This year introduces new elements, including a collaboration with D&AD New Blood to spotlight emerging creatives and a special contribution from British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, who will etch unique designs onto all 700 records.
The much-loved charity initiative Secret 7″ is making a highly anticipated return in 2025, once again uniting music, design, and philanthropy in a unique and powerful way. Presented by War Child UK, this year’s edition promises an exciting mix of legendary musicians, visionary artists, and passionate collectors, all coming together to raise funds for children affected by conflict.
Since its inception in 2012, Secret 7″ has become a standout project in the creative industry, inviting designers and artists from around the world to create one-of-a-kind vinyl sleeves. The concept is simple yet impactful: seven iconic tracks are pressed onto 100 limited-edition 7″ vinyl records, each housed in a unique sleeve created by a different artist.
And here’s where it gets even more interesting… The identity of the artist and the track remains a mystery until the buyer gets their hands on the record.
Over the years, Secret 7″ has produced and sold 5,600 one-of-a-kind records, raising more than £700,000 for charities. This year, all proceeds will go directly to War Child UK, helping to provide protection, education, and psychological support for children in conflict zones worldwide.
War Child UK fundraising engagement director Charlotte Nimmo says: “We at War Child are so pleased to announce the start of another Secret 7”, marking the continuation of a beautifully creative endeavour.
“Every year, some of the best artists from around the world come together to create 700 truly one-of-a-kind records, raising funds to protect, educate, and support children whose lives have been affected by wars they didn’t start. This year has been horrendous for children caught up in conflict, but the money raised here will help us provide immediate emergency aid and long-term support where it’s needed most.”
The seven tracks selected for Secret 7″ 2025 include The Cure’s Warsong: Troxy Live 2024, Frank Turner’s Be More Kind, Gregory Porter’s Merchants of Paradise, Jessie Ware’s Beautiful People, Keane’s Black Rain, Scissor Sisters’ Return to Oz, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Devotion (a brand new song, exclusive to War Child’s Secret 7″).
As always, established and emerging artists are invited to submit their sleeve designs, with public submissions open until 28 February 2025. Contributors can submit their designs digitally or request a physical design pack via the Secret 7″ website.
In addition to the open submission, Secret 7″ has a history of attracting contributions from some of the world’s most celebrated artists and designers. Previous participants have included Ai Weiwei, Yoko Ono, Sir Peter Blake, David Shrigley, Tacita Dean, Morag Myerscough, and Sir Paul Smith, among many others.
This year, the initiative will be further elevated by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, who will etch unique designs onto all 700 records, transforming them into collectable works of art. Other artists will be revealed in the coming weeks.
From 11 April—1 June 2025, the NOW Gallery at Greenwich Peninsula will host a free exhibition showcasing all 700 vinyl records, giving the public a chance to admire the incredible creativity behind each sleeve. Following the exhibition, the records will be auctioned off via Givergy, with proceeds going towards War Child UK, which supports children affected by war across 14 conflict zones worldwide.
NOW Gallery and Greenwich Peninsula senior cultural projects manager Kaia Charles reinforces the importance of art and music in driving meaningful change, saying: “The benefits of art and music often transcend the tangible, impacting in ways beyond what meets the eye. Secret 7″ not only celebrates creativity but also raises critical funds for a vitally important cause, which we are proud to support for the third year running.”
For the first time, Secret 7″ is also collaborating with D&AD New Blood, a programme dedicated to championing emerging creative talent. The partnership invites students, recent graduates, and early-career designers to submit their sleeve designs, offering them a chance to gain industry recognition and compete for the prestigious D&AD New Blood Pencil.
“We have always been inspired by the remarkable work of Secret 7″, and we’re thrilled to invite New Blood entrants from across the globe to participate in its highly anticipated return,” says D&AD partnerships director Sammi Vaughan. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for students, recent graduates, and emerging talent to showcase their creativity, have their work exhibited, and support War Child’s vital mission.”
For designers, artists, and music lovers alike, Secret 7″ 2025 is an opportunity to be part of a global creative movement that not only pushes artistic boundaries but also makes a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
Public submissions are open until 28 February 2025, so there’s still time to submit a design!