May the 4th might conjure up Star Wars, but it’s also the date when 2-Tone officially became an entity back in 1979. Now, 45 years on, Coventry Music Museum are celebrating the special anniversary at the region's 2-Tone Village.

If 1979 took you by surprise then 2024 must be something of an epiphany to realise that the musical phenomenon we call 2-Tone is not only still a thing, but continues to have a huge resonance and legitimacy in these often worrying times. 

The history of this infectious sound that copies from ska and steals from punk has been well documented down the ages, with bands like The Specials, The Selecter, Madness and The Beat becoming household names.

For over ten years the 2-Tone Village and the Coventry Music Museum have been actively celebrating local music in all its forms. They have here created a short trail that begins in the museum and ends at Knights Venue, which tells the story of 2-Tone in ten objects.

The selection features, amongst others, Gangsters Vs Selecter Single, Jerry Dammers’ suit, the Ghost Town organ, Ranking Roger’s hat and more.

A Sounding Off special with John Mostyn Music Manager, and Beat Manager, will also take place from 12pm-1pm and on Sunday 5 May, there will be Sounding Off special with Pete Shells, former Specials road crew, again taking place from 12pm-1pm.

For more information, visit: covmm.co.uk