LONDON.- London Museum has today announced its search for a new DJ collective to perform regularly in its new free permanent galleries, opening in Smithfield on 28 November 2026. In collaboration with iconic London chicken shop Morley’s and Hive Curates, the Sound of London DJ Collective will shift the museum’s mood from day to night, curating the soundtrack for the weekly late opening hours - every Friday and Saturday night until 11PM. Applications are open until 14 August 2026 HERE.
The museum will bring together 12 emerging DJs from across London’s boroughs - encompassing a range of genres, backgrounds and ages and selected with the support of special guest judges, representing voices from across London’s music scene. Through regular paid performances, DJs will have the chance to bring their own perspectives and creative energy to one of the city’s newest cultural landmarks. The programme will invite visitors to explore London’s past and present while being immersed in sounds curated by some of the capital’s most exciting contemporary creatives.
These sessions will shape the evolving atmosphere of Our Time (in the Linbury Hall) - a new social space that reimagines the former trading floor of the historic Victorian General Market as a vibrant gathering place where the museum’s collections and London’s communities unite. Under the heritage ironwork and beautifully restored dome, London's stories are not only displayed but woven into every part of the experience – from the food in its restaurant, to its music and events. The DJ collective will remix the space, taking it from a daytime destination to an energetic evening venue. From this central meeting point, visitors can descend into the museum’s subterranean permanent galleries, or hang out in its restaurant, bar or cafe.
Dhikshana Turakhia Pering, Head of Creative Programmes at London Museum, said: “The Sound of London DJ Collective celebrates the people, neighbourhoods, local spaces and moments that bring this city to life, uniting bold, original and community-minded DJs who reflect the richness of London’s contemporary sound. At London Museum, we believe in making the everyday extraordinary - creating spaces where people can connect, discover new sounds and make memories. Food and music have always gone hand in hand, bringing people together and telling the stories of a city. That’s why we’re proud to be working with Morley’s - a brand that holds memories across generations of Londoners - with the support of legendary reggae DJ, MC and club promoter Papa Face and producers Hive Curates. We’re looking for DJs with a unique voice and a connection to London’s sounds and stories to help create great times for everyone. If that’s you, we’d love to hear from you."
Shan Selvendran, Chief Executive Officer of Morley’s said: "Supporting emerging talent and connecting with London’s culture is a defining part of Morley’s story - our doors have always been open for creatives, for young people and for our community. As we celebrate over 40 years of Morley’s, backing this DJ collective and supporting spaces for people to come together in London made sense. We’re excited to continue our connection with London Museum to champion the people and stories that make our home city so great.”
Justine Simons OBE, London’s Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “The new London Museum’s late-night weekend openings with the Sound of London DJ Collective will be a fantastic addition to the capital’s nightlife offer. Visitors will be able to enjoy the museum and celebrate the diversity of our incredible music scene as they hear from the next generation of talent. It is a brilliant example of how our city’s cultural institutions and homegrown businesses can work together to create opportunities for Londoners and celebrate what makes our capital great, as we continue to build a better London for everyone."
The DJ Collective will be supported by DJ, MC and club promoter Papa Face, a leading figure in London’s sound system, reggae and club culture. In a legendary career, spanning over half a century, he has played some of the capital’s most celebrated nightlife venues. As a specialist advisor to the museum, he is a key voice in the development of one of the 13 large scale installations that will sit around the perimeter of the General Market ground floor. The special commission will celebrate London’s sound system culture, creating a thread in Our Time, between the city’s history and contemporary music scene.
Morley’s support of the Sound of London DJ Collective continues its deep-rooted ties to London’s creative scene. Its cult status has been cemented through longstanding connections with artists and creatives – including inspiring Krept’s ‘Morley’s Freestyle’ and providing the backdrop for Stormzy’s ‘Big For Your Boots’. Its cultural reach has also extended globally through Amelia Dimoldenberg’s Chicken Shop Date series, which has seen the shop host celebrity interviews with Burna Boy, Rosalía, RAYE and Wicked star Cynthia Erivo, as well as feature in an episode of Netflix’s Black Mirror. London Museum acquired the sign from Morley's original Sydenham shop in 2025. It will be displayed in the museum’s new home in Smithfield as part of an installation in Our Time called ‘Hanging Out’, about the places that bring Londoners together.
