An immersive exhibition and permanent archive dedicated to Romford's influential '90s electronic music scene will open in October. Titled Mega Mega: Romford's Suburban Sound Revolution, the project will run from October to December, combining audio elements, archive material, and first-hand stories from people who lived through the era.
Romford's role in shaping electronic music
Romford, often seen as a niche subject for an art exhibition, was a significant hub for London's electronic music scene during the 1990s. The area was home to record shop Boogie Times, labels including Suburban Base, pirate radio stations, promoters, and producers. Together, they helped shape a scene that extended well beyond the RM postcode.
The exhibition will explore how Romford influenced electronic music and club culture in the capital, covering genres such as hardcore, jungle, garage, and drum and bass. Havering borough is calling on locals to share personal stories and donate items to the archive ahead of the opening.
A lasting archive for the community
Once the exhibition closes, the local authority will consolidate all materials into a publicly accessible archive. This will allow residents and visitors to explore Romford's musical history at any time.
Romford's cultural footprint also includes Lumiere Romford, a community-led cinema that has gained a cult following as the only picture house in the UK that pays its members.
