British Music Experience

03/06/2026

Extended until 6 September 2026 🙌

Don’t Believe the Hype… Uncovering the Artwork of Arctic Monkeys’ Debut Album

In 2006, Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not became a landmark debut for Arctic Monkeys, its smoke-filled cover became one of the most recognisable images in modern music. Our feature exhibition invites visitors behind the curtain of the album’s iconic cover, revealing outtakes, inspiration, artefacts and everyday moments that presented youth culture of the time.

Included with all general entry tickets.

https://www.britishmusicexperience.com/dontbelievethehype

02/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us last Thursday for 'Linton Kwesi Johnson: Desert Island Dissent', chaired by Mykaell Riley as part of WoWFest26. We’re grateful to all the guests and contributors for making it such a memorable evening. The music, conversation and poetry sparked insight, reflection and thought-provoking discussion throughout.

Photos - Michelle Marshall

01/06/2026

Did you know our Star Café is open to everyone — no museum ticket needed? ✨

Try your hand at naming all the famous artists around the walls while enjoying:

☕️ A range of hot drinks including Illy coffee
🍰 Freshly baked cakes from our friends at
🥪 Toasties, paninis, snacks & more!

Open 10am to 4.30pm. Plus, our licensed Café Bar hosts evening events like Quiz Nights, book readings, acoustic sets, and Q&As — keep an eye on our socials for what’s coming up.

https://www.britishmusicexperience.com/star-cafe-bar

30/05/2026

Happy birthday to Charlatan, solo-artist, author and Twitter Listening Party genius Tim Burgess born in 1967.

We've loved welcoming Tim to the BME over the years - many happy returns from all of us.

Photo credits: Craige Barker, Gig Ju**ie.

29/05/2026

Happy birthday to Mr Noel Gallagher - born in 1967.

Back in 2023, we were lucky enough to have a number of Noel's personal guitars on display as part of Epiphone's 150th anniversary. You can still see Noel's iconic Union Jack Epiphone Sheraton guitar played at Maine Road as part of our permanent collection 🎸🇬🇧

Photo: Robin Clewley

28/05/2026

TONIGHT - as part of Writing on the Wall New World Disorder, we are joined by legendary poet and activist Linton Kwesi Johnson for Desert Island Dissent — a powerful in-conversation event exploring art as a force for resistance.

Bar open - 6.30pm - 9pm
Event start - 7pm

Please note, this event is sold out - there are no tickets available on the door.

27/05/2026

🎬 Di’Anno – Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer

📅 Thursday 11 June 2026 | 🕢 7:30pm

Join us for a film screening of Di’Anno – Iron Maiden’s Lost Singer. A raw, intimate look at Paul Di'Anno - the voice that helped launch Iron Maiden - as he battles illness, redemption, and a dramatic return to the stage.

Featuring appearances from James Hetfield, Gene Simmons, and Steve Harris, this powerful film by Wes Orshoski captures an unforgettable final chapter.

🎟 Tickets £8 or £7 for BME Annual Pass holders
⏱ 98 mins | Cert 15

https://www.britishmusicexperience.com/paul-dianno

26/05/2026

If you want a respite from the heat, the Museum is open every day, 10am–5pm (last entry 4:15pm) and is fully air-conditioned ❄️

You can grab a bite at the Star Café (10am–4:30pm) and don’t forget to stop by the Merch Store (10am–5pm) for exclusive goodies.

Due to the roadworks, there is no vehicle access to Canada Boulevard and access to Water Street is via St Nicholas Place only. Disabled parking bays are still available on Brunswick Street.

💸 Book online and save!

There’s no booking fee, and every ticket is valid for a full year from your first visit — come back as many times as you like.

If you choose to Gift Aid your ticket, we’ll receive an extra 25p for every £1 you spend at no extra cost to you.

https://www.britishmusicexperience.com/

📸 Photo: Robin Clewley

23/05/2026

Looking for ways to keep everyone entertained this half term? We’ve got you covered! 🙌

Come and visit us — we’re open every day from 10am–5pm (last entry 4.15pm).

Expect free family tours, activity trails, a dance studio where you can boogie through the decades 💃🕺, a vocal booth to unleash your inner superstar 🎤, and our Interactive Studio where you can try your hand at guitar, drums, and keyboards 🎸🥁🎹.

🎟️ Save when you book online — more fun, less fuss! Plus, your ticket gives you access to the museum for a whole year! 🙌

https://www.britishmusicexperience.com/

22/05/2026

Happy 67th birthday to Steven Patrick Morrissey, born 22 May 1959.

Frontman and lyricist of the Smiths, alongside a successful solo career, Morrissey's music is characterised by his distinctive lyrics with recurring themes of emotional isolation, dark humour and anti-establishment stances.

Certainly a controversial character these days, but undeniably one of the greatest songwriters of our time.

🎧To mark the occasion, our Sunday album playback this week will be Viva Hate - Morrissey's debut solo studio album (1988). Released six months after the final studio album by the Smiths, Viva Hate reached No.1 on the UK Album Chart.

Listen to the album in full from midday.

Music video by Morrissey performing Suedehead.