Street artists to battle it out in Leake Street Tunnel
- Text by Alex King
- Photography by Marc Vallée and Joe Epstein of LDN Graffiti
Battling is at the heart of hip hop culture. Full-on gang warfare in the Bronx during the late ’60s and early ‘70s evolved into local kids battling it out on the mic, on the dancefloor or with spray cans on the walls and subway cars of New York City.
The Battle of Waterloo 2015 channels this warrior spirit to pit forty of the highest calibre street artists head-to-head in the notorious Leake Street Tunnel on Saturday August 22. Organisers Chrome & Black whittled down the select list of entrants and are putting up £250 cash and a goody bag of prizes.
Artists such as Pow, Slam, Diet, She, Dan Kitchener and Korsa, will be judged on a number of different factors and whoever has the highest number of points at the end of the day will be crowned champion.
Entry is completely free and on the day there’ll food from Mama’s Jerk, music from Itch FM DJs and free graffiti workshops for under-twelves.
The Battle of Waterloo 2015 runs 10am-6pm on Saturday August 22 at Leake Street Tunnel.
You might like
‘Baking Street’: Activists rename Tube stations in heatwave protest
‘Heatwave, sponsored by Shell’ — The protest comes as the UK recorded the hottest day in June ever recorded at 36.7C.
Written by: Ella Glossop
New exhibition spotlights the ongoing impact of Japanese Women Photographers
1950s to Now — Taking place at The Photographers’ Gallery in London, it showcases work by 27 artists from the past seven decades including Mikiko Hara, Yurie Nagashima and Mao Ishikawa.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Vintage photos of London street life at the turn of the millennium
London 1995-2005 — In her new photobook, Joan Piekny reflects on a decade shooting the styles and subcultures of the UK capital’s streets, just before technology .
Written by: Miss Rosen
An evening with the South London Warlords
The art of war — From Warhammer to Burrows and Badgers, the small Dulwich community has been fortifying defences and launching invasions since 1971. Ryan Loftus dives into the wonderful world of wargaming.
Written by: Ryan Loftus
Princess Julia: “I always state my age as I can’t believe I’m still around”
First lady — As the latest Artist-In-Residence of Huck 83, the London nightlife legend speaks to Josh Jones and provides a few recommendations and words of wisdom.
Written by: Josh Jones
Moshpits & kickflips at the Volcom Garden Experience 2026
Family affair — Last weekend, the skate, surf and snow culture brand hosted a free mini festival in its European backyard of Biarritz. We went along and chatted to legendary artist and surfer Ozzie Wright.
Written by: Isaac Muk