This new museum opens with a major exhibition exploring how Black music has shaped British culture over the last 125 years. The Music is Black: A British Story enhances the display of images, instruments, costumes and technology by giving each visitor a headset. As you move around the rooms and gaze at the exhibits the music changes, reflecting the pieces, people or events you are viewing.

When viewing the battered old piano played with such gusto by Winifred Atwell in that jazzy, honkytonk way, the sound came through the headset.

Amazing costumes, iconic outfits, challenging clothing – the style of Black artists is so distinctive. Fun to see the Stormzy stab vest and a clip of his performance at Glastonbury in 2019.

From the origins of Jazz to more recent genres such as garage and grime, the look and sound is celebrated. The exhibition doesn’t shy away from the issues Black artists have experienced with race and and the battles they have endured to convey their message and sound within the UK.

The new museum opens on Saturday 18th April. I do recommend you combine a trip there with a visit to the V&A warehouse which is just a few minutes’ walk away across the Olympic Park. The Stratford destination is very easy to reach with so many transport systems to take you there. Definitely a place to check out.