Free Black History Month events for families are a good way to celebrate and appreciate valuable contributions.
It's a time to spread awareness, educate and learn how to talk to our little ones about black history while showing support for communities, traditions and culture.
During Black History Month, it's important that we understand the past, reflect and learn about the difficulties faced by black people, but also look to the future. Every story has had an impact on individuals and has helped mould the world that it is today. Not only does BHM encourage diversity in books and mainstream media, but we also celebrate it, which is why, educating others and showing and sharing the achievements of phenomenal people who have had a positive impact on our lives is a key focus.
The beauty of going to Black History Month activities and attending events helps unite and connect us as a world. We can learn about different cultures and ethnicities.
If you would like to celebrate with friends, family, co-workers or even your neighbour, then here is a list of amazing events that you can attend.
1. Windrush Adventures interactive show
Book your place and get your singing voice and dancing steps ready, as you embark on a journey with Dawn, from Jamaica to England. This insightful show, suitable for 4 years+, tells us the story of Dawn, a very happy girl making her way to England with her Auntie Lin on a massive ship. As soon as Dawn arrives in London, she will start a new school, and make new friends, but sadly never see her mum again... Come along with your little ones and find out what happens next.
Time and date: Tuesday 24 October, 2-3pm
Venue: Manor Park 685-691 Romford Road, London E12 5AD
2. Rosetta Arts: Black History Month Exhibition
Ever heard 'a picture speaks a thousand words'? In celebration of Black History Month, Rosetta Arts is excited to share its upcoming exhibition. This is a motivating and informative event that will illustrate diverse and creative artwork, submitted by brilliant artists from the local community. The exhibition will run from the 17th of October to the 10th of November, so you'll have enough time to book your seat.
Time and date: 17th October - 10th November
Venue: 1 Hamilton Road, London, E15 3AE
3. The Gathering: An Open Mic and Black History Month Celebration
If you love listening to true stories and monologues, then reserve your seatfor the BHM open mic celebration, with special appearances by Devon Marston, Serahlaine, author Esua Goldsmith and more. With loads of rapping promised, you will also get to see HD student, Eduardo Vega Clarke, give a talk on being racialised in the UK after moving from Brazil Eduardo Vega Clarke.
Time and date: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 11:00 - 15:00
Venue: Building 32, Springfield University Hospital Lapidge Drive London SW17 7DJ
4. Black History Month Celebration Evening
A lover of Caribbean dishes? Then, why not come down and enjoy an evening to remember, full of delicious meals, music and entertainment with the North Kent Caribbean Network. Tickets are available for friends and family and is promised to be a day full of culture and celebration.
Time and date: Saturday 21 October, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Venue: Woodville Place, Gravesend Kent DA12 1DD
5. The Windows Project Creative Writing Workshops
Windows Project has cleverly organised a new game for children, where they can express themselves in different mother-tongue languages, and write poems/short stories in diverse languages. With free tickets to purchase, this event be held at Greenhouse Project, The Methodist Youth Centre and Acronym Community Empowerment.
Time and date: Until 31 Oct 2023
Venue: 1-27 Bridport Street Liverpool, L3 5QF
6. Island Movements short ballet play
Always dreamed about doing ballet? Then grab your free tickets, as this one is for you! This is a short ballet about the lives of a family from the Windrush generation. Island Movements shares the history of Windrush and reveals the effects of this generation’s experiences, communities and society. Starting the show with a young Caribbean soldier in WW2 Britain, this emotional story follows him and his family through their life in the UK up to the current Windrush scandal. You'll be able to ask loads of questions, learn, gain knowledge, and have a fun afternoon.
Time and date: Starts on Tuesday, October 24, 1:30pm
Venue: Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre, Greaves Street Oldham OL1 1AL
7. Saluting Our Sisters: Black History Month Lunch and Learn
This much anticipated event will focus on appreciating the important roles that black women have helped shape in black history: from the music industry, books, and politics to hospitality. Everyone is welcome, so come and join them, not only to listen, but be part of the event where you can share best practices, network, inspire and create collaborations.
Time and date: Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:30 - 14:00
Venue: Business & IP Centre, 2nd floorManchester Central Library St. Peter's Square Manchester M2 5PD
8. Black History Month - "Soul" screening
Calling all Disney fans! This Black History Month, the Thames community will be showing the fictional movie 'Soul', which teaches us never to lose ourselves in finding what our ambition in life is. After booking your tickets, don't forget to invite your friends along, bring your own snacks (and toddler snacks!) and unwind in a cosy afternoon in a cinema at your local community hub.
Time and date: Tuesday, 24th Oct at 2 PM
Venue: Thames Community Hub (previously Sue Bramley) Bastable Avenue, London IG11 0LG, United Kingdom.
9. Pen to Print: Kala in The Hallelujah Pumpkin - Book Reading for Children
Book your tickets and come experience an epic morning with children’s author, Silvano Griffith-Francis, who will be reading from her latest children’s book Kala in The Hallelujah Pumpkin. With its bright and colourful pictures, this book is set to embrace your child's heart and captivate your thoughts. Kala is based on a little black girl, who is excited about her Halloween costume and getting a bucket full of candy. But, when she realises that her close friend, Chan, doesn't celebrate it, it leads to an intriguing conversation.
Time and date: Wed, 25 Oct 2023 11:00 - 11:30
Venue: Dagenham Library 1 Church Elm Lane Dagenham, RM10 9QS
10. Black History Month – ‘Walk and Talk’ gallery tours
Unravel the Holburne's links to the Caribbean, and their ongoing work to navigate and research the roots of slavery and black existence in the Bath Community. Open to all, join them for a free gallery walk-and-talk event with the Holburne team, with informative sessions, conversations and questions to be answered.
Time and date: Oct 24 at 11:30 am – 12:15 pm
Venue: The Holburne Museum Holburne Museum, Bath, BA2 4DB United Kingdom
11. Angel Yard Makers Market: Celebrating Black History Month
This is the first-ever makers market brought to you by the Angel Yard Edmonton community of young entrepreneurs and local business owners; supported by enterprise charity, Launch It, the Enfield Council and Fore Street For All. This special collaboration in conjunction with Black History Month, will showcase different products, owned by black-owned businesses, creatives, artists and makers. With different creative workshops available throughout the day, booking is not compulsory.
Date and time: Sat, 21 Oct 2023 11:00 - 18:00
Venue: Angel Yard Edmonton 34 Snells Park London N18 2FD
12. TikTok Creative Academy x Prince’s Trust
Celebrating Black Talent in the Creative Industry: Prince’s Trust and TikTok Creative Academy have teamed up for an experience dedicated to progression, vision, and connection. Promised to be a self-motivated and lively day where talented creatives share their journeys, from jumping hurdles, to achieving their colourful world of creativity. Come and see businesses from Ladi Ilori – Archangels Visionary (Sustainable clothing business), Georgia Leslie – Coconut Palm (Sustainable clothing & homeware), Yemio Lfere (Yemi) – Loublac (Clothing business) and more! As well as music, networking, career advice from industry experts, so grab your tickets and be inspired!
Date and time: Thu, 26 Oct 2023 13:00 - 16:00
Venue: Pop Brixton: 49 Brixton Station Road London SW9 8PQ
Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and mummyhood.