London’s renowned inclusive club night, The Beautiful Octopus Club, is set to make its debut at the Wellcome Collection this summer in a free special one-night-only event. Hosted by the award-winning creative arts charity Heart n Soul, the event will take place on Friday, July 12, 2024, from 7 to 11 pm, promising an immersive experience featuring music, DJs, art installations and live performances by headline artists such as Dean Rodney Jr. & The Cowboys, Electric Fire, and Sebastian Golgiri.
Founded in 1995 and celebrated for its dedication to learning disability culture, The Beautiful Octopus Club has established itself as London’s longest-running inclusive club night. Now, it will transform the Wellcome Collection into a vibrant hub of creativity and community. The event welcomes people of all backgrounds, offering a platform created by and for individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people.
At the heart of the event on Wellcome Collection’s ground floor is ‘The Fuse’, where visitors can enjoy live performances and art projections by Heart n Soul artists and DJs. The lineup includes Dean Rodney Jr. & The Cowboys and Electric Fire, with live performances featuring British Sign Language (BSL) interpretation for accessibility.
In addition to musical offerings, attendees can relax in a dedicated chill-out room or unleash their creativity in ‘Your Space to Create’, an art-making area facilitated by Heart n Soul artists Ben Connors and Catherine Long. Throughout the night, the Heart n Soul radio studio will broadcast live, ensuring continuous engagement and entertainment for guests.
The museum’s upper floor will host the serene ‘Warm Wellcome’ space, featuring acoustic music and poetry readings hosted by Tilley & Del the Piggie. Highlights include performances by space trumpet player Robyn Rocket, new music from Pino Frumiento, and poetry by Sam Castell-Ward. The evening will also mark the debut of ‘Cheryl Moment’, a calming musical piece by Heart n Soul artist Cheryl Lyte, designed to create a soothing atmosphere amid the festivities.
Visual elements of the event will be crafted by Heart n Soul’s Feel Good Designers, transforming the space with a vibrant visual identity. Attendees can also explore Wellcome Collection’s ongoing exhibitions, including the ‘Being Human’ gallery and the joyful exhibition ‘Jason and the Adventure of 254’ by artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, which will remain open and accessible throughout the event.
Reflecting on the event, Mark Williams, Artistic Director and CEO of Heart n Soul, said: “The Beautiful Octopus Club at Wellcome Collection brings together diverse audiences to celebrate, connect, and enjoy moments of joy, freedom, and pride. It’s an event that embodies inclusivity and community spirit.”
Sumitra Upham, Associate Director of Curatorial and Public Practice at Wellcome Collection, added: “We are thrilled to host The Beautiful Octopus Club, known for its inclusivity and accessibility. This event promises a unique blend of music, art, and creativity, welcoming everyone to experience the transformative power of culture.”
The Beautiful Octopus Club at Wellcome Collection is free and open to all adults aged 18 and over. Visitors aged 16 to 18 must be accompanied by an adult. A bar will be available for drink purchases throughout the evening.
For those interested in attending, free tickets can be reserved in advance through the Wellcome Collection website.
The Beautiful Octopus Club Friday 12 July 2024, 19:00 – 23:00 Address: Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, NW1 2BE
