Celebrate Southend’s subcultures at a series of exclusive events

February 12, 2019 by Leigh-on-sea.com

The Beecroft Art Gallery is holding a series of events to celebrate the diversity of subcultures in Southend, from teddy boys to mods, skinheads, punks, goths and everything in between and beyond.

The events are part of the popular ‘Subcultures’ exhibition at the Beecroft Gallery on Victoria Avenue, Southend. The exhibition, which opened on 15 December, displays a mix of subcultures complete with memorabilia loaned to the gallery by members of the public. 

Events launch on 28 February, beginning with a Reggae Sound System Night. Artikal Vibes radio station DJ Warriah Force and record-dealer Derry Hall will be bringing the best reggae sounds to the Beecroft Art Gallery, where visitors can also enjoy the exhibition and archive of reggae posters.

                                                                                                             
On 2 March Tribal Youth in Revolt celebrates the “disruptive visibility of young people” in the company of historians, writers, performers and icons of the subcultural scene. There will be film screenings and panel sessions followed by an after-party at Twenty One on Southend seafront. 

Explore the stories of Southend’s subcultural scene on the Subcultures Curator’s Tour, a curator-led tour of the exhibition on 28 March.

On 29 May art duo Quiet British Accent are leading the Subcultures Painted Lettering Workshop, a family workshop during the May half-term holidays. The duo has a love of lettering, and their work has been featured in Time Out and The Guardian, amongst others. During this afternoon of creative fun families can create punky band posters in the beautiful surrounds of Priory Visitor Centre.

Cllr Lesley Salter, cabinet member for healthy communities and wellbeing said: “These events are a fantastic way to celebrate the various subcultures in Southend. Make the most of these opportunities to dance along to some reggae beats with two reggae icons, get an exclusive tour of the exhibition from a curator, and learn how to design posters that influenced past subcultures. We hope you’ll get involved in these activities, and continue to celebrate the art, musical and theatrical achievements of our subcultures”.

Tickets for events can be purchased online via www.southendlam.eventbrite.co.uk  or by searching Southend Museums Facebook page. More events will be released nearer the time so follow the Museums Facebook page to keep updated.