Sound System Culture

Following the success of the first Sound System Culture event as part of Hidden Beach’s Summer of Culture programme, we’re taking things to the next level with a full Bank Holiday weekend dedicated to sound system culture by the sea.

From Friday 28 August across the Bank Holiday weekend, Hastings seafront will come alive with heavyweight sound systems, selectors, DJs and crews travelling from across the UK for a celebration of reggae, roots, dub, dancehall, lovers rock and bass culture.

Sound System Culture is about more than simply playing music. It celebrates the history, craftsmanship and community that surrounds UK sound system culture — from hand-built speaker stacks and deep basslines to selectors, MCs, record collections and generations of people brought together through music.

Across the weekend, audiences can expect a changing programme of full sound systems, guest crews, selectors and special sessions, with each day bringing a different flavour to the seafront. Whether you have followed sound system culture for decades or are experiencing a proper sound for the first time, the weekend is designed to be welcoming, energetic and rooted in the community spirit that has always been at the heart of the culture.

Alongside the music there will be Caribbean food, independent traders, refreshments, community activity and space to relax by the sea, creating a festival atmosphere throughout the Bank Holiday weekend.

Hidden Beach’s aim is to establish Sound System Culture Hastings as an annual gathering — bringing some of the UK’s most respected sounds to the South Coast while also providing a platform for local and emerging selectors and crews.

Four days. Sound systems from across the UK. Bass by the sea.

A Bank Holiday weekend celebrating the music, people and culture that continue to shape generations.