Good Vibes: Remembering Hitchin’s House Parties and Sound System

This Black History Month North Hertfordshire Museum presents ‘Good Vibes: Remembering Hitchin’s House Parties and Sound Systems from the 1960s to 1990s’ a fascinating look back on how this popular feature of the local cultural scene began and evolved. The exhibition, staged between 1 – 27 October, shares the stories of those who were there, of how migrants from the Caribbean arrived in Hitchin with customs and traditions to build community togetherness through socialising at house parties. Rejected from pubs and social venues by the racism of many owners and customers, the new Black citizens decided to continue their traditions in the front rooms and sometimes basements of their homes, creating an opportunity for people to enjoy food, drink, and music together.

The exhibition, which combines stories, pictures and objects assembled by the community, highlights some key figures from the House Party and later the Sound System scene. Remembering popular parties hosted by people like Miss Lou at her home on Dacre Road and Mr and Mrs Johnson’s parties at Periwinkle Lane. The exhibition then tells the tale of how the new generation moved into creating their own Sound Systems. These systems featuring towering speakers and amps were constructed by self-taught engineers. Hear from people like Clint Bucknor of Amegus Downbeat about how Sound Systems really put Hitchin on the map, with different ‘sounds’ and their followers coming from places as far away as Birmingham to do musical battle in town. The exhibition highlights one aspect of the Caribbean community’s resilience as it grew in Hitchin.

For more information visit https://northhertsmuseum.org/north-hertfordshire-museum/whats-on-2/exhibitions/