Get some ‘Good vibes’ at North Herts Museum this Black History Month with an exhibition remembering Hitchin’s house parties and sound systems from the 1960s to 1990s, and how this fun and fascinating local cultural scene began and evolved.
The exhibition, on show until 27 October, shares the stories of those who were there, of how migrants from the Caribbean arrived in Hitchin with customs and traditions to build community togetherness through socialising at house parties. Rejected from pubs and social venues by the racism of many owners and customers, the new Black community decided to continue their traditions in the front rooms and sometimes basements of their homes, creating an opportunity for people to enjoy food, drink and music together.
Matt Platt, Assistant Curator at North Herts Museum, said: “The exhibition combines, stories, pictures and objects assembled by the community, highlights some key figures from the house party and later sound system scene. Remembering popular parties hosted by people like Miss Lou at her home on Dacre Road and Mr and Mrs Johnson’s parties in Periwinkle Lane.”
The exhibition also shares the ingenuity of how some members of this community created their own sound systems, featuring towering speakers and amps. Hear from people like Clint Bucknor of Amegus Downbeat about how sound systems really put Hitchin on the map, with different ‘sounds’ and their followers coming from places as far away as Birmingham to do musical battle in town.
North Herts Museum is located on Brand Street, Hitchin, open Tuesday-Saturday 10.30am-4.30pm and Sunday 11am-3pm, and this exhibition in The Arches and general admission to the museum is free.
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