The Music is Black Festival from East Bank

The first weekend of The Music is Black Festival was The Music is Ours, a block party celebrating London's soundsystem legacy in the birthplace of grime.

Saturday's music stages were curated by east London grime pioneer Footsie and featured a stacked line up of DJs, MCs and rappers including huge names in the industry like Sir Spyro, DJ Target, Flowdan, Mak10, Supa D and Terminal 4. Sadler's Wells East had a full line up across the day with family dance sessions before renowned dancer and choreographer, Kloé Dean, curated a club dedicated to Garage and Grime with DJs and dance performances until late. 

Sunday Waterfront Stage was curated by YolanDa Brown OBE DL and Soul Mama which saw live big bands like Brit Funk Association and a closing performance from YolanDa Brown herself. My Runway Group curated the Mid Terrace and had Tinchy Stryder and DJ Target interviewed live on stage as well as poetry readings and DJs. Breakin' Convention closed out The Dance Floor is Black with performances and exhibition dance battles.

Power & Respect celebrated the contribution of Black British women and non-binary people to music and culture, with a free weekend of performances, live conversations and creative experiences across the Park.

Saturday's programme was curated by broadcaster and DJ Jamz Supernova, bringing together artists spanning broken beat, UK funky, bass, electronic music and beyond. The day showcased the breadth of contemporary Black British music through a diverse programme of DJs and live acts, while Sadler's Wells East continued The Dance Floor is Black with family activities and evening club programming.

Sunday was curated by Yazmin Lacey, TYSON and BORN N BREAD and focused on soulful, future-facing sounds rooted in community and collaboration. Across the Park, audiences enjoyed a mix of live performances, DJ sets and conversations celebrating artists shaping music today, creating a weekend that championed representation and collective power.

Queer Frequencies celebrated the sound, legacy and future of Black queer music culture. Inspired by the communities that helped shape nightlife and dance music, the weekend brought together artists exploring identity and self-expression.

Saturday's programme was curated by Shy One, Donnie Sunshine and Zinzi Minott, with performances and DJ sets celebrating the influence of Black queer communities. Across the Park, audiences experienced genre-spanning music alongside dance and cultural programming, while The Dance Floor is Black provided further opportunities to participate through workshops, performances and club experiences.

Sunday continued the celebration with a programme curated by Mark-Ashley Dupé, Joel Mignott and Fagamuffin Bloc Party. Highlights included a special performance from MNEK and a closing celebration at Sadler's Wells East, where DJs, MCs and dancers brought the weekend to a vibrant conclusion.

Black to the Future brought the live weekends to a close with two days dedicated to artists pushing genres forward. Celebrating innovation and artistic possibility, the programme showcased emerging and established voices shaping the next chapter of Black British music.

Saturday's programme was curated by FLOHIO, whose distinctive approach to genre-blending music informed a line-up of boundary-pushing performers and DJs. Alongside live music, visitors enjoyed family-friendly activities, food and drink, and The Dance Floor is Black programme at Sadler's Wells East, creating a festival atmosphere across the Park throughout the day and into the evening.

Sunday was curated by The Blues Project and focused on artists exploring the outer edges of contemporary music. Performances included MOBO and Mercury Prize-nominated artist BERWYN, alongside creative moments extending into neighbouring venues in Hackney Wick. Visitors could also join guided tours led by The Line's Youth Guides, connecting the festival to the wider stories  of east London.