An exhibition will explore the role music played in the M11 extension protest movement of the early 1990s.

Government plans to create an M11 link road through Leytonstone, included demolishing hundreds of houses and splitting the area in half.

A campaign against the plan gathered momentum until it became a large protest movement against road expansions, attracting people from all walks of life.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Eviction of Munstonia (aka Filebrook Road) in Leytonstone

Campaigners eventually took direct action in 1994 and occupied buildings in affected areas, causing clashes with police and security.

Music from the rave scene was used as a tool of protest, with soundsystems regularly set up by campaigners.

The road was eventually built and opened in 1999.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Bird's eye view of Leytonstonia

Voluntary youth group Newham Woodcraft Folk has received £35,600 from the Heritage Lottery Fund to work with Eastside Community Heritage to create the exhibition, entitled Sing-a–Long A Protest – Voice of Leytonstonia, which will include a film, a oral history and archive material.   

Judith Garfield, executive director of Eastside Community Heritage, said: “Leytonstonia was named by the protestors to give the place an identify and also to try to stop government interference, we think, that is why we are doing the research to find out more.

“Music was a central part of these protests. Impromptu musical performances on Claremont Road, peculiar chants and singing directed towards the police gave the protest an identity.

“Likewise, the youth subcultures of ‘new age’ and ‘rave music’ prevalent in the early 1990s took an active role in the events, bringing with them their own sounds of justice and equality. “

The exhibition is expected to tour local libraries in July 2016.