Non-Members Varnishing Day is one of the most colourful traditions associated with our annual Summer Exhibition.

Originally the day when artists would put the finishing touches to their works within the galleries, it is now a day of celebration that we share with the artists who have been selected for the show.

The day begins with a steel band in the Annenberg Courtyard and a traffic-stopping procession down Piccadilly to St James’s Church, where a special service for artists is held. Then it’s back to the Royal Academy for a party in the galleries and the first chance for ‘non-members’ (exhibiting artists who aren’t Royal Academicians) to see their work hung in the galleries.

In the video above, we join in the festivities and speak to some of this year’s exhibiting artists.

Summer Exhibition 2014 is at the RA from 9 June - 17 August 2014.

Summer Exhibition is sponsored by Insight Investment