White Riot* will be followed by a discussion featuring Rock Against Racism founder Roger Huddle and activist and musician Tom Robinson on 1 October 2026. Tickets to this launch event, priced at £10, provide exclusive access to the exhibition on the night.
Jo Cester, Collection and Public Programme Manager at the British Music Experience, highlighted the significance of the movement: “Rock Against Racism occupies an important place in British music history. The extraordinary response to the movement demonstrated that music could provide a powerful platform for activism, protest, solidarity and social change. Fifty years on, these images offer a vivid reminder of the energy and determination of a generation of musicians, activists and music fans who refused to remain silent. For the British Music Experience, this exhibition is an opportunity to preserve and share that history, while highlighting a message that remains as important today as it was in 1976 – music has the power to bring people together.”
Alan Brown from Love Music Hate Racism Merseyside also expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration: “Love Music Hate Racism is delighted to be working with the British Music Experience on the exhibition and launch event marking 50 years of Rock Against Racism. Rock Against Racism alongside the Anti-Nazi League was instrumental in opposing racism and the rise of the National Front in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. Rock Against Racism made it cool to be anti-racist. Rock Against Racism serves as inspiration for us to be active anti-racists. Rock Against Racism shows us we can win. Reggae soul rock n roll jazz funk punk – our music!”
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