Black History Month 2023 in London

Discover cultural events celebrating Black communities, culture and history during Black History Month 2023 in London, throughout October and beyond.

What's on during Black History Month 2023?

Discover the lineup of Black History Month activities includes insightful talks, foodie events and celebrations of music and culture across the capital.

• Sing along to some classic hits at one of The Drifters’ live shows taking place at venues across London. Sep-Nov
• Learn about London’s colonial history on the City of London: Slave Trade Money Trail Tour and how it still impacts the city today. Sep 30-Dec 2
• Mooch around the stalls at the Black Culture Market featuring food, drinks, art, jewellery and more from African and Caribbean sellers. 30 Sep-1 Oct
• Listen to the first-hand account of the life and achievements of world champion runner during In Conversation with Christine Ohuruogu MBE. 2 Oct
• Hunt for some literary gems and meet fellow bookworms at the Black British Book Festival. 27-28 Oct
• Marvel at Cassa Pancho’s use of choreography and poetry to explore themes relating to home and belonging in Ballet Black: Pioneers. 16-19 Nov
• Admire the talent, humour and energy of Britain’s famous dance group during their Diversity: Supernova show at The London Palladium. 9-10 Feb
• Be transported through the iconic musical history of Whitney Houston during the tribute show Whitney – Queen of the Night. Various dates
• Uncover more than 2,000 years of Black history on one of Black History Walks’ walking tours of London around London’s key destinations. Various dates
• Experience a reimagining of the legendary Rumble in the Jungle fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in virtual reality. Various dates
• Share laughs at a COMEDY of Black Origin show taking place at venues across London, boasting lineups of standup comedians, TV presenters and actors. Various dates

Find more Black History Month events in London and online.

Learn about Black history all year round

London celebrates and appreciates Black culture and communities through exhibitions, walks and landmarks all year round.

• Celebrate the contribution Black people have made to the city with the Black History Tube map, from TfL and the Black Cultural Archives. 
• Head to the Museum of London Docklands to sharpen your knowledge about the impact of the trade of sugar and enslaved Africans, through the London, Sugar and Slavery exhibition. 
• Journey through 60 years of Nigerian independence through objects, images and words as part of Nigeria60 at the Horniman Museum.
• Choose from 12 guided tours by Black History Walks around the capital, all uncovering more than 3,500 years of London's Black history.
• You can also join an educational movie screening each month to widen your horizons.
• Go on a search for the Blue Plaques and Nubian Jak plaques, which commemorate Black members of the community who left a powerful footprint on London and the world.
• Seek out the Gilt of Cain sculpture in the City of London, which marks the abolition of transatlantic slave trade in 1807.
• Keep up to date with news and campaigns, and learn how you can be a better ally with London-based educational charity, the Institute of Race Relations.
• Support Black-owned businesses across London! Stock up on top-quality chocolates from Dark Sugars, enjoy a juice from Get Juiced! Bar in Tooting, pick up a new prickly plant friend from Prick LDN or grab a cuppa at the beautiful Saint Aymes cafe.
• Learn about the Windrush Stories at the British Library, which explore the relationship between Britain and the Caribbean from 1948 and beyond.
• And pick up a book on the topic from New Beacon Books, which was the first Black publisher in the UK, founded in 1966. 

What is Black History Month?

Black History Month is an annual celebration of the achievements of Black communities and the remembrance of Black history across the world. In the UK, Black History Month takes place throughout October.

First celebrated in the UK in 1987, the month-long festival includes educational events, exhibitions, shows, talks, memorial services and installations across London that raise awareness of history and celebrate traditions, customs and cultures.