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In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats

A Virtual Reality adventure

acid house smiley in sky

It's 1989 and finding the party is the only thing that matters. 

Join in this culture revolution and travel back in time to the heart of the Acid House scene with the UK's biggest VR experience. 

Using technology to create a truly collective experience, groups of four people can share the same virtual space and interact together as rave culture pioneers. 

The rave scene has always been about organic, energised communities creating shared experiences in physical and spiritual spaces. With the world premiere of its newest version, In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats honours that spirit and unifies us all in a new and transformative way. 

Following the VR experience there is a small exhibition containing archive and other audio-visual materials exploring the British Acid House scene to enjoy at your leisure.

In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats is an experience designed for groups of 1-4 people. Due to the configuration of this event (4 people per virtual environment), it may not be possible for everyone in your group to be in the same virtual environment

This experience supports the option of 1 seated person per group of 4 on request

This VR experience is strictly for audiences aged 14+ and is not suitable for younger audiences.  

Anyone aged between 14-18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.  

Any guests arriving for the experience who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to take part.

Please note that latecomers will not be admitted. 

This experience lasts for an hour. 

 

In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats was created by immersive artist Darren Emerson and produced by East City Films, with the original version funded by the BFI awarding National Lottery funding and Coventry City of Culture Trust. The tour is jointly supported by Arts Council England and BFI National Lottery Audience Projects Fund.  East City Films also received funding from Innovate UK, which is all about helping innovative ideas to flourish.   

East City Films is creating 'experiences of the future'. Experiences that take audiences on incredible journeys to the past to reconnect with our shared history and humanity. Experiences that are leading the convergence of theatre, film, music, gaming and visual art to create epic adventures that audiences will never forget. 

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Ticket prices

Standard
£25 *
* Excludes £1.50 booking fee

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.

  • ‘It's hard to comprehend you haven't travelled in time‘
    Mixmag
  • ‘You'll dance, you'll fly, and you'll maybe even cry a little‘
    The List, Australia

FAQs

What is a Virtual Reality experience?

Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated world. Guests will wear a headset, over the ear headphones and a haptic vest, and use handheld controllers.

What should I expect? 

The whole experience takes place in an installation space in which visitors wear a VR headset; during the 60-minute experience you are invited to move around in the space wearing the headset, engaging with virtual and physical/sensory experiences. This has been designed to feel safe, and to be as intuitive, enjoyable and accessible as possible for everyone.

Do I need to bring anything?

You don’t need to bring anything for the experience. Glasses of an average size (142mm x 50mm) can be worn under the Virtual Reality headset, but some people find it more comfortable to wear contact lenses.

Age Guidance

This VR experience is strictly for 14+ 

Under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Please note that Virtual Reality headsets also have a 14+ age recommendation.

Mobility

In Pursuit of Repetitive Beats was designed so audiences could walk or move around a physical play-space that is mapped to the virtual environment in VR. This is what we term a free-roaming experience, and it can include wheelchair users who are able to operate their chairs within that play-space.  If there is a need to remain stationary in a wheelchair or if anyone needs to sit for the duration of the experience, then a seated/stationary version is available. The seated/stationary version of the experience is adjacent to the free-roaming playspace, where you can sit and rave while you use handheld controllers to move within the larger virtual environments. Whether you are moving or stationary, everyone has access to the same Virtual Reality experience, and shares the virtual space with fellow audience members.

Health and Safety 

Most people do not experience any negative reactions to Virtual Reality. However, VR may be disorientating for individuals who are neuro divergent, have hearing or sight impairments, or experience vertigo, epilepsy, dizziness, seizures, motion sickness or fainting. 

If you have a pacemaker or any implanted medical device, please do not request to wear the optional haptic vest, as it contains magnets that may interfere with your device. Please speak to a member of staff before starting the experience. 

If you are pregnant, have a heart condition or other serious medical condition or if you’ve previously had a seizure, loss of awareness or other symptoms linked to an epileptic condition please consult with your GP before taking part.

Trained facilitators will be on hand to provide support and guidance throughout the experience should you require it.

We thoroughly clean and sanitise all equipment, including headsets and headphones, with hospital-grade antibacterial wipes before each use. 

Babies in slings are not permitted inside the experience. 

Any guests arriving for the experience who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to take part.

Download your access pack

The Pit

Location
The Pit is located on Level -2 within the main Barbican building and can be accessed via the stairs or lifts on Level G, next to the doors to the Lakeside Terrace. 

Address
Barbican Centre
Silk 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.