Romford’s Rave Past Takes Over ATIK In New Mega Mega Exhibition
An immersive exhibition opening on 29 October will celebrate the town’s electronic music pioneers, with free Thursday entry for Havering residents.
Mega Mega: Romford’s Suburban Sound Revolution will take over ATIK Nightclub from Thursday 29 October to Sunday 20 December 2026, exploring a decisive decade in electronic music and club culture.
Between 1989 and 1999, Romford’s thriving scene of producers, pirate radio, record stores, labels and clubs helped shape electronic music far beyond the borough.
In partnership with Havering London and curated by Katherine Green of Rendezvous Projects, the exhibition will celebrate the people behind the scene, from house to hardcore, jungle to garage.
It will feature first-hand accounts, archival material, music from influential labels and oral histories recording the experiences of DJs, producers, artists, illustrators, photographers and the ravers who filled the dancefloors.
Curator Katherine Green said: “What interests me is just how much the young people of Romford created within a 10 year period and all within a fairly small area, connected through friendships and collaborations”.
She added: “Hearing people’s memories brings that world to life: the experimentation, the sharing of knowledge and the confidence to make something of your own. It’s a reminder of why young people need space and support to get together, try things out and develop their ideas. I hope people come away proud of what was created here, and with a sense of how much UK culture owes to creative communities like this one.”
New commissions from Rosie Strickland, James Tuitt and Sophia Olaniyan will explore the era’s continuing influence through film, art and sound. Alongside the exhibition, Havering will build a permanent archive and collection so these stories and materials remain locally held and publicly accessible.
The exhibition is at ATIK, 108 South Street, Romford, RM1 1SS. Standard opening hours are noon to 8pm Thursday to Saturday and noon to 6pm on Sundays.
Adult tickets cost £12 plus a £1.47 booking fee. Concessions cost £10 plus a £1.27 booking fee. Skiddle applies an additional fee per order, with the total shown before purchase. All paid tickets must be booked in advance and cannot be purchased on the door.
Concessions cover students, people aged 60 and over, disabled visitors, people receiving means-tested benefits and unwaged visitors. Under-16s enter free with an accompanying adult, and free companion tickets are available.
Havering residents can visit free on Thursdays, in person at ATIK and subject to availability on the door. Proof of address is required and allows entry for two adult Havering residents.
The venue has step-free access and an accessible toilet. Book tickets through Skiddle.
Featured photograph: Hard House Records, Romford, Del (owner) and Dave McCarthy, 1998. Photograph © Steve Stritton. Courtesy of Steve Stritton.
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