50 Years of Rock Against Racism
10 September 2026 - 3 January 2027
Included with all general admission tickets
Photograph by Syd Shelton
In 1976, a group of activists wrote an impassioned letter to the NME calling on musicians and music fans to unite against racism.
The response was immediate.
Hundreds joined what would become Rock Against Racism — a nationwide movement bringing together music, protest and youth culture in opposition to racism.
Between 1976 and 1982, Rock Against Racism organised carnivals, tours, gigs and clubs across Britain, creating spaces where musicians and audiences from different backgrounds could come together.
Its defining events included the huge 1978 carnival at Victoria Park, where around 100,000 people gathered to see The Clash, Steel Pulse, Tom Robinson Band, X-Ray Spex and Patrik Fitzgerald.
That same summer, the movement travelled north. Around 40,000 people attended the Rock Against Racism Northern Carnival at Alexandra Park in Manchester, featuring Steel Pulse, Buzzcocks, X-O-Dus and China Street.
Photograph by Syd Shelton
Photograph by Syd Shelton
POWERFUL PHOTOGRAPHY FROM SYD SHELTON AND JOHN STURROCK
ORIGINAL ROCK AGAINST RACISM POSTERS, PLACARDS AND MAGAZINES
THE MUSIC, PEOPLE AND STORIES BEHIND THE MOVEMENT
The exhibition takes place across the British Music Experience and Star Café & Bar.
The Star Café & Bar exhibition is free to visit.
The main museum exhibition is included with all general admission tickets.
Rock Against Racism changed British popular culture.
Its fusion of punk, reggae, ska and other Black and white musical traditions helped make anti-racism part of youth culture and demonstrated the power of music to challenge prejudice, create solidarity and bring people together.
Fifty years later, that relationship between music, activism and social change remains as relevant as ever.
Photograph by John Sturrock
50 Years of Rock Against Racism - Film Screening + Q&A
Thursday 1 October 2026
Doors 6pm / Film 7pm
Join us for a special evening marking 50 years of Rock Against Racism. The evening begins with a screening of the acclaimed 2019 documentary White Riot, followed by an in-conversation with Rock Against Racism founder Roger Huddle and musician, radio presenter and long-time activist Tom Robinson.
Your ticket also includes exclusive access to the 50 Years of Rock Against Racism exhibition during the evening.
Tickets £10
Photograph by Syd Shelton