After a break in 2011, Exhibition Road Music Day returns on Saturday 23 June 2012 bigger than ever – but still free! With an outdoor stage in Kensington Gardens, a conference about the science of sound and performances by a host of artists of all genres, there’s something for everyone regardless of age or musical interest.

Music Day features more than 100 artists giving performances and leading interactive workshops. Highlights include platinum-selling French soul sensation Imany and Ska Cubano, who bring their infectious combination of Jamaican Ska fused with the music of Cuba to the Kensington Gardens stage.

There are a number of ‘firsts’ too, including the world premiere of Live and Roar at the Natural History Museum. It’s written by Booker Prize-winning Author DBC Pierre (Vernon God Little), in collaboration with members of the award-winning English folk giants Bellowhead and Seth Lakeman band. DBC Pierre grew up in Mexico City and used to keep an axolotl as a pet. The axolotl is now a species nearing extinction and its last remaining home is Mexico City. In this colourful performance, DBC  Pierre will narrate a tale of epic themes inspired by the axolotl: loss, humanity, childhood, local and global conservation, climate change and fragility. Tickets are free but strictly limited so book now!

Another unique performance is by Science Museum artist in residence Aleks Kolkowski (pictured below in an image by Sandy Danbury). He’ll be recreating a 1905 concert for live musicians, recorded voices and an auxetophone – an obsolete piece of recording technology in the Science Museum’s collection.

There will also be performances from the Royal College of Music’s resident ensembles, as well as beatboxer and V&A artist in residence Jason Singh.