Caribbean takeover returns to National Maritime Museum

The National Maritime Museum will host the annual Caribbean Takeover on 25 July, a free, family-friendly celebration of Caribbean culture, history and heritage for visitors of all ages, curated in collaboration with the Caribbean Social Forum.

Now in its fifth year at the National Maritime Museum, the Caribbean Takeover brings together artists, historians, performers and community groups for a day of activity across the Museum and surrounding grounds. This year’s event marks the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival, celebrating the enduring influence of Caribbean culture in Britain.

The Caribbean Social Forum is a collective of community members based in Woolwich and Deptford, working together to promote social connection, learning and wellbeing through cultural activity. Their collaboration with the National Maritime Museum centres lived experience and community voices within the Museum programme.

Across the day, visitors will encounter live music and dance performances, talks and discussions, creative workshops and community-led displays. Highlights include steel pan music and African drumming across outdoor spaces, performances on the Ocean Map, and interactive experiences that bring Caribbean histories and cultural traditions into the Museum setting.

For more information visit the website.

Event Highlights

Welcome Ceremony
The day will begin with a welcome ceremony led by the Caribbean Social Forum on the Ocean Map, opening the event and introducing the programme of activities.

Live Performances and Music
Throughout the day, visitors will encounter live performances across the site, including African drumming, steel pan music, calypso dance and limbo, bringing Caribbean musical traditions to life.

Talks and Discussions
A programme of talks and discussions will take place in both the National Maritime Museum and Queen’s House, featuring historians, writers and cultural practitioners exploring Caribbean history, heritage and contemporary culture.

Film screening and Q&A
Visitors can attend a screening of Milestone: Streets Paved with Gold, adapted from Victor Richards' acclaimed one-man theatre play, followed by a Q&A session offering further insight into Caribbean-British experiences.

Family Activities and Educational Workshops
A range of hands-on workshops and activities will be available for families, including carnival headwear making, fibre and textile workshops and participatory folk song sessions celebrating Caribbean musical traditions. 

Roaming Entertainment
Visitors will encounter a range of roaming performances and activities throughout the day, including a magician, caricature artist and Walking Images, where costumed performers bring historical Caribbean and Black British figures to life through interactive encounters across the Museum.

Games and Interactives
Interactive activities such as dominoes and other games will take place alongside community-led displays and remembrance installations curated by the Caribbean Social Forum.