The Listen Guide: Black History Month 2026
Updated 3 October 2026
This October, we're looking beyond the usual celebrations to explore exhibitions, independent cinema, literature, archives, food and community spaces across the UK. From photography and publishing to Caribbean carnival traditions and Black British theatre, here's our growing guide to what to see, experience and engage with this Black History Month!
London
1. Sanlé Sory: Colour Years
The Photographers’ Gallery | 14 October 2026 to 21 February 2027
A collection of colour photographs documenting the music, fashion, relationships and everyday lives of people in Burkina Faso following independence.
2. I Am Furious Black: The Films of William Greaves
Barbican | Various dates in October and November
A film retrospective celebrating William Greaves and his contributions to documentary and experimental cinema. Screenings include Symbiopsychotaxiplasm: Take One and Nationtime.
3. 1 54 Contemporary African Art Fair
Somerset House | 15 to 18 October
The international contemporary African art fair returns to London with artists and galleries representing creative practices across Africa and its diaspora.
4. Ronald Moody: Sculpting Life
Orleans House Gallery, Twickenham | 1 October to 28 February 2027 | Free
An exhibition exploring the work and life of Jamaican sculptor Ronald Moody through sculpture, poetry and archival material.
5. The Music is Black: A British Story
V&A East | Throughout October
An exploration of Black British music and its cultural influence, tracing 125 years of musical history through sound, fashion, photography and archival material.
6. Black Zine Fair
Brixton Library | 17 October, 12pm to 4:30pm
A gathering of independent Black zinesters, artists and publishers showcasing self published work, creative storytelling and grassroots publishing. Featuring stalls from Sweet Thang Zine and other independent creatives.
7. Black British Folk Takeover
Cecil Sharp House | 17 October
A day of performances, conversations and workshops exploring Black contributions to British folk music.
8. Brent Reggae Album Covers Exhibition
Brent Museum and Archives | Until 31 October
An exploration of reggae music, album artwork and Black British cultural heritage.
9. Black History Month at London Museum Docklands
London Museum Docklands | Various dates throughout October
Talks and activities exploring Black Londoners, African American experiences in Britain and the city's historical connections to slavery and trade.
10. Honouring Our Communities: Black History Month at Poplar Union
Poplar Union, Tower Hamlets | Throughout October
Poplar Union presents Honouring Our Communities, a month of exhibitions, creative workshops, performances, wellness activities and conversations celebrating Black history and cultural heritage in Tower Hamlets.
Developed in collaboration with the Canal & River Trust and supported by Tower Hamlets Council, the programme brings activities onto the Limehouse Cut, including aboard the visiting boat Jena, alongside events at Poplar Union.
11. Pan Wandsworth: Steel Pan Workshops
Wandsworth | Until 27 October
Participatory workshops exploring the history, cultural significance and music of the steel pan.
Manchester
12. Portrait of Black Britain: Cephas Williams
The Social, Aviva Studios | 2 October to 1 November | Free
A photographic exhibition exploring what it means to be Black in contemporary Britain. Through portraits of people from across the country, Cephas Williams documents the diversity of Black British life, contributing to a growing visual archive of the African diaspora in the UK.
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm, subject to venue hours. No booking required.
13. A History of Black Theatre in Manchester, 1827 to 2025: Celebrating Presence
University of Manchester | 1 to 30 October | Free
An archival exhibition documenting nearly two centuries of Black performance, theatre and cultural production in Manchester.
14. Manchester Black Heritage Trails
Various locations | From 7 October
Walking tours examining Manchester's connections to slavery, abolition, Black activism, cultural heritage and community history.
15. The Roads We Walked: The Fifth Pan African Congress
Manchester | Ongoing
An exploration of the Fifth Pan African Congress, held in Manchester in 1945, and its place in international movements for independence and liberation.
16. The Sarah Parker Remond Lecture: Sarah's Sistahs
Manchester | 5 October
An inaugural lecture by poet and cultural activist SuAndi OBE, celebrating Black women's histories and contributions.
Birmingham
17. Margaret Busby: Part of the Story
Birmingham Literature Festival | 8 October
A conversation with pioneering publisher and editor Margaret Busby, reflecting on her career and the importance of Black voices in literature.
18. Benjamin Zephaniah Day: A Festival of Rhythm, Unity and Revolution
Midlands Arts Centre | 10 October, 12pm to 3pm | Pay What You Choose
A celebration of Benjamin Zephaniah's life and legacy through poetry, rhythm, music and creative expression. Co hosted by his wife, Qian Zephaniah, and MAC Head of Learning Lynsey Rutter.
Bristol
19. Trinidadian Cookery Class with Kele
Migrateful Cookery School, Bedminster | 18 October, 11:45am to 2:15pm
A practical introduction to Trinidadian cooking, led by Kele, celebrating food as a way of sharing culture, heritage and personal stories.
20. Dr Roy Hackett MBE Legacy Trail
St Werburghs and St Paul's | 3 October
A heritage walk exploring the legacy of Roy Hackett, the Bristol Bus Boycott and the city's Black civil rights history.
Luton
21. Beyond Luton Carnival 50
Luton Central Library | 2 to 23 October
Celebrating the history and cultural importance of Luton Carnival, with new work by Karis Beaumont in collaboration with Bumpkin Files.
Liverpool
22. Death of a Salesman
Liverpool | Until 10 October
A new interpretation of Arthur Miller's play by British Ghanaian theatre maker Tristan Fynn Aiduenu.
23. BlackFest 2026: Visual Arts Workshop with Ayobami
Liverpool | 7 October
A creative workshop exploring colour, abstraction and personal expression through visual art.
24. Dean Atta: Big Man
Liverpool | 6 October
An event with poet and author Dean Atta celebrating his novel Big Man.
Leicester
25. Reel Histories 2026: Black Classics
Serendipity Institute for Black Arts and Heritage | 7 to 28 October screenings
A film programme highlighting the work of pioneering Black filmmakers including John Akomfrah, Maureen Blackwood, Isaac Julien and Horace Ové. Screenings include Playing Away, The Passion of Remembrance, Young Soul Rebels and The Stuart Hall Project.
Nottingham
26. New Art Exchange
Nottingham | Throughout October
Visit New Art Exchange, a contemporary visual arts space dedicated to diverse artistic perspectives and cross cultural dialogue. Check its October programme for current exhibitions and activities.
Milton Keynes
27. Black History Month Art, Culture and Business Exhibition
Middleton Hall, centre | 23 to 25 October
A three day event bringing together exhibitions, cultural performances, businesses, community organisations and workshops.
Stirling
28. Tapestry of Black Britons: African Romans Exhibition
Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum | October to December
Part of a wider project documenting African and Caribbean presence in Britain across centuries, exploring histories that are often absent from conventional narratives.
Glasgow
29. Harold Offeh: The Mothership Collective 2:0
Tramway | Until 7 February 2027
An installation exploring Afrofuturism, identity and collective imagination through a science fiction inspired environment.
30. Anti Racist Community Library
Woodlands Community | 4 October
A special Black History Month gathering centred on books, learning and community conversation.