V&A East's Sounds & Stories Showcase Celebrates Black British Music with Free Festival Event
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, V&A East will present 'Sounds & Stories,' a complimentary event highlighting Black British music and culture, as part of The Music is Black Festival in collaboration with East Bank. Running from 1:15 PM to 6 PM, the program includes a live DJ performance by Elijah, zine creation, and a showcase of new writings from emerging voices. This event is a continuation of the Sounds & Stories initiative, which began in April 2026, emphasizing themes of resistance, decolonisation, and Black British identity. Guests will have the opportunity to engage with participants, receive a 64-page zine, and partake in screenings, interactive activities, and panel discussions. DJ sets are planned for 2 PM and 4 PM, interviews at 1:15 PM, and panel talks at 3 PM and 5 PM.
Key facts
- Event: Sounds & Stories Showcase at V&A East on Saturday 22nd August 2026, 1.15pm-6pm.
- Part of The Music is Black Festival with East Bank.
- Free event on top floor of East Museum, with artist interview on Waterfront Stage at 1.15pm.
- DJ sets from Elijah and participants at 2pm and 4pm; panel talks at 3pm and 5pm.
- 14 young East Londoners created a 64-page zine and short-form videos.
- Zine and stickers distributed free; collaborative zine activity for attendees.
- Project running since April 2026, responding to themes of resistance, decolonisation, Black British music and identity.
- Panel talk with DJs Seb Odyssey and Fiyahdred at 1.15pm.
- Event celebrates 'The Music is Black: A British Story' exhibition.
- Photo credit: Lex Lawless, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Elijah
- Seb Odyssey
- Fiyahdred
- Lex Lawless
Institutions
- V&A East
- East Bank
- The Music is Black Festival
Locations
- East Museum
- Waterfront Stage
- East London