Ride Dodgems Outside Somerset House In January

Will Noble
By Will Noble Last edited 38 months ago

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Ride Dodgems Outside Somerset House In January
Bumps Per Minute takes centre stage at DODGE in January

Update 07/01/2020: Owing to the national lockdown, this event will no longer take place in January. The organisers hope to reschedule it for a later date, so watch this space.


2020's been a bumpy ride, and that's how 2021 is set to start — albeit in a more enchanting way.

From 22 January, the courtyard at Somerset House will be buzzing with bumper cars, as part of a fairground-inspired winter experience: DODGE.

Anna Meredith is the Mercury Prize nominated artist behind Bumps Per Second

These aren't any old dodgems, though. As visitors whizz around in the wireless cars, every bump and jolt is tracked by wireless technology, creating a unique audio-visual composition. Then, roughly every hour, Somerset House's courtyard will explode with a unique three-minute spectacular of light and sound — never to be seen or heard again.

Bumps Per Minute, as it's called, is the work of Mercury Prize-nominated Anna Meredith, and Somerset House Studios resident Nick Ryan.

Yinka Ilori has created the kaleidoscopic world known as DODGE

DODGE itself is set to be a kaleidoscopic reimagining of the courtyard space, envisioned by British-Nigerian artist and designer, Yinka Ilori (he did that awesome Colour Palace at Dulwich Picture Gallery). Ilori even designed a new flag to flutter over Somerset House. Let's be honest: we NEED this colourful start to the year.

Elsewhere, the outdoor-only experience promises wintry food from Jimmy Garcia (think duck burgers and cognac cocktails); DJ sets from Queer House Party, Manara and Eliza Rose; and a marketplace featuring independent produce from Somerset House Studios artists and products from Black female-owned businesses.

Jimmy Garcia is on the eats

DODGE is at Somerset House from 22 January-20 March 2012. Entry is free; dodgem ride and packages are available for pre-booking from £5. The organisers guarantee a Covid-secure outdoor space, and refunds if the event has to be cancelled.

Last Updated 07 January 2021