With only five years together as a band, the effect that The Smiths have had on music, culture, and if you’re a fan of Morrissey, pretty much anything, is unbelievable. It seems there is an insatiable thirst for more from the infamous four that split 26 years ago – and that is where the Institute of Contemporary Art steps in.

Smithsfest is a two-day festival running this weekend at the Strand gallery, comprised of talks, performance, art and film, with the purpose to survey the artistic and cultural impact of The Smiths. A barber offering Moz-esque quiffs, a Q&A with Saint Morrissey author Mark Simpson and 80s DJ sets late into the night means that this will undoubtedly be the last weekend of any importance.

ica.org.uk

Text by Beccy Hill

Tags: ICA, Smithsfest, The Smiths