National Maritime Museum Caribbean Takeover returns to Greenwich on 25 July
Greenwich’s National Maritime Museum will host Caribbean Takeover on 25 July, bringing a free day of music, workshops, performances and cultural events celebrating Caribbean history and heritage to visitors of all ages. Now in its fifth year at the museum, the annual event is being delivered in collaboration with the Caribbean Social Forum and will mark the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival, recognising the lasting influence of Caribbean culture across Britain.
The event adds to a wider programme of immersive public takeovers at the museum, following recent evenings that saw astronomers transform the Greenwich venue for after-hours exploration. Its 60th anniversary link also arrives as wider conversations continue around how London supports and protects the future of Notting Hill Carnival.
The Caribbean Social Forum, a community collective based in Woolwich and Deptford, works to promote social connection, learning and wellbeing through cultural activity. Its partnership with the museum places community voices and lived experience at the centre of the programme.
Activities will take place across the National Maritime Museum and surrounding grounds throughout the day, with visitors able to experience steel pan music, African drumming, calypso dance, and community-led performances staged across the site, including on the Ocean Map.
The programme begins with a welcome ceremony led by the Caribbean Social Forum before moving into a full schedule of live performances, talks and creative workshops. Talks and discussions hosted across both the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House will bring together historians, writers and cultural practitioners exploring Caribbean history, heritage and contemporary culture.
Visitors can also attend a screening of Milestone: Streets Paved with Gold, adapted from Victor Richards’ theatre production, followed by a question-and-answer session exploring Caribbean British experiences. Family activities will include carnival headwear making, fibre and textile workshops, folk song sessions, dominoes and other interactive activities, alongside community displays and remembrance installations curated by the Caribbean Social Forum.
Roaming performances across the museum will include costumed historical character encounters, alongside entertainment including a magician and caricature artist.
The full programme is free to attend. Further event details are available through the National Maritime Museum.
Looking for free cultural events in London this July? Caribbean Takeover brings a full day of community-led celebration to Greenwich. Read more London culture coverage at EyeOnLondon.
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