Black History Month 2026 - What's Happening and Where
Updated: 2 days ago
As October approaches, we look forward to celebrating Black History Month UK — a month filled with culture, creativity, learning and community. From music and art to food, stories and shared experiences, there are plenty of ways for everyone to get involved, discover something new and celebrate together.
This year’s theme is “Honouring our Communities”. It's about celebrating the people who help make our communities stronger, kinder and more connected.
Black History Month is an opportunity to recognise the many Black people whose contributions have shaped the world around us. While we often celebrate well-known historical figures, there are also countless everyday heroes making a difference through their work, creativity, kindness and commitment to others.
From volunteers and teachers to carers, community organisers, artists, families and local champions, these are the people who show up, give their time and help others thrive.
What Happens & What You Can Do
There are lots of events happening around the country. Most are open to the public. From exhibitions, performances, talks, community activities and workshops.
Take a look at our list below for events happening in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, London and beyond. Follow social media listings: #BHM2026 #BlackHistoryMonthUK #HonouringOurCommunities
Bookmark this page and keep an eye on the updates. - Updated 4th October
PAN CLASH 2026 IS COMING
Join us for another fantastic afternoon of steel pan music and competition!
Pan Clash brings together talented steel pan soloists of different ages to showcase their musical skills, creativity and passion for the instrument.
This year, competitors will take to the stage in our Under 16 and 16–24 categories, performing in front of a live audience and a panel of judges as they compete for the Pan Clash titles.
Our younger competitors will be accompanied by the Pan Clash House Band, bringing an extra dimension to their performances.
SUN 1 NOV 2026 | 3pm to 8pm
Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, London
LOVE SINGING BUT CAN’T GET TO A CHOIR?
Want to be a part of the Reggae Choir but you're unable to make the journey to them for whatever reason? Now is your chance to join them online, singing uplifting reggae choons and connect with a welcoming community that enjoy the energy of singing together - wherever you are.
No professional singing experience needed. Just bring your voice and your love of music.
EVERY WEDNESDAY | 7PM - 8.30PM
Via ZOOM
Introductory price: just £12 until January 2027.
JOIN ONLINE REGGAE CHOIR TODAY
NIGERIA 60: 60 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE CONTAINS THE HORNIMAN'S COLLECTION FROM 1960S NIGERIA
1 October 2020 marked 60 years since Nigeria attained independence.
This display is part of a wider conversation at the Horniman focusing on the way memories of Nigerian independence are imprinted in the present through objects, images, and words.
Sikoki-Coleman’s collection forms part of her expanding body of work called Private Atlas: Nigeria 1960.
EVERYDAY | 10AM – 5:30PM
Horniman Museum & Gardens , London
SEEING THE POTENTIAL, AN EXHIBITION BY ARTIST MATTHEW SMALL
This exhibition explores the importance of looking beyond appearances and present circumstances to recognise what might be possible.
SAT 26 SEPT - SAT 12 DEC 2026
11AM – 5PM
Swiss Cottage Gallery | London
Seeing the Potential forms part of Camden Council’s Black History Season 2026 programme.
Contact: grace.moore@camden.gov.uk
THE STORY
A rising reporter (Letitia Wright) lands the scoop of a lifetime: a murder, a gang, and a sensational lead that could rocket her to the top of the masthead. But as the facts begin to blur and ambition challenges her integrity, she is forced to navigate a cutthroat world where power is the only currency and truth is the first casualty.
BOOKING UNTIL 24TH OCT 2026 VARIOUS TIMES
National Theatre - Olivier Theatre | London
THE BROWN SUITE
A Story Danced to The Groove of James Brown, Etta James & Sam Cooke
Welcome to 1970s New York. The music is loud, the dance floor is alive and anything can happen.
Seven lives collide in a vibrant soul-era community, where a glance can become a flirtation, a dance can become a romance and one night can change everything.
WED 30 SEPT – SAT 3 OCT 2026
VARIOUS TIMES
Richmond Theatre | London
FOR COLORED GIRLS
FOR COLORED GIRLS
Stories of love and violence, joy and survival - and what it feels like to come out the other side.
Ntozake Shange's choreopoem returns - fifty years on from its first performance - in a new production, directed by Diane Page, with original music by Jammz.
WED 2 SEPT – SAT 17 OCT 2026
VARIOUS TIMES
THE YARD Theatre | London
The 500 words competition
Do you have a little one that is full of stories from their own little imagination? Well, here is something to inspire their creative writing.
The 500 words competition, one of the UK's biggest children's story-writing competition for 5-11 year-olds is back and, with super cool prises!
With a few word of encouragement from you, your child could write their story and who knows, they could be the next child author sensation.
Closes 9pm, Friday 6 November 2026.
TAs and teachers, there is also an opportunity for you to register as a judge! Visit BBC Bitesize for more information and:
500-words
FRI 9 OCT | 6 :30 PM
Closes 9pm, Friday 6 November 2026.
COMEDY SHUTDOWN | BLACK HISTORY MONTH & NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL
Talented comedians will have your side-splitting with their infectious humor.
Prepare for a night of laugher from acts featured on: BBC, Netflix, BBC Live At The Apollo, ITV Stand Up Sketch Show, The Real McCoy, BGT and more
THURS 1 OCT | 6 PM - 8 PM
The Top Secret Comedy Club | London
Steppin’ On The Blues for Black History Month – Interactive Dance
Discover the history, music and social impact of African American and Black British dance traditions in this two-part Black History Month series.
Led by experienced dance artists and educators, these engaging sessions combine talk, demonstration and optional participation. Explore dance styles including Vernacular Jazz, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive and Swing, alongside Black British dance traditions from Ska and Reggae to Soul, Lovers’ Rock, House and Jungle.
SAT 10 OCT 2026 | 7PM- 9PM
Spit Dub & Verse
An electrifying performace of spoken word dub poetry, and whole load of Jamaican culture.
Join dynamic duo - Spoken Word Artist Author and Film Maker Judith Falloon-Reid and Internationally Aclaimed Dub Poet Malachi Smith on their tour UK this October.
One not to miss!
FRI 9 OCT | 6 :30 PM
410 Brixton Road | London
FREE EVENT
To book your seat E:jnukevents@janouk.com
BLACK HISTORY MONTH POP-UP MARKET AND WORKSHOP WEEKEND 2026 - STEVENAGE
The team at Hatfield Cultural Connection CIC return for their 4th year but this time, they've added another venue, Stevenage!
Join in with this community celebration of black culture, through the African and Caribbean marketplace of handcrafted products, exhibitions, art, music, food, activities and more.
All ages - bring friends, family and neighbours; everyone is welcome.
SAT 10 & SUN 11 OCT
10AM - 5PM & 10AM - 4PM
Unit 7 Westgate Shopping Centre | Stevenage
UK BLACK BUSINESS WEEK GUEST SPEAKERS
Through a series of 21 inspirational events in October we equip attendees with business insights, routes to success, new skills and knowledge to navigate the world of work. Network with 15,000 like-minded people. Learn from the experiences of 200 speakers. Support Black-owned businesses and help them grow.
SUN 12 - SAT 17 OCT 2026 | VARIOUS TIMES
EXCEL | LONDON
THE BLACK HISTORY CULTURE TOUR BUS
This Black History Month, RepYourFlags presents The Culture Tour Bus, a 2 1/2-hour guided Black history experience through the streets of London, tracing the stories, landmarks and legacies of Black British history that shaped this city.
Starting and ending in Brixton, through Stockwell, Vauxhall, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and beyond.
SAT 17 OCT | 2PM - 2:30PM
African and Caribbean War Memorial
London
BLACK HISTORY MONTH POP-UP MARKET AND WORKSHOP WEEKEND 2026 - HATFIELD
The team at Hatfield Cultural Connection CIC return for their 4th year at The Galleria Hatfield.
Join in with this community celebration of black culture, through the African and Caribbean marketplace of handcrafted products, exhibitions, art, music, food, and more.
All ages - bring friends, family and neighbours; everyone is welcome.
SAT 24 AND SUN 25 OCT 2025
11:00 - 17:00 (Both days)
Unit 27 The Galleria Hatfield
INTERN IN JAMAICA IN SUMMER 2027!
If you are a 2nd or 3rd generation Jamaicans and you area university student looking to connect with your Jamaican heritage while gaining valuable professional experience, the GraceKennedy’s 2027 Birthright internship Programme could be for you
APPLICATIONS OPEN:
1 SEPT - NOV 1 OCT
For additional information
EXPLORING BLACK HISTORY THROUGH FAMILY HISTORY
Who Do You Think You Are?
Join Paul Crooks, a pioneering African Caribbean genealogist and Black history specialist, for a powerful and practical session on how to explore your African diasporan roots.
THURS 22 OCT | 6 PM - 7 PM
Victoria Library | London
LONDON, SUGAR & SLAVERY 1600 TO PRESENT DAY EXHIBITION
In this gallery, you'll hear about the lives and stories of some of the people affected by slavery. The gallery was created in 2007 and is one of the only permanent UK displays dedicated to the British trade in enslaved Africans.
Everyday | 10am – 5pm
Museum Docklands, London
