Airwaves of Rebellion: Youth, Identity, and the Fight for Community Radio (15*)
Rebel Radio
A programme of films diving into the energy and impact of youth-led pirate radio in 1980s–90s Britain, showing how young broadcasters defied mainstream media to amplify underrepresented voices.
In this programme: Black and White Pirate Show (1987), features a rare exchange between veteran white pirate broadcasters and rising Black DJs. It explores their shared love for radio while exposing cultural divides and differing motives behind pirate broadcasting in London.
From a broader lens, Ebony ‘Pirates’ (1983) delves into debates over the criminalisation of non-commercial radio, with voices from the Dread Broadcasting Company and BBC’s John Peel. A decade later, Pirates (1993) reflects on pirate radio’s lasting impact and the ongoing struggle of unlicensed broadcasters.
The session wraps with Radio Renegades (1996), capturing the South East’s pirate crackdown and spotlighting Kool FM. It highlights a new wave of broadcasters fighting to stay on air, keeping pirate radio alive as a platform for culture, resistance, and identity.
This is one of two screenings presented as part of Rewinding the Airwaves: An Archive Mixtape of Pirate Radio and Black Media.
Ticket prices
Students £11
Unwaged £11
Over 60s £11
Wheelchair spaces, free companion seats may now be booked online.
Please select the relevant preferences on the access registration page during your booking, so we can provide you with the correct information and discounts.
Booking a wheelchair space
Select a seat displaying the wheelchair user icon and then select 'wheelchair user' ticket type. The ticket will be priced at the lowest price for that event. If you need an essential companion, please select the E icon next to the wheelchair space you have selected.
Booking essential companion tickets
Please select at least two tickets and one of them will be automatically discounted to zero in the basket.
Booking British Sign Language or Captioned Seats
Select seats in the area appropriate to your needs.
Booking fees
£1.50 booking fee per online/phone transaction.
No fee when tickets are booked in person.
Booking fees are per transaction and not per ticket. If your booking contains several events the highest booking fee will apply. The booking fee may be reduced on certain events. Members do not pay booking fees.
See more film for less
Cinema 2
Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue.
Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS
Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.
We’ve plenty of places for you to relax and replenish, from coffee and cake to wood-fired pizzas and full pre-theatre menus
Access
Cinemas 2 & 3 are located at Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican Centre’s main Silk Street entrance. There are a couple of steep, dropped kerbs and an incline to negotiate between the two sites. Level access from Beech Street.
Mobility
Each auditorium has three permanent wheelchair spaces (two in the third row and one in the front row) and 153 fixed seats with capacity for a further three spaces in the front row. Access to each auditorium is up a ramp. There are also a number of seats with step-free access.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs may be taken into the cinema – please tell us when booking to ensure your seat has enough space. If you prefer, you may leave your dog with a member of the foyer staff during the performance.
Hearing facility
An infrared system for hard of hearing customers is provided in each auditorium; headsets or neck loops can be collected from foyer staff. The ticket desk counter is fitted with an induction loop.
For more access information, please visit our Accessibility section.
