Mega Mega: Romford’s Suburban Sound Revolution
Romford’s Suburban Sound Revolution
Mega Mega will be an immersive exhibition exploring a decisive decade in Romford’s electronic music and club culture, from hardcore and jungle to garage and drum & bass.
Between 1989 and 1999, Romford became an influential hub. Record shops such as Boogie Times, labels including Suburban Base, pirate radio stations, promoters, dancers and producers helped shape a scene that travelled far beyond the borough.
This project brings that history together through sound, archive material and first-hand accounts.
The exhibition will run in Romford from October to December 2026. Alongside it, we are building a permanent archive and collection so that these stories and materials remain locally held and publicly accessible.
Part of Havering Unearthed. Havering Unearthed is supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, Romford BID, Arts Council England and London Borough of Havering.
Be part of it
We’re looking for local people (and anyone connected to Romford) to get involved in three main ways:
Share your story
We’re recording oral history interviews with people who contributed to, worked in, or took part in Romford’s electronic music and club culture during this period, on the dancefloor, behind the scenes, on pirate radio, in record shops, and everywhere in between.
Contribute to the archive
If you have material from the era, we’d love to hear from you. This might include flyers, posters, photos, tickets, tapes, recordings, VHS, rave packs, objects, or other ephemera.
We can discuss what feels right for you, donating items, lending items for display, or having material scanned/photographed for the archive.
Volunteer
We’re also recruiting volunteer interviewers to help record oral histories and to help gather archive material. No previous experience is needed, training will be provided in interviewing, recording, consent and ethical practice.
Register your interest via the Opportunities below.
Opportunities
Can You Help Tell the Story of Romford’s Raving?
Ongoing
Can You Help Record Romford’s Club Culture?
Ongoing