With around 30 regular attendees and up to 50 occasional players or visitors Barking Bateria has a very diverse and eclectic mix of participants and supporters.

The band was first created by Anthropology lecturers, Lionel Sims and Chris Knight, in 1996 and over the early years its basis firmly rested with their students. However, each year the members drew in their friends, and many people continued to come after graduation, drawing more and more members into the web. The popularity of the group grew and students from other disciplines as well as many members of the general public joined in. All those who enjoyed the camaraderie & diversity of our group became permanent members.

In September 2004 the anthropology department was moved by the University of East London to the new 21st century Docklands campus, and the band followed, but decided to retain their roots through maintaining the name ‘Barking’ after the original location. Each year the band performs under the name of "The Kings Drums" at the Avebury and Stonehenge Summer Solstice celebrations. We hold a week long camp of preparations to which all members are invited.

Over the years we have been involved in many and varied events, gigs and interesting situations. We have played on beaches and benches, partook in Masquerade and Moulin Rouge, we've chased Alice down the rabbit hole and come out the other side smiling. We have occupied a university, fought for justice & equality and marched through rain and snow. We welcome the sunrise each year at Stonehenge by order of King Arthur himself. In fact, it would probably be easier to say what we haven't done.