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The Beautiful Octopus Club

, –
  • Free
  • Late
  • 16+
  • British Sign Language
  • Relaxed
Photograph of the Beautiful Octopus Club. At the club night people are wearing vibrant, colourful clothes, there are bright lights, balloons, inflatable unicorns, disco balls and DJs on stage.
Heart n Soul’s The Beautiful Octopus Club © Tim Mitchell.

What you’ll do

Be part of London’s longest-running inclusive club night, The Beautiful Octopus Club, and experience live performances from Heart n Soul artists and DJs.

And if you can't make it in person, join us online for the live-streamed performances and music. 

Book your free tickets to either the in-venue event or the live-streamed event at the bottom of this page.

At the in-venue event, spend the night dancing surrounded by art projections and films, or get involved in a creative workshop.

There will be a silent disco and immersive performances, including a special appearance from the Heart n Soul Choir. If you want a break, you can take some time out for a massage.

Heart n Soul Radio will be broadcasting live from the building. You can also treat yourself to something from the Heart n Soul Shop.

The Wellcome Collection exhibitions ‘Jason and The Adventure of 254’ and ‘Being Human’ will also stay open during the event.

All events will have step-free access and seating will be available throughout the building. This is a relaxed event, which means that if you need to, you are welcome to move around and make noise at any time and there will be a Chill-Out Room for those wanting a break from the action.

Enjoy a night full of creativity, fun and freedom!

The evening is free and open to everyone over 18 years. Those aged 16-18 years must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event.

You can use The Beautiful Octopus Club Visual Story to help you plan and prepare for your visit.

Dates

, –

Events

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  • Performance
  • 16+
Heart n Soul Choir
Ground floor Atrium
The Heart n Soul Choir will kickstart The Beautiful Octopus Club with a multi-genre pop-up music performance.
  • British Sign Language
  • Relaxed

–

  • Performance
  • 16+
The Fuse
Gallery 1
Dance to live music performed by Heart n Soul artists, including Electric Fire, Sebastian Golgiri, Dean Rodney Jr & The Cowboys, D.M.S. and Lola. Heart n Soul DJs will play an eclectic range of tracks while art and films are projected throughout the space. You are invited to dance or take a seat as the party unfolds. Please be aware, there will be bright, flashing lights and loud music in this space – ear defenders will be available from the Information Desk, and if you wish to take a break from the festivities, you can visit the Chill-Out Room.
  • British Sign Language
  • Relaxed

–

  • Session
  • 16+
Silent Disco
Ground floor Atrium
Tune in to two curated playlists by Heart n Soul DJs or a third channel broadcasting Heart n Soul radio live from the Level 1 Landing. Collect your headsets from the silent disco dancefloor.
  • Relaxed

–

  • Discussion
  • 16+
Heart n Soul Radio
Level 1 Landing
Heart n Soul Radio will be broadcasting live from The Beautiful Octopus Club – and you can join them! Be a guest on the show and chat with our host Dylan and the radio team on air, plus request your favourite songs. This is an opportunity for people with and without learning disabilities to come together in conversation and have fun.
  • Relaxed

–

  • Performance
  • 16+
Warm Wellcome
The Forum
Listen to ambient music performances in a relaxed setting, hosted by Tilley Milburn and Del the Piggie. Performances will feature a host of Heart n Soul artists, including poetry by Sam Castell-Ward, acoustic songs by Pino Frumiento and Kalicious, experimental music by Robyn Rocket and a mindful music moment featuring Cheryl Lyte and friends. This is an open and welcoming performance space; join in and respond to the artists, contribute your own creative piece or simply sit and enjoy as the evening unfolds.
  • British Sign Language
  • Relaxed

–

  • Chill out
  • 16+
The Sanctuary
Studio Breakout Room
Relax and unwind with a free shoulder and back massage from one of our masseurs. As soon as you arrive at The Beautiful Octopus Club, put your name on the sign-up sheet in the Studio Breakout room so you don’t miss out.
  • Relaxed

–

  • Workshop
  • 16+
Your Space to Create
The Studio
Have a go at making your own art in a workshop led by Ben Connors. Inspire others to create art around a particular theme of your choice or listen to relaxing music while you decorate blank jigsaws. You will have the chance to showcase the works you create to other workshop attendees in the spotlight area of the Studio. All art materials will be provided.
  • Relaxed

–

  • Chill out
  • 16+
Chill-Out Room
Green Room
Any time during the evening that you want to find a space away from the programme of activities, you can come to the Chill-Out Room to lie down or relax. There will be low lighting, comfortable seating, cushions, mats and blankets throughout the room. You can also make use of ear defenders.
  • Relaxed

Throughout our building

Livestream event

Online tickets

Tickets via Eventbrite

Need to know

Location

This is an event with several different activities. Check specific sub-events for their locations.

Multi-part programme

This is a large-scale event with several different activities, which may include drop-in sessions, scheduled performances, workshops or talks. Check specific activities for details and to see if you need to book a ticket or just show up. Spaces for drop-in activities are limited and may run out if we are busy.

British Sign Language

This event will have British Sign Language interpretation.

Relaxed

This is a relaxed event, which means that if you need to, you are welcome to move around and make noise at any time.

For more information, please visit our Accessibility page. If you have any queries about accessibility, please email us at access@wellcomecollection.org or call

Our event terms and conditions

In partnership with

Heart n Soul

Heart n Soul is an award-winning creative arts charity that believes in the power and talents of people with learning disabilities and autistic people. We work together to make great art with imagination, love and trust. At Heart n Soul everyone is valued and we offer a place for people to create, connect and help to lead change. We also have a lot of fun. Heart n Soul were previous residents of The Hub.