BBC Radio 6 Music has announced the launch of Rave Forever, a new month-long radio series celebrating the history and lasting influence of Black British rave culture. Part of the BBC’s wider The Music is Black season, the special programming will air every Friday throughout August, broadcasting from 7 AM to 7 PM. Each episode will focus on a different decade, tracing the artists, communities and cultural movements that helped shape Britain’s electronic music scene.
The series begins on August 7 with an exploration of the 1980s, examining the roots of soundsystem culture, the emergence of acid house and the rise of the 2 Tone movement. The opening broadcast will feature a host of guest appearances, including Nick Grimshaw speaking with lovers rock pioneer Caroll Thompson, Lauren Laverne interviewing rare groove legend Norman Jay, Craig Charles chatting to Neville Staple of The Specials, and Emily Pilbeam exploring the origins of acid house.
Subsequent episodes continue the journey through the decades. The second instalment, airing on August 14, turns its attention to the 1990s, highlighting the evolution of jungle, trip hop, UK R&B and soul with guests including Goldie and Omar.
The following week focuses on the 2000s, featuring conversations with broken beat pioneer IG Culture and DJ-producer Shy One, while presenter Deb Grant teams up with DJ Target for a special garage and grime mix. The series concludes on August 28 with a celebration of 2010s dance music, covering the resurgence of bassline, the growth of UK funky and contemporary club culture through appearances from SHERELLE, DJ Q and Nemone.
Alongside interviews and archival storytelling, Rave Forever will also include exclusive DJ sets from artists including Smokin Jo, Tim Reaper, Karen Nyame KG and Craig Charles throughout the month. The programme forms part of the BBC’s broader The Music is Black initiative, created in collaboration with the exhibition of the same name at London’s V&A East Museum. The season celebrates more than 125 years of Black British music and its profound influence on the UK’s cultural identity.
