London reigns supreme as the heavyweight champion of the UK’s rap and grime scene. Stormzy, Skepta, Dave, Central Cee—London’s where it all began. So it’s only fitting that the ultimate celebration of UK rap and grime happens right here. This February, a one-off concert special will bring new life to anthems like “Sprinter”, “Own It” and “Woman” inside Barts North Wing—a 900-year-old architectural gem boasting one of London’s most breathtakingly restored interiors.
UK rap and grime redefined—performed live within one of London’s grandest halls
Your favourite UK rap and grime songs get turned inside out at this concert. “Blinded by Your Grace, Pt. 2”, “Dance Wiv Me”, “Location” and more get reworked and performed live by classically trained musicians. Those gritty 808s and rattling hi-hats? They vanish, replaced by live drum beats and music on strings. Fans get to hear how songs by the likes of Little Simz, JME and J Hus sound like when they’re completely reimagined but their essence stays the same.
On Saturday 7 February, this tribute is coming to the Great Hall inside Barts North Wing — an 18th-century Grade I-listed venue in West Smithfield. Rap and grime songs go classical inside a historic London venue lit by thousands of candles. Unconventional? Sure — and that’s where the magic lies.
Barts North Wing: the UK’s oldest running hospital that now hosts live music shows
The 900-year-old Barts North Wing is the UK’s oldest operating hospital –and that’s not even its most impressive feat. From The Great Fire Of London to The Blitz, this grand venue has weathered many storms: and for good reason. It’s undergone several renovations over the last few centuries, with its most recent being a whopping £9.5 million glow-up this past October.
Walk through the building, and you’ll see that it’s the Great Hall that steals the show. The triple-height ceilings boast gilded stucco designs inspired by Baroque and the south wall showcases a historic Charter Window that dates back to 1664. Majestic, opulent and simply timeless — it’s an epic venue fit for an epic night of live music.
