60 Years of Local Music, Venues and Community

Discover six decades of Newham’s rich and diverse musical history — from youth clubs and reggae sound systems to raves, choirs and club culture.

The Sound Waves exhibition celebrates the borough’s creative communities and the spaces that have shaped local music. Featuring stories, images and recordings gathered from residents, it explores how people came together to make music — and how those sounds continue to echo today.

Created by Rendezvous Projects CIC in partnership with Newham Music and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Exhibition dates and locations

• Beckton Library — 1 November – 13 December 2025
  (Main exhibition hub)
• Stratford Library — 5 – 26 November 2025
  Focus: venues and nightlife in Stratford and Forest Gate
• Plaistow Library — 10 – 26 November 2025
  Focus: venues and community spaces in Plaistow and the south of the borough

Website

See the project website for full documentation of venues included and to add your own memories. 

Publicaiton

See our shop for the book that accompanies this project. 

Mailing list

If you want to stay in touch, email or sign up to our mailing list for updates.

Project partner and funder