Blues Party
The space is decked, the music is playing and the vibes are good: come along to dance, socialise and kick back to a line-up of fresh artists and DJs.
The Milestones team transforms The Clore Ballroom into a vibrant Blues party with a ska-reggae-rocksteady soundtrack paying homage to the fabled Caribbean house parties of 1960 – 1980s Britain.
This show has been planned, programmed and delivered entirely by young people as part of Milestones, a professional development programme for aspiring live music professionals, delivered by Serious. Through masterclasses, mentoring and shadowing, participants have gained the skills needed to run live events. Blues Party is the culmination of this process.
Schedule
1.30pm – 2.30pm: Panel discussion – ‘The Lasting Impact of Caribbean Blues Parties’
Join us for this panel discussion unravelling the history and politics of these parties, and their impact on British-Caribbean culture, hosted by Kevin Le Gendre and featuring Mykaell Riley, Linett Kamala and Duke Peckings.
2.30pm – 3pm: Blissy E DJ Set
Radio host and DJ Blissy E celebrates an eclectic mix of sounds from across the globe, inspired by her Caribbean roots, Afro-centric contributions to art and her love of the club scene.
3pm – 3.45pm: Maia Reid
Maia Reid is a rising star blending soulful tones with her appreciation of reggae frequency. She draws inspiration from her Jamaican heritage as well as iconic influences such as Cleo Sol, Donny Hathaway, Tarrus Riley and Estelle.
3.45pm – 4.15pm: Blissy E DJ set
4.15pm – 5pm: Steppin’ Over
Born from Tomorrow’s Warriors development programme, and mentored by Jazz Jamaica founder Gary Crosby OBE, Steppin’ Over brings a mix of ska, calypso, mento and Blue beat – guaranteed to have you dancing.
5pm – 6pm: Duke Peckings DJ set
Duke Peckings is a DJ and co-owner of London’s oldest reggae record store and pioneering label, Peckings Records. Expect everything from reggae, ska, to dub and lovers rock.
6pm – 7pm: #SDWEEKLY
More than just a gig, this immersive, dynamic and unpredictable experience has become a staple of the city’s underground scene. Today’s line-up has been curated as a response to the cultural significance of Blues Parties and British Caribbean music, all while reflecting the vibrant and innovative sound of London’s jazz scene.
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the The Clore Ballroom Southbank Centre
The Clore Ballroom is open six days a week.
Tuesday, 10am – 6pm*
Wednesday – Sunday, 10am – 11pm
Monday, closed.
*If we’re hosting a performance, the building will stay open until the event ends.
Plan your visit
The Clore Ballroom is located inside our Royal Festival Hall on Level 2.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
There is step-free access to The Clore Ballroom, Level 2, Royal Festival Hall, via a ramp.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
Next to The Clore Ballroom is our Ballroom Cafe where you can grab a coffee and a piece of freshly made cake. Also on Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen which opens out onto our Riverside Terrace.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.