BREAKIN’ CONVENTION 2026

Breakin’ Convention presented by the International Festival of Hip Hop Dance Theatre

01 — 03 May, Sadler’s Wells Angel

The world’s biggest festival for hip hop theatre, Breakin’ Convention returns to Sadler’s Wells  Theatre in Angel this May bank holiday. 

Founded, created and programmed by hip hop innovator Jonzi D, Breakin’ Convention has been held  annually at Sadler’s Wells since 2004. Over its twenty-two years, it has become a global platform  celebrating hip hop culture through dance, performance, and artistic expression. Featuring both UK  and international artists, with the motto “around the world and around the corner”, the festival honours  hip hop’s roots while pushing creative boundaries, proving that the culture remains as relevant and  multi-faceted as ever.

Across the weekend Breakin’ Convention presents the full range of hip hop dance styles including  breaking, popping, Krump, wacking and contemporary dance with a number of UK and world premiere  performances. This year’s programme includes Compagnia Bellanda (Italy) Joseph Toonga (UK) Rock Force Crew (USA) Let It Happen (the Netherlands) ILL-Abilities (the Netherlands and Brazil), Breakin’ Convention Youth (UK), IMD Legion (UK) with more to be announced. 

Taking over the full building at Sadler’s Wells Theatre, there will be live DJ sets from esteemed  mixmasters, dance workshops, live graffiti, cyphers, freestyle sessions, and soul food, to  accompany auditorium performances. This year, the festival kicks off with Friction on Friday 1 May, a  special opening event of electrifying battles and performances from hip hop theatre luminaries. Audiences are invited to join from 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, and the weekend’s programming is  suitable for ages 12 and over, with parental discretion advised for younger attendees. 

In 2026, Breakin’ Convention will also present a family-friendly weekend at Sadler’s Wells East in  Stratford. The free Breakin’ Convention Family Jam, running from Friday 24 -Saturday 25 April,  welcomes future breakers and poppers of all ages. The weekend will feature performances in the  foyer’s community dance space, The Dance Floor, as well as food, workshops, DJ sets, sample  sessions, and community showcases.

Tickets from £15.00. Sign-up to our newsletter to be the first to hear about our monthly discounts and recommendations.