The Joy of Playing Music

Explore what happens inside our brains, within our communities and across our history when people make music together.

From steel bands to football fans and community choirs, making music together has always helped people connect.

Dr Haroun Shah, scientist and founder of Nostalgia Steelband, the UK’s oldest steel band, joins Dr Neta Spiro, music psychologist at the Royal College of Music, and Mike Poyser, a community music educator working across the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Together they will explore why playing music with others strengthens wellbeing, builds trust, and supports community and cultural identity.

Drawing on anecdotal, historical and scientific perspectives, they will explore what happens in our brains when we sing or play together. The discussion will also unpack research that shows how group music-making can reduce loneliness and enhance social bonding, and how access to musical activities can support community health and help connect us with our past.

This event is part of the Great Exhibition Road Festival on 6-7 June 2026.

Please arrive at the venue 10 minutes before the start time. Your ticket gives you priority access, however, as this is a free event we overbook to help ensure a full event and your space may be reallocated. Early arrival reduces this risk.

Great Exhibition Road Festival

6-7 June 2026

South Kensington’s annual celebration of science and the arts returns this summer with a weekend of free events for all ages.

Enjoy hands-on workshops, fascinating talks, performances and installations from iconic museums, research and culture organisations in South Kensington, including Imperial College London, the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A, the Royal Parks, the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 and many more!

Find out more about the Festival and see the full programme on the Festival website at www.greatexhibitionroadfestival.co.uk.

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