Free 1996 Exhibition at Barbican, Spice Girls, Oasis, the Lot

Right, if you were alive in 1996 and didn't think it was the best year in British music, you're either lying or you weren't paying attention. This exhibition at the Barbican is proof. They've got Geri Halliwell's union jack print boots, Liam Gallagher's tambourine, and a Brit Awards trophy from the year Oasis and David Bowie actually won things that mattered. It's free. It's till September. You should probably go before it's gone.

What you get

Free admission to a dedicated exhibition space at the Barbican Music Library showing the wildest year of Britain's wildest decade. You'll see original stage outfits, Mel B's leopard catsuit is the standout, previously unseen Oasis memorabilia, and actual Brit Awards trophies from 1996 winners. The library's on Level 2, Barbican Centre, Silk Street, London EC2Y 8DS. Access via the main building stairs or lifts from Level G, or the Frobisher Crescent highwalks if you're coming from that side. Nearest tube is Barbican. It's open during standard Barbican Music Library hours, and there's no booking needed, just walk in.

How to get it

1. Head to Barbican tube station (Circle, District, or Metropolitan line). 2. Exit towards the Barbican Centre main building. 3. Take the stairs or lift to Level G, then head to Level 2 of the music library (or use the Frobisher Crescent highwalks entrance if that's closer to where you're coming from). 4. Walk into the exhibition space, no ticket required, no booking, no faff. 5. Spend as long as you want looking at stuff that cost more to make than most people earn in a month.

What the TikTok didn't mention

• Go on a weekday morning if you hate crowds. This is peak nostalgia bait. Weekends and after 5pm are going to be rammed with people your age taking the same photos you're planning to take.
• The space is a library display, not a massive venue. It's brilliant, but it's not a sprawling museum. You'll see everything in 45 minutes to an hour. Don't go expecting a three-hour deep dive.
• Combine it with lunch at one of the Barbican's food spots. The Centre's got restaurants and cafes. Grab a coffee before or after and make an afternoon of it without paying entry twice.

The catch

It's a library display space, so it can get properly packed during peak hours and you might find yourself queuing to see the good bits. And it's only on till 19 September, so if you're thinking "I'll catch it next month," you'll miss it, set a reminder now.

This is the kind of free thing that's actually worth the trip, not just worth doing because it costs nothing.