CES Powers V&A East Takeover to Record-Breaking Success

On Saturday, May 16th, Creative Engagement Services CIC stepped in to provide the foundational audio infrastructure, technical direction, and cultural programming for the highly anticipated Back2Back: Up Ya Archives x Rendezvous Projects takeover at V&A East.

The day was a monumental, culture-shifting success, welcoming a staggering 8,441 visitors across the V&A East Museum, the Storehouse, and the David Bowie Centre.

While institutional exhibitions can sometimes feel sterile, CES CIC brought the living, breathing engine room of East London’s cultural heritage directly into the building. CES Founder Wayne George led from the front, serving as a vital bridge between the institution and the community. Beyond managing the complex production and supplying the audio infrastructure for four distinct activities, Wayne George took the stage as a special guest panelist under his pioneering moniker, DJ Dlux. He lent his 40-year cultural expertise to the high-profile panels, appearing alongside Brain Records founder Bizzy B to dissect the foundation of the scene, as well as anchoring the critical discussion on UK DIY Culture.

The impact was profoundly intergenerational. Audiences were mesmerized by the Deja Vu FM installation, which featured original, authentic studio equipment to recreate the raw energy of a real broadcast environment. We watched kids as young as three learning to make pirate radio cassettes alongside 90s production veterans teaching the community how classic UK underground music was built on original Amiga and Cubase setups.

Headline artist Nia Archives shared her pride in the collaboration, noting that the installations “really brought the space to life” and delivered an original experience never before seen in a museum setting. V&A project partners formally acknowledged the achievement, noting that the complex production “definitely couldn’t have been done without him [CES]”.

What’s Next? We are just getting started. The frequency is moving from the museum to its permanent home. Keep your eyes on the dial as we prepare to unlock the doors to Arch 421: The Unmuted Archives in Mile End this June—where the history is reclaimed, the signal is permanent, and the archive is entirely ours.

@originaldjdlux

♬ original sound – DJ DLUX

@originaldjdlux

Chopping it up with King Sting! @OriginalDJDlux On the topic of how we evolved from producing Breakbeat #Hardcore & #Jungle before branching out into the #UKGarage Taking @DejavuFm to the world and stumbled into a musical culture that would go onto take the world by storm, before the term #UKGrime was ever used. For many, this was a very common thing within our local area & circles. I have always felt, one of the biggest influences on new forms comes from people with the ability to create their own unique sound, when doors are closed. I recall many youngsters trying to break out, not being allowed into certain scenes.

♬ original sound – DJ DLUX

@originaldjdlux

There was a time when I used to set up little studios so me and my friends could play our music passionately, it was our voice, direct to the community. Put together with whatever equipment I could find. Now I’m setting up little studios for @V&AEast museum, in the manor! TODAY, come and see the original @dejavufm studio, with the actual equipment used back in the 90’s. #DaRoof As part of #UpYaArchives #Rendezvous #Back2Back takeover. Im very happy to be representing true local heritage and culture #Eastlondon – Free Entry, at V&A Storehouse, Waterden Road & V&A East, Carpenters Road Stratford. MusicIsBlack RealHistory @CreativeEngage @dejavufm

♬ original sound – DJ DLUX